THE
GEOGRAPHICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
DICTIONARY
OF
AMERICA AND THE WEST INDIES.
HARDING AND WRIGHT,
PRINTERS,
St. John's Square, London.
|
THE |
|
GEOGRAPHICAL
HISTORICAL |
DICTIONARY |
AMERICA AND THE WEST INDIES.
CONTAINING
AN ENTIRE TRANSLATION OF THE SPANISH WORK
. oF {
COLONEL DON ANTONIO DE ALCEDO,
CAPTAIN OF THE ROYAL SPANISH GUARDS, AND MEMBER OF THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF HISTORY:
WITH
Large Apditions and Compilations
FROM MODERN VOYAGES AND TRAVELS,
AND FROM
ORIGINAL AND AUTHEN@IC INFORMATION.
G. A. THOMPSON, ESQ.
IN FIVE VOLUMES, {
EE
VOL. lil.
Magna modis multis miranda videtur
Gentibus humanis regio, visendaque fertur,
Rebus opima bonis, Lucrerivs, lib, I, line 727.
London :
PRINTED FOR JAMES CARPENTER, OLD BOND-STREET ; LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN, PATERNOSTER-ROW > Whitt ,
COCHRANE, AND CO, FLEET*STREET, AND MURRAY, ALBEMARLE-STREET, LONDON ; PARKER, OXFORY); AND
DEIGHTON, CAMBRIDGE.
1812.
7
And
THE
GEOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL
DICTIONARY
OF
AMERICA AND THE WEST INDIES.
MASSACHUSETTS.
[Cuar. VI.
From the arrival of Governor Shute in 1716,
to the arrival of Governor Belcher in 1730,
(Anno 1716..—CoLONEL Shute arrived at
Boston, October the 4th, 1716, in a merchant ship,
and was received with the usual parade. He made
the opposers of the bank his first acquaintance, the
old governor’s family in particular, and took his
lodgings at Mr. Paul Dudley’s. Ue had received
very unfavourable impressions of the other party
from Mr. Belcher and Mr. Dummer, in England,
and was considered, from his first arrival, as an
cnemy to the scheme, and the heads of the party
were the heads of an opposition during the whole
of his administration. In his Jirst speech to the
general court, November 7, he puts them in mind
of the bad state of the trade of the province, an.
important article of any people’s happiness, ow-
ing, as he supposed, to the great scarcity of mo-
ney, and recommends the consideration of some
eficctual measures to supply this want, and thereby
to restore trade toa flourishing condition. This was
pointing out to them a further emission of go-
vernment’s bills, and the representatives, pleased
with so easy a method of obtaining money, soon
determined upon a second loan of 100,0007. for
10 years, to be put into the hands of commission-
ers appointed for each county in proportion to
their taxes. This provision being made by the
VOL, III.
government, there was the less pretence for private
persons or companies issuing their bills ; but it gave
no relicf to the trade, the whole currency soon de-
preciating to that degree, as, with this addition,
to answer the purposes of money very little more
than if it had not been made. ‘The governor bes
came sensible of it, and recommended to them to
provide against it, which they were not able to do,
and many of them would not have been willing if
they had been able, being in debt, and by means
of the depreciation discharging their debts by a
nominal sum, perhaps of not more than one half
of the real value of the debts. He soon found
the effects of it upon his own salary, which they
refused to advance as the bills sunk, and having
recommended this measure in a public speech it
became more difficult afterwards to refuse repeat-
ing it.
The province had been at war with the e. In-
dians, except some short intervals, for about 40
years. The prospect of a long peace between
Great Britain and France encouraged it to hope
for the like with the Indians, who had always
been under French influence, but their father,
Rallé, a jesuit, was constantly instigating them to
insult and annoy the new settlers, who, he pre«
tended; encroached upon the lands of the Indians,
and by supplying them with strong drink de-
bauched their morals and prevented ‘the progress
of the good work he had began among them. A}
B
9
[treaty or conference was thought expedient to con-
firm them in their friendship with the English,
and, if possible, to draw them from the Roman
Catholic to the Protestant religion.
(Anno 1717.)—The governor, therefore, the
first summer after his arrival, in August, at-
tended by several of the council both of Massa-
chusetts and New Hampshire, and other gentle.
men, met the Indians at Arowsick island. At the
beginning of the conference he delivered them an
English and an Indian bible, which he told them
contained the religion of the English, and at the
same time recommended to them Mr, Baxter, a
n..nister who went down as a missonary, and told
them he would explain the bible, and instruct
them in the principles of religion. They were at
no loss for an answer. * All people, they said,
loved their own ministers; and as for the bible,
they desired to be excused from keeping it: God
had given them teaching, and if they should go
from that they should displease God.” They
were fixed in their religion, and it would have
been a loss of tine to attempt to move them.
The rest of the conference was upon the right of
the English to settle in that part of the country.
Upon complaint made by the Indians of encroach-
ments upon their lands, the governor produced
one of the original deeds which had been given
by their sachems. ‘They acknowledged the lands
to the w. of Kennebeck belonged to the English,
but they were sure no sale had ever been made of
any lands to thee, The governor told them the
English would not part with an inch of land
which belonged to them, The Indians were so
offended that they rose immediately, and, with-
out any ceremony, took to their canoes and went
to another island where they had their head-quar-
ters, leaving behind an English flag which the
governor had given them. In the evening seve-
ral of them returned to Arowsick with a letter
from Rallé to the governor, acquainting him, that
the French king did not allow that in any treaty
he had given away the land of the Indians to the
English, and would protect the Indians against
the English encroachments. ‘The governor Iet
them know, that he highly resented the insolence
of the Jesuit, and the next morning ordered the
signal for sailing. Rallé, in his letters, often la-
ments the unsteadiness of the Indians. They
were afraid at this time of a new war. ‘The old
men were loth to quit their villages at Norridge-
wock and Penobscot, where they lived at: ease,
and encamp in the woods, or, which was much
worse, depend upon the French, who, they
would often say, treated them like dogs when
2 MASSACHUSETTS.
there was no immediate occasion for their service.
This consideration induced them to send two of
their number with « message to the governor, ace
knowledging that yesterday they had been rude
and unmannerly, and carnestly desiring to see him
again. He let them know he would see them upon
no terms, unless they quitted their pretensions to
the lands Which belonged to the Unglish. This
the messengers promised should be done, and des
sired that the English colours which they had
slighted might be returned them, In the even-
ing they came again to the conference, and ap-
pointed a new speaker as a mark of resentment
against the former, who, they said, had behaved
ill the day before, and, without entering into any
dispute about particular limits or bounds, declared
they were willing the English should settle where
their predecessors had settled, desired to live in
peace and to be supplied with necessaries, in a
way of trade, confessed that some of their incons
siderate young men had offered injuries to the Eng-
lish, and violated the treaty of Portsmouth in
1713, After renewing that treaty, the conference
ended,
The beginning of an administration in the colo-
nies is generally calmand without ruffle. Several
months passed, after Colonel Shute’s arrival,
without open opposition to any measures, ‘The
town of Boston, at the first election of their repre-
sentatives, left out such as had been bank men,
and chose such as were of the other party, but Mr,
Cooke, who was at the head of the first party,
had interest enough to obtain a place in council.
It was, soon after, insinuated that the governor
was a weak man, easily led away, and that he was
in the hands of the Dudleys, men of high prin-
ciples in government, and it beloved the people to
be very careful of their liberties. Mr. Cooke, who
had the character of a fairand open enemy, was
free in expressing his sentiments, and the governor
was informed of some contemptuous language in
private company, with which he was so much
offended as to procure Mr. Cooke’s removal from
the place of clerk to the superior court. A dispute
happening about the same time between Mr.
Bridges, surveyor of the woods, and the inhabitants
of the province of Maine, concerning the property
of the white pine trees within that province ; Mr,
Cooke immediately inserted himself in the contro-
versy, publicly patronized the inhabitants, and in
a memorial to the house of representatives charged
the surveyor with mal-conduct in threatening to
prosecute all who without licence from him shall
cut any pine trees in their own ground, which Mr.
Cooke alleged they had good right to do, and |
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MASSACHUSETTS. 3
[he further charged the surveyor with permitting
such persons as would pay him for it, to cut down
the trees which were said to belong to the king.
The surveyor thereupon preferred his memorial
to the governor and council, justifying himself in
the discharge of his trust, and complaining of
Mr. Cooke, one of the members of the council,
for ofliciously concerning himself with the affairs
of the surveyor’s office, and obstructing his mea-
sures for the service of the crown, Mr, Cooke
had many friends in the house ready to support
him, and this dispute was the beginning of the
public controversy which continued until the end
of Colonel Shute’s administration ; parties were
formed, new subjects for contention trom time to
time were furnished, until at length the governor
was forced to leave the province.
We do not find any vote of council upon this
memorial, but the governor espoused the cause of
the surveyor, and, to shew his resentment against
Me. Cooke, when the list of counsellors was pre-
sented at the next election, directed his speech to
him in particular, and let him know he would
excuse him from attending at the board for the
ensuing year.
(Anno 1718.)—Mr. Cooke, soon after, presented
his memorial to the council, in which he justified
his own conduct, and charged Mr. Bridges with
6¢ using his utmost efforts to invade the rights and
properties of the people in the province of Maine
by his exorbitant actions, as well as basely betray-
ing the trust the crown had invested him with,
by daily selling and bartering the very logs and
timber, which he gave out was the king’s, his
master, whose bread he then eat.’”? The council
suffered the memorial to lay upon their tabie, but
acted nothing upon it. Afterwards, upon the
appointment of a committee by the house, they
joined a committee of council to consider in general
of Mr. Bridges’s conduct. ‘This committee, in their
report, justified Mr. Cooke, and condemned ihe
proceedings of the surveyor, ‘The council put off
the consideration of this report also, but the house
voted their acceptance of it, The governor, of
course, transmitted to the board of trade an account
of all these proceedings, and very soon received
an answer, censuring the house of representatives
fo. countenancing and encouraging Mr. Cooke.
This being laid before the house, they by a vote
declared that a censure of the board of trade was
occasioned ‘* by sending home the papers on one
side only, whereby their lordships were iiformed
ex parte.” ‘The house had avoided any direct
attack upon the governor until this vote, many
of the principal members this year being well
affected to him, but the party, without doors,
especially in Boston, had been increasing against
him, and, at the next election for that town, they
sent all new members, and a change was made
in many other towns, unfavourable to the gover-
nor’s interest,
The famous projector Captain Coram, in the
year 1718, was busy ina scheme for settling Nova
Scotia and the lands between Nova Scotia and the
province of Maine, and a petition was preferred by
Sir Alexander Cairnes, James Douglass, and Joshua
Gee, in behalf of themselves and others, praying
for a grant upon the sea-coast five leagues s, w.
and five leagues %. ¢. of Chibuctow harbour,
where they proposed to build a town, and to
improve the country round it in raising hemp, in
making pitch, tar, and turpentine, and they
undertook to settle a certain number of families to
consist of 200 persons in three years, the rest of
his Majesty’s subjects not to be prohibited fishing
on the coasts under regulations, ‘To this petition,
Mr, Dummer, the Massachusetts agent, objected,
because of the last clause, which laid a restraint
upon the fishery. ‘Che lords of trade, however,
reported in favour of it, but it stopped in council.
Another petition was preferred by W illam Arm-
strong and others who had been officers and soldiers
in the army, ‘ praying for a grant of the lands
between Nova Scotia and the province of Maine,
the said tract of land having been conquered by
the French in 1696 and possessed by them until
1710, when it was recovered by the Knglish, and.
by the treaty of Utrecht was with Nova Scotia
given up by France to the British crown.” ‘The
conquest in 1696 was the taking Pemaquid fort,
and holding possession of the harbour two or three
days. ‘This, however, was made a serious aftair,
and the agent, Mr. Dummer, was several times
heard before the lords of trade. ‘The general court
being restrained from conveying these lands without
consent of the crown, it was proposed, that if they
would consent to resign the jurisdiction between
Kennebeck and Penobscot, the crown should con-
firm the property of the soil, but upon the pro-
posal’s being communicated to the court, they
instructed their agent to make no concessions.
One Sarah Watts, setting forth that she was
heir at law to Thomas Gofle, deputy. governor
and one of the 26 patentees of the old colony,
claimed a 26th part of the colony, and the issues
and profits for 80 or 90 years. She filed a bill ef
complaint in chancery against the province, and
there was a commission of sequestration for several
New England ships in the river, which cost the
owners several guineas each to the sharpers who |
Bg
1 MASSACHUSETTS.
[had urged the woman tothe suit. The agent was
required to answer the bill, which he did by
declaring that if the ee pe could make it
appear that ‘Thomas Goffe was once seized of a
26th part of the colony, and that she was beir at
law to him, which he cid not believe she was able
to do, yet he verily believed that when the paten-
tees, with others, were incorporated into a body
politic, their respective rights ecased and passed
to the corporation, whohad granted the lands away.
The poor woman was at last arrested for debt and
sent to Newgate, where she perished,
(Anno 1719.)—The governor, in the beginning of
the year 1718, had consented to an impost. bill
which laid a duty not only upon West India goods,
wines, &c. but also upon English manufactures,
and a duty of tonnage upon English ships, Before
the session in May, the next year, he had received
an instruction trom the king to give all encourage.
ment to the manufactures of Great Britain, The
house, however, passed a bill of the same tenor
with that of last year, and sent it to the ceuncil
for their concurrence, An amendment was pro-
posed, viz. to leave out the duty upon English
vessels and goods, but the house adhered to their
hill, A conference ensued, for the house were not
then so exact as they have been since, in refusing
to confer upon moncy bills, This produced
nothing more than a proposal from the house to
alter the word English to European, which, being
trivial, was refused. It seems, the governor, a little
out of time, had taken the opinion of the council
upon this question, whether, consistent with his
instruction, he could give his consent tothe bill ?—
which they determined they could not, if it should
be offered to him. The house then tried the
council with the following resolve, ‘+ the house
insist on their vote, forasmuch as the royal charter
of this province gives power to the government
to impose and levy proportionable and reasonable
assessments, rates, and taxcs upon the estates and
persons of all and every the proprictors and
inhabitants of the same, which this government
has been in the free and uninterrupted exercise of
ever since the enjoyment of the said charter,
Sent to the upper house for their concurrence.”
The upper house was a new name for the council,
and designed as a fleer and to intimate that they
might consider themselves in another capacity
than asa privy council. Perhaps if Cromwell’s
epithet for his house of lords had come into their
minds, it would have been the other house. Taunts
and language which tends to irritate, can upon no
occasion be justifiable from one branch of the legisla-
ture to the other, Upon an agreement and hare
Y
fe
mony the interest of the people depends. Upon
different apprehensions of this interest, if it be the
real object, the several branches, by the persuasive
voice of reason, will strive to convince each other,
and be willing to be convinced as truth shall
appear,
Che council thought themselves unkindly treat-
ed, and, by a message, desired the house to alter
their vote, but they refused to do it, and gave their
reasons for the new form. * The house have
received new and unusual treatment from the board.
Ist, It is new and unusual for the council to give
his excellency their advice upon a bill, till they
have acted in concert with the house in concurring
or non-concurring, 2d, It is likewise new and
unusual for the council to desire a free conference,
upon a subject matter, and then, at the manage-
ment, to inform the house that by a previous vote
they had so far engaged themselves that they
could not recede from it. 3d, It is likewise a new
and unusual method for the honourable board,
after a message tothe house desiring several amend-
ments toa bill of rates and duties which were ina
great measure agreed to by the house, immediately
to non-concur the bill. 4th, It is likewise new
and unusual for the honourable board to intermed-
dle so much with the grants and funds, which
this house take to be their peculiar province.”
The house having in this manner expressed
their resentment returned to their old style, and
then the council, by message, let them know that
they would not give their concurrence to any bill
laying a duty upon European goods, denied the
charge made against them by the house, of inno-
vations, and intimated that any further messages
would only tend to increase the misunderstanding
and retard the affiirs of the government, and desir-
ed the house rather to join with them ina diligent
endeavour to bring the session to such a conclusion,
as should promote his Majesty’s honour and the
interest of the province.
Several weeks having been spent in these altercas
tions, the governor thought it time to interpose,
and, sending for the house to the council chamber,
he made the following mild and healing speech to
them,
“¢ Gentlemen,
«* My design in sending for you up at this time,
is to let you know how concerned Tam at the
unhappy misunderstandings that have been for
many years between the council and your house
relating to the impost bill, and to assure you that
no person here present can be more desirous of
preserving the privileges of this people than
inyself,so far as is consistent with the late instruc: |
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tions I have received from my royal master, which
ea by his special direetion been laid before this
court. [am fully persuaded, that to act any way
contrary thereto, alter the many debates and votes
which bave been upon that head, would rather
destroy than preserve those privileges we justly
srize. Gentlemen, | desire your serious considera.
Fon of what IL have hinted, that so the important
affairs of the province yet lying before you may
have a speedy and happy conclusion.”
This speech which, a year or two after, when
the prejudices against the governor were at the
height, would have been excepted to as irregular
and anticipating matters, which it would have
been time enough for the governor to have declared
his sense of when they came to be laid before him,
had now a good effect, and the house, the same
day, resolved that a new impost bill should be
brought in, and that the controverted clause in the
former bill should be left out, but in the preamble
to their resolve they make a heavy charge avainst
the council for not concurring in their former ill,
*¢ Whereas this house have voted and passed a
bill granting to his Majesty several rates and duties
of impost and tonnage of shipping, in which was
included one per cent. on European merchandize,
for which article or clause the honoarable council
have several times non-concurred the said bill,
notwithstanding all proper endeavours have been
used by this house to attain the same, which have
hitherto proved fruitless, whereby a considerable
part of the revenue, which would have accrued to
this province, is for this present session foregone,
which also tends to the depriving this government
of their just rights, powers, and privileges granted
by the royal charter, Resolved,” &c.
The council were fond of peace, and as soon as
this resolve came to their knowledge, they sent a
message to the house, desiring they would not print
the resolve in their votes, as it would have an ill
effect and would oblige the council, in their own
vindication, to reply, although they wished that
all controversy between the two houses might
cease. ‘Lhe house printed it notwithstanding, and
the next day the council sent the following an-
swer.
“Fhe board are very much concerned to find,
among the votes of the honourable house, a de-
claration as if the council in non-concurring the
bill of impost as it was first framed, had done that
whereby a considerable part of the revenue, which
would have accrued to this province, is for this
present session foregone, which also tends to the
depriving this government of their just rights,
he
MASSACHUSETTS, 5
powers, and privileges granted by the royal chars
ter.
**'This dectaration contains or implies such ¢
charge as the council can, by no means, suffer
themselves to lie under, without asserting and so-
leninly declaring their integrity, and they are
more surprised at the imputation of doing a thing
which tends to deprive this government of their
just rights, powers, and privileges granted by the
royal charter, because on the 23d current the
board sent down a message to the honourable
house, * that they were always ready and desirous
to concur with the honourable house of representas
tives in such proposals relating to an impost, as
may not tend to alter or expose our present happy
constitution under the royal charter ;” so that it
was from a sincere and just regard to the rights,
rowers, and privileges of this government granted
vy the royal charter, that the council chose rather
to omit the duty of one per cent. on English goods
for this session.
*¢ That the council apprehended the duty of one
per cent, on English goods affected the trade of
Great Britain, and so came within the meaning of
his Majesty’s late additional instruction is certain;
and being of that opinion, it would have been in-
consistent for the board to concur the bill of impost
as it was sent up, however, they can boldly and
truly say, they have acted from a principle of duty
to his Majesty, love and fidelity to their country,
and have nothing more at heart than the just, wise,
and careful preservation of those invaluable rights,
powers, and privileges granted by the royal charter,
which God long continue.”
This controversy being over, the court was pro-
rogued,
Before the next sessions in November, the go-
vernor received a reprimand from the lords jus-
tices, the king being absent, for consenting to the
duty on English goods, &c. by the impost act in
1718. ‘This he laid before the court. The same
house which had so long contended with the coun-
cil the session before, for this clause in the bill,
now * readily acknowledge the exceptions taken
to it are just and reasonable.” An instruction to
the governor to support the surveyor of the woods
in the execution of his oflice, which was com«
municated to the house at the same time, was not
so favourably received, and in an answer or res
monstrance occasioned by the governor’s speech
they charge the surveyor with instances of very
gross mal-conduct. What evidence they had
of it dees not now fully appear. ‘The governor,
by a message, desired they would not print their]
6 MASSACHUSETTS.
[yemapateance, They sent a committee to acquaint
im, they must insist upon the right they had to
make it public. He made a very great mistake,
and told the committee, that his Majesty had given
him the power of the press, and he would not suffer
it to be printed. ‘This doctrine would haye done
well cnough in the reigns of the Stuarts. In the
present age it is justly exceptionable ; although
by the liberty of the press we are not to understand
a liberty of printing every thing, however criminal,
with impunity, ‘The house had no opportunity to
take notice of this declaration. Upon another oc-
casion they let him know they had not forget it.
The governor was so displeased with the proceed-
ings of the house that he put an end to the session,
and they never met again.
(Anno 1720.)—We are now arrived to the me-
morable year 1720, ‘The contests and dissensions
in the government rose to a greater height than
they had done since the religious feuds in the year
1636 and 1637,
The public affairs, in general, were in a very in-
different state. ‘The Indians upon the e. fronticrs
were continually insulting and my aacing the Kaglish
inhe'vitants, so that vut little piogress had been
made in settling the country since the peace, and
this year, most of the settlements which haa been
begun were deserted and a new war was every day
expected,
The trade of the province declined. ‘There was
a general cry for want of money, and yet the bi'ls
of credit, which were the only money, were daily
depreciating.. The depreciation was grievous to
all creditors, but particularly distressing to the
ciergy and other salary men, to widows and
orphans whose estates consisted of money at in-
terest, perhaps just enough to support them, and
being reduced to one half the former value, they
found themselves on a sudden ina state of poverty
and want. Executors and administrators, and all
who were possessed of the eflects of others in trust,
had a strong temptation to retain them. ‘The in-
fluence a bad currency has upon the morals of the
people is greater than is generally imagined.
Numbers cf schemes for private and public emis-
sions of bills were proposed as remedies : the only
perhaps effectual one, the utter abolition of the
bills, was oinitted.
By these calamities the minds of the people were
prepared for impressions from pamphlets, courants,
and other newspapers, which were frequently pub-
lished, in order to convince them, that their civil
liberties and privileges were struck at, and that a
general union was necessary. These did not pass
without answers, attributing all the distress in
public affairs to the wrath and resentment, the arts
and sinister views of a few particular persons, but
the voice of the people in general was against the
governor. In the mother countzy, when disputes
arise between the branches of the legislature upon
their respective rights, parties are formed, and the
body of the people are divided ; for in a well cone
stituted government it is of importance to the pceo-
ple that the share even of the popular part of the
constitution should not bo unduly raised to the
suppression of the monarchical or aristocraticat
parts. From . regard to the common interest,
therefore, in a dispute concerning prerogative and
privilege, the people, ordinarily, are divided in
sentiment. ‘The reason is obvious why it is less
frequently so in a colony. There the people, in
general, consider the prerogative as an interest,
without them, separate and distinct from the ine
terior interest of the colony. This takes their at-
tention from the just proportion of weight due to
each branch in the constitution, and causes a bias
in favour of the popular art. For the same reason,
men fond of popular applause are more sure of
success, with less degree of part, ina colony, than
in a state not so connected, and consequently men
who with anbiassed judgments discern and haye
virtue enough to pursue the real intcrest of their
country, are more likely to be reproached and
vilified.
The first act of the house of representatives was
the choice of Mr. Cooke for their speaker. A
committee was sent to the governor, at his house,
to acquaint him with the choice. They reported
at their return, that his excellence said, ‘ it was
very well.”” In the afternoon, the governor being
in council, sent the secretary to acquaint the
house, that he was now in the chair and ready to
receive their message respecting the choice of a
speaker. They sent back an answer that his ex-
cellency, upon being informed of the choice in the
mot ting, had said, ** it was very well,” and they
had recorded his answer in the books of the house.
The governor replied, that he would receive no
message from the house but when he was in the
chair. ‘The house then proposed, by message to
the council, to join with them in the business of
the day, the choice of counsellors ; but upon the
governor's teliiug their committee, who carried up
the message, that no election should be made until
he was acquainted who was chosen speaker, the
house sent a new committee to acquaint him with
the choice they had made. ‘The governor replied
to this committee, that Mr, Cooke had treated him]
ress in
the arts
us, but
ust the
jisputes
e upon
ind the
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he peo-
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ly men
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ive no
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eee
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MASSACHUSETTS. 7
[ill as the king’s governor, and therefore, according
to the power given him by the roya! charter, he
negatived the choice, and desired they would pro-
ceed to choose another person, They sent back
their answer, that they had chosen a speaker, ac-
cording to their known and legal privileges, and
therefore insisted upon the choice, and at the same
time they renewed their motion to the council to
ioin with them in the election, The +governor
told the committee, that he had received a mes-
sage from the house, acquainting him with the
choice they had made of a speaker, which choice
had been negatived and he was nospeaker. Upon
this the house sent their committee to the board to
acquaint them, that two messages having been
sent to propose to the board to join in the choice
of counsellors and no answer having been given,
they now desired to know whether the board would
join in the clection or not.
If there had been any further delay on the part
of the board, it is very probable the house would
have proceeded without them, which must have
increased the perplexity. The governor there-
fore left the board, having first charged the secre-
tary with the following message to the honse,
* His excellency orders me to acquaint you, he is
informed that Governor Dudley did, in the time of
his government, disallow of a speaker chosen by
the house, and that his proceed tgs therein were
approved by the commissioners of trade and plan-
tations, and thet he was thereupon directed by the
said commissioners to acquaint the council, that it
would not be thought fit that her Majesty’s right
of having a negative upon the choice of a speaker
be given up, which was reserved to her Majesty,
as well by the charter, as by the constitution of
England.”
Notwithstanding the warm disputes in the pre-
ceding year, between the two houses, only one
new counsellor was chosen, John Burrill, Esq. of
Lynn, who had been many years speaker of the
house, but this year was sent to the board, in the
room of Mr. Higginson. ‘The house had been as
fond of this Mr. Burrill as of their eyes, His
temperate spirit until now had engaged the whole
house in his favour, and from year to year, pro-
cured him a general vote, but this year the house
were willing to part with him for a gentleman ob-
noxious to the governor, which measure, it was
easy to forsee, must give a further occasion of con+
troversy.
‘Two of the newly elected counsellors were nega-
tived, Nathaniel Byfield, who had been soliciting
in England for the government when Colonel
Shute was appointed, and John Clark, who was a
person of many valuable qualities, and obnoxious
only, for being strongly attached to Mr. Cooke,
and having been a great supporter of the cause.
After the election, the governor made a further
attempt to bring the house to a compliance by the
following speech, ‘ Gentlemen, at the opening
of this session you thought fit to make choice of
Elisha Cooke, Esq. for your speaker, ant) upon
your reporting of it to me, 1 did declare my dis-
acceptance of that election, and am firm in my
opinion that [had good right so to do, by virtue
of his Majesty’s commission and the powers re-
served by the royal charter, and am also confirmed
in it by what L find transacted by the late Gover-
nor Dudley, during his administration, and also
by the opinion of the right honourable the lords of
trade and plantations in that matter. [ must fure
ther observe to you, that the person you have cho-
sen had invaded the king my master’s rights in the
woods of the province of Maine, though confirmed
to his Majesty by an act of the British parliament,
and I have received the thanks of the right ho-
nourable the lords of trade and plantations for re-
moving him out of the council. He has ill treated
me, who am the king’s governor, and has been
censured by the council for it, which stands upon
record in the council books. How acceptable this
matter will be at home, considering the warning we
have lately had from the court of Great Britain
upon the account of passing the impost bid, will
be worthy of your scrious reflection, These
things 1 thought necessary to acquaint you with,
and advise you to return to your house and choose
some other person speaker, with a reservation of
your own rights, until you shall send to the court
of Great Britain for the explanation of that part of
your charter relating to the affair of a speaker.”
The house, immediately upon their return to
their chamber, entered into a debate upon this
age and the question being put, whether, for
the reasons assigned by his excellency, the house
will proceed to the choice of a new speaker ?—it
passed in the negative, nemine contradicente.
The governor gave them no opportunity to pro-
ceed on any other business, for the next day he
sent for them up again, and after another short
specch dissolved the court. ‘ Gentlemen, out
of a tender regard | have for the welfare of this
rovince, [ shall give you the following advice
defore we part ; that when it shall please God we
meet again in a general assembly, which shall be
as soon as ged you will not let this province
suffer by the perverse temper of a particular per-
son, but that you will choose one for a speaker that
has no other view but that of the public good, one |}
oemneeneneeneeee acelin: ane SRY AR
8 MASSACHUSETTS,
{that fears God and honours the king, It is irk-
some and disagreeable to me to dissolve an assem-
bly, but as matters now stand, [ am forced to do it,
or must give up the king my master’s preregative,
which nothing shall ever oblige me to do, who am
the king’s governor. Gentlemen, I do not think
it for the honour of his Majesty’s government that
this assembly should sit auy longer, and therefore I
shall dissolve you.”
Writs were issued for a new assembly to meet
the 13th of July. ‘The governor had no great
reason to hope-for a more favourable house. ‘The
people in general thought their privileges were
attacked. ‘The charter indeed was silent upon
this point. In a dispute between the crown and
the house of commons in the reign of king Charles
II, an expedient was tound which seemed to avoid
the acknowledgment of the right of the crown to
refuse a speaker, but a provincial law was princi-
pally relied upon, which declares, ‘¢ that the repre-
sentatives assembled in any great and general court
shall be the sole judges of the elections and quali-
fications of their own members, and may from time
to time settle, order, and purge their own house,
and make such necessary orders for the due regu-
lation thereof as they shall see occasion.’ “W he-
ther the legislators had in contemplation the right
of the house to choose a speaker, exempt from the
governor’s negative, might well be questioned, but
it was urged that the due regulation of the house
might very well include this right.
The towns in general sent the former members.
Boston discovered how they stood affected by
leaving out Mr. Tay, who was one of those persons
who serve upon a pinch, when a favourite cannot
be carried by a party, to stop the gap and prevent
an opposite candidate, and he came in several times
upon such occasions. In his room the town now
chose Mr, Clark, the negatived counsellor.
The house was willing to sit and do business,
which the choice of the former speaker would have
prevented. They thercfore pitched upon a per-
son less sitached to party, Timothy Lindall, one
of the representatives of Salem, to whom no excep-
tion was taken. ‘The governor in his speech re-
commended a peaceable session, but the house
could not forget the late dissolution. ‘They began
with a warm message or remonstrance to the go-
vernor, in which they tell him, ‘ the last assem-
bly took no great pleasure in being dissolved, be-
fore they had gone through the usual necessary
business; their asserting and maintaining their
just right and ancient privilege of choosing their
speaker, and not owning his excellency’s power (o
negative him, was nothing but what they were
strictly obliged to, and the new house are humbly
of opinion, that whoever was of advice to. his ex-
cellency, in the matter, did not consult his Mae
jesty’s interest, nor the public weal and quiet of the
government, but officiously endeavoured to beget
unhappy misunderstandings between his excel-
lency and the house, and break off that desirable
harmony which every one ought to keep up; we
earnestly hope and desire the province may never
have an assembly that will willingly forego such a
valuable privilege as King William and Queen
Mary, of ever blessed memory, graciously favoured
the province with, when they gave their royal as-
sent toa law directing and governing that attair.”’
All the subsequent proceedings of this short ses-
sion shew. how much the house was out of temper.
An Indian war used to be universally dreaded. ‘To
prevent it, the governor and council had been
treating with three of the Penobscot tribe, who
were sent for or came to Boston, and the house were
desired to make a grant for a present to them, but
by a vote they refused to do it. Some time after
they ordered a small sum, ten pounds only. ‘I'o
the controversy with the governor and the oppo-
sition made to the proposals which came from him,
the war, which soon after broke out, was by the
goveraor’s friends attributed.
There had been ao public notaries in the pro-
vince, except such as derived their authority from
the archbishop of Canterbury. The house now
first observed, that a.notary public was a civil
officer, which by the charter was to be chosen by
the general court, and sent a message desiring the
council to join with the house in the choice of
such an officer in each port of the province. To
all instruments which were sent abroad, not only
the attestation of the notary himself would be ne-
cessary, but a certificate under the province seal,
to shew the authority to attest ; the council there.
fore took time to consider of the expediency of ap-
pointing such an officer, and referred the matter to
the next session, but the house immediately pro-
ceeded and chose the officers by their own votes.
The arguments to prove that an officer to be chosen
by the whole court could derive an authority from
the majority of the members of the house of repre-
sentatives have not been preserved.
Being offended with the council, the house sent
a message desiring, ‘¢ that considering the low cir-
cumstances of the province, no draught be made
upon the treasury for expences at times of pubiic
rejoicing for the future.”
It had been usual to make a grant to the gover-
nor, for the salary of halfthe year, at the beginnin
of the session, ‘The house deferred it until the}
imbly
IS €Xe-
s Mae
of the
beget
excel
irable
); we
oppo-
1 him,
by the
e pro-
y from
le seal,
there-
of ap-
tter to
pro-
votes.
hosen
W Cites
MASSACHUSETTS.
[close, and then reduced it from 6002. to 500/.
although the currency was depreciated. ‘To the
lieutenant-governor, they used to make a present
once a year, never less than 502. they now reduced
it to 35/.. Mr. Dummer had so much spirit, that
he inclosed the vote in a letter to the speaker, ac-
qnainting him that “ having the honour to bear
the king's commission for lieutenant-governor of
the province, and having been annually more than
50/ out-of pocket in that service, he did not think
it for his honour to accept of their grant.”
The governor took no public notice of the pro-
ceedings of the house. On the 23d of July he put
an end to the session.
During the recess of the court (August 7th) a
part of the e. Indians fell upon Canso, within the
province of Nova Scotia, but peopled every sum-
mer from the Marsachusetts. ‘i‘he Indians sur-
prised the English in their beds and stripped them
of every thing, telling them they came to carry
away what they could find upon their own land.
Three or four of the English were killed. Some
of the French of Cape Breton were in confederacy,
and came with their vessels the next night, and
carried off the plunder, together with about 2000
quintals of fish. The English vessels in the har-
bour were not attempted. A sloop happening to
arrive the next day, the master offered his service
to go out and make reprisals, and being furnished
with a number of men and two or three small ves-
sels for his consorts, for want of more ample autho-
rity, he took a commission from one ‘Thomas
Richards, a Canso justice, and went after the
French and soon brought in six or seven small
fishing vessels, having all of them more or less of
the English property aboard.
Mr. Henshaw of Boston, a principal merchant at
Canso, went to Louisbourg with a complaint to
the French governor, who excused himself from
intermeddling, the Indians not. being French sub-
jects, nor under his controul. ‘The French pri-
soners were sent to Annapolis Royal. The loss
sustained by the Mnglish was estimated at 20,0000.
currency,
The fears of the people, in the e. parts of the
Massachusetts, were increased by this stroke upon
Canso. Ina short time after, the cattle were de-
stroyed and the lives of the owners threatened.
The governor was still desirous of preserving
peace, and by the advice of council, sent orders to
Colonel Walton, the commanding officer of such
forces as upon the alarm had been sent there, to in-
form the Indians, that commissioners should be
sent to treat with them. ‘The Indians liked the
proposal'and promised to attend the treaty,
VOL, Nt,
9
Before the time appointed, ‘the general ‘cowt
metand the house passed a resolve, ‘ that’ 150
effective men, under suitable officers, be forthwith
ordered to march wp to Norridgewock and com
the Indians that shall be found there, or in other
those parts, to make full satisfaction for the da-
mage they have done the English, by killing their
swine and sheep or carrying them away, or steal-
ing provisions, clothing, or any other way wrong-
ing them; and that a warrant be directed to
Captain John Leighton, high sheriff of the county
of York, who is to accompany the forces, for the
apprehending and safe bringing Mr. Rallé to Bos-
ton, who is at present-resident at or near Norridge-
wock in Kennebeck river in this province, and, if
he be not to be found, that then the sheriff direct
and command the Indians there, or in the paris
adjacent, to bring in and surrender up the Jesuit
to him the sheriff; and, upon their refusal to com-
ply with cither of the said demands, that the com-
manding officer is to take the best and most effec-
tual way to apprehend and secure the Indians so
refusing, and safe conduct them to Boston.”
‘The governor looked upon this resolve to be, in
effect, a declaration of war and an invasion of the
eth condtnk it necessarily prevented a treaty he
ad agreed to hold with the Indians, and a new
war must be the consequence of such a measure.
The council were tond of peace, and, when the re-
solve was sent to them for concurrence, they re-
jected it. ‘he house were less averse to war. The
charge of carrying it on, it was said, would be no
burden to the province, the French now durst
not join the Indians, and this would be the most
favourable opportunity which could be expected
to subdue or utterly extirpate them. That the
charge should be no burden, seems to be a para-
dox, but a wild opinion had filled the minds of
great part of the people of the province, that if
bills of credit could be issued, the advantage to
trade would be so great, that the taxes by which,
at distant periods, they were to be drawn in again,
would not be felt. Many schemes of public ex.
pence were projected, and, among the rest, a bridge
over Charles river, broader and much deeper than
the ‘Thames at London or Westminster.
We shall take no pleasure in relating the pro-
ceedings of the general court in this and the two
next years, ‘The best excuse we can make for the
house is, that the attempt made to deprive them of
the exclusive right of choosing their own speaker,
was deemed by them a grievance, tlat the royal
governments insist upon this right, and there was
nothing in Massachusetts charter which took it
from them, that this attempt raised in their minds]
Cc
10
fa jealousy of a design azainst their privileges in
general, and, in this state of mind, they were more
easily prevailed upon by their principal directors,
whose principal views were to distress the go-
vernor, to agree to such measures as under other
circumstances they must have disapproved. ‘The
rule, perhaps, holds stronger with political bodies
than with individuals, that when just bounds are
once exceeded, the second step is as casy as the
first, and so on, until at length they are drawn by
degrees to such excesses as, per-sallum, they would
have been incapable of.
‘The public records of the general court are al-
ways open to the inspection of any of the mem-
bers, but, that the house might have them under
their more immediate view and charge, they passed
a vote, that the secretary should make duplicates
of all public records, and that one set should be
lodged in such place as the house should appoint.
The council, willing to have duplicates for greater
security, concurred with an amendment, viz. in
such place as the general assembly should direct,
but this amendment the house rejected.
The house, finding the council a bar to their at-
tempts, resolved, in one instance, to act by them-
selves. ‘Ihere was a complaint or suggestion, that
false musters were made by some of the officers in
the pay of province. The house taking the affair
into consideration, resolved,’ ‘‘ that one or more
meet persons be apnointed by this house clerk of
the check, who shall, from time to time, have an
inspection into the forts, garrisons, and forces, and
take care that every one have their complement of
men; and the better to enable them to execute the
trust reposed in them, that when and so often as
they shall see reason, the commanders of the forts,
garrisons, and captains of any of the companies, in
the pay of this government, shall call forth their
men before them, and, if any do not appear, the
commanding officer to give the reason of such ab-
sent men, and that no muster roll shall be accepted,
and paid by the treasurer, unless approved of by
the clerk of the check.” ‘The governor did not
intend to admit this officer, appointed by the house,
into the forts, garrisons, &c. which by the charter
ihe crown had reserved to the governor, but he
kept silent.
To another act of the house the council took ex-
ception. A message was sent by the house to the
council to let them know they had appointed a
committee to prepare a bill for levying soldiers,
“taking it to be their peculiar care.” . Lest it
should be understood that this was to exclude the
council from concurring or non-concuring to such
bill, or from advising to the levying soldiers upon
ae
MPR
MASSACHUSETTS.
an emergency in the recess of the couri, the:coun-
cil desired the house to withdraw those. words,
“¢ taking it to be their peculiar care,” which they
agreed to.
At this session, the house again withheld: 100/.
from the governor’s usual halt-year’s salary. ;
had passed it over without notice before, but now
he thought it proper to lay betore them a royal in-
struction to recommend to the assembly to esta-
blish a sufficient allowance for him by a fixed sas.
lary. They sent hima reply, * that they humbly
conceived what was granted him was an honoure-.
able allowance, and the affair of settling salaries:
being a matter of great weight and wholly new to.
the house, and many of the members absent, they
did not think it proper to enter upon the cousidera-
tion of it, but desired the court might rise.” The
governor complied with their request.
(Anno 1721.)—At the opening the next session,
March 15th, the governor in his speech recom-
mended measures to prevent the depreciation of the
currency, to suppress a trade carried on with the
French at Cape Breton, and to punish the authors
of factious and seditious papers, to provide a_pre-
sent for the Five Nations, and to enlarge his salary.
They refused, directly or virtually, every pro-
posal. To the first the house telk him, in their an-
swer, ‘ they had passed a bill for issuing 100,000/.
more in bills of credit. ‘This alone had a direct
tendency to increase the mischief, but they add,
that ‘to prevent their depreciation they had pro-
hibited the buying, selling, and bartering silver,
at any higher rates than set by act of parliament.”
This certainly could have no: tendency to lessen it.
Such an act can no more be executed than an
act to stop the ebbing and flowing of the sea. It
would probably carry away and keep out all silver
and gold. ‘The depreciation of their currency,
would, notwithstanding, have been as visible by
the rise of exchange with foreign countries, and
have been as sensibly felt by every creditor among
themselves. ‘To his other proposals they say,
‘¢ they know of no trade carried on by any people
of the province with Cape Breton, and do not
think any law to prevent a trade there is necessary;
and for seditious and scandalous papers, the best
way to suppress or prevent them is, for the execu-
tive part of the government to bring the authors to
condign punishment, and if proper measures had
been taken to discover and punish the authors of a
libel called News from Robinson Crusoe’s Island,
wherein the members of the house are grossly re-
flected upon, few or none would have dared, afters
wards, to publish any thing of that nature or tend-
ency ; but to suffer no books to be printed without],
oun=
ords,,
they
100/.
He
now
al in
esta-.
1 sa.
mbly
nour.
laries:
ww to.
they
dern-
The
sion,
‘com-
of the
h the
thors
| pre-
lary.
pro-
ir:an-
0000.
direct
[licence from the governor will be attended with in-
numcrable inconveniences and danger. As to the
Five Nations, the house do not know enough of
their number, nor what the other governments in-
tend to give, and therefore cannot judge what is
proper for them to do; and for the allowance to
the governor, they think it as much as the honour
and service of the government calls for, and believe
the inhabitants of the several towns through the
province are of the same mind.”
There never had been an instance of any gover-
nor’s refusing or neglecting, at the beginning of the
year, to appoint a fast, in conformity to the prac-
tice of the country, but the house now endeavoured
to anticipate the governor, and appointed a com-
mittee to join with a committee of council to pre-
pare a proclamation for a public fast. The coun-
cil refused to join, and acquainted the house they
could find no precedent; but the house replied,
that if such days had not the sanction of the whole
court, people would not be liable to punishment
for working or playing. ‘The governor, willing to
conform to the bans so far as would consist with
maintaining his right of issuing proclamations,
mentioned in the proclamation which he soon after
published, that the appointinent was by advice of
council, and upon a motion from the house of re-
presentatives ; but the house refusec to meet him,
and declared they had never made any such mo-
tion, and ordered that no members of the house
should carry any proclamations to their towns, for
the present. The day was, however, observed as
usual, except that one of the representatives of
Boston would not attend the public worship, but
opened his warehouse as upon other days.
Certain persons had cut pine trees upon that
part of the province of Maine which had not been
granted by the general court as private property.
A deputy to the surveyor of the woods gave li-
cence to cut the trees, as belonging to the king.
The house appointed a committee to join witha
committee of council, which joint committee were
to seize and secure, for the province, the same logs
which had been cut by licence. The council con-
curred, with a ‘ saving to his Majesty all such
rights as are reserved by the royal charter and
acts of parliament to trees for the royal navy.”
The house desired this saving might be with-
drawn, not that they apprehended the reservation
made in the charter or the provision by act of par-
liament were of no force, but they alleged that the
trees they designed to seize were cut by one de-
puted by the deputy of the surveyor of the woods,
and cut, not for the royal navy, but for other uses,
MASSACHUSETTS. It
and therefore they did not come within reason of
the reservation or provision.
_ Finally, upon the council’s refusing to join, the
house appointed a committee of their own to scize
the logs, and directed the attorney-gencral to pros
secute those who had trespassed and made spoil
upon the province lands. After they were seized,
the house again desired the council to concur in a
vote or order for securing and converting the logs
to the benefit of the province. This, without any
judicial determination, was still more irregular, and
the council declined meddling with them,
As tlie time approached for issuing writs for a
new assembly, the governor made the tollowing
speech to them before their dissolution,
66 Gentlemen of the house of representatives,—In
my specch at the beginning of the session, I gave
you the reasons of my meeting you at this time.
have since received your answer, which I shalt
take care to transmit, by the first conveyance, that
his Majesty may see, not only how his governor of
this province is treated and supported, but what
sort of regard is paid to his own royal instructions.
I shall also lay before the right honourable the
lords commissioners of trade and plantations, the
bill for prohibiting a trade to Cape Breton, which
I recommended to you several sessions, and which
had twice the concurrence of his Majesty’s coun-
cil, but was as often thrown out in your house, not-
piteanaing the message that accompanied that
ill.
‘¢ T am very much surprised you should refuse
two other bills, which came down from the coune
cil, the one to prevent riots, the other to prohibit
the making and publishing libels and scandalous
pamphlets, the passing of which would,.in my
opinion, have tended both to the honour of the go-
vernment and the public peace.
‘* But what gives me the greatest concern is,
that the proceedings of your house, with respect to
the woods in the province of Maine, are directly
contrary to the reservation of his Majesty’s right
in the royal charter and an act of parliament, which
were both set forth in my proclamation, dated the
Ist of November 1720, for preventing the destruc.
tion and spoil of his Majesty’s woods,
_ “LT could heartily wish, that instead of oblig-
ing me to make such representations to the lords of
trade, as I fear will not be to your advantage, you
had acted with that calmness and moderation,
which becomes the subjects of a prince, who pos-
sesses those qualities in an eminent degree, and
which becomes the representatives of a province
‘that, without any encroachment on the royal pre- 1
c2
12
frogative, enjoys as many and as high privileges,
as the greatest advocates for liberty can desire or
expect.
*¢ T must therefore recommend to you a loyal
and peaceable behaviour, and to lay aside those
misundersandings and animosities that of late pre-
vail so much among you, which you will find to
be your truest and best interest.”
Doctor Noyes, one of the representatives of
Boston, died while the court was sitting, March
16th, after a short illness. He was very strongly
attached to the popular party, and highly esteemed
by them, was of a very humane obliging dispo-
sition, and, in private life, no man was more free
from obloquy. Mr. William Hutchinson who
succeeded him was also a gentleman of a very fair
character, sensible, virtuous, discreet, anc of an ins
dependent fortune. He began his political lite at
a time when persons, thus qualified, were wanted
for ihe service of their country, to moderate the
ssions of those who were less temperate and who
Tn the lead in the house. In general, he adhered
to the popular party also, but lived but a little
while. Longer experience might probably have
convinced him, that he would have shewn his gra-
titude to his constituents, more by endeavouring to
convince them that they were running to an ex-
treme, than by encouraging the same extremities
himself.
The session of the general court, in May, this
year, began as unfavourable as any « rmer session,
The house chose for their speaker ‘ohn Clarke,
Esq. who the year before had been negatived by
the governor as a counsellor. ‘I'o prevent a nega-
tive, as a speaker, they projected a new form of
message, directed to the governor and council
jointly, to acquaint them ¢ that John Clarke, Esq.
is chosen speaker of the house, and is now sitting
in the chair.” ‘This was undoubtedly a very ex-
traordinary contempt of the governor, Mr. John
White, a gentleman of uuspotted character, had
been clerk of the house for many years. He was
no zealous party man, but his most intimate friends,
who-esteemed him and sought his company for the
sake of his valuable accomplishments, were strongly
attached to the governor. This alone was enough
to disiniss him, and Mr. William Payne, brother
by marriage to Mr. Cooke, and who had formerly
been of the bank party, was appointed clerk in
his stead.
The governor was more wreth than upon any
occasion before. He came to council in the after-
noon, and sent immediately for the house, no
doubt, with an intent to dissolve the court. He
MASSACHUSETTS.
had several faithful advisers about him, and, whilst
the house were preparing to come up, he sent a
message to stop them and to let them know he ae-
cepted their choice of a speaker, This was giving
a construction to their message which they did
not intend, and it was giving his consent betore it
was asked, but it was to be preferred toa dissolue
tion ; for a dissolution of the court, before the clec-
tion of counsellors, according to the construction
the house have sometimes put upon the charter,
would have been a dissolution of the government,
for one year at least, because the time mentioned
for the first election was the last Wednesday in
May. The counsellors named in the charter were
to continue until others were chosen and appointed
in their stead. Wedo not know of any words in the
charter which would make the choice upon an-
other day invalid, although that be the day more
particularly designed for that business, The house
shewed their resentment against the lieutenant-
governor and Mr, Belcher, who were both left
ouit of the council, The rest were continued.
The next step was the appointing a committee
to carry a list of the new-elected counsellors to the
governor; but the committee was not to desire his
approbation, though this form had never been
omitted in any one instance, The governor sent
the list back, and took notice of the omission.
The house thereupon resolved, ¢* that considering
the small-pox was in Boston, and they were very
desirous the court should be removed to Cam-
bridge, they would send the list in the usual terms,
saving their right to assert their privileges at a
more convenient time.” What privileges they
had in their minds it is difficult now to discover.
Surely they could not imagine the election would
have been valid without his consent. The go-
vernor negatived Colonel Byficld, the rest he con-
sented to.
The court was adjourned to Cambridge. The
governor, in his speech, took no notice of past
differences. All was fair and smooth, and all
was fair in the house also, the first fortnight, but
onthe 19th of June, the governor’s speech at the
dissolution of the last assembly was ordered to be
read, and a committee was appointed ‘ to vindi-
cate the proceedings of the house from the insinua-
tions made by the governor of their want of duty
and loyalty to his Majesty.” This committee
made a report, not in the form of an address or
message to the governor, but of a narrative and
justification of the proceedings of the last assembly,
and the house accepted it and ordered it to be
printed. |
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MASSACHUSETTS. 18
[To vindicate the past proceedings about the
pine trees, a full consideration was now had of the
several acts of parliamet and the reservation to
the crown in the province charter, The house
did not deny a right in the crown to the trees,
whilst they were standing and fit for masts, but
supposed that, as soon as they were felled and cut
into lengths fit for boards or timber only, the right
of the crown ceased, and the owners of the soil re-
covered or acquired a new property in them.
This, it was said, would render the provision
made for the preservation of the trees, which at
best was insuflicient, to be of no effect, nothing be-
ing more easy than for the owners of the soil to
tocure the trees to be felled and cut into short
ogs, without possibility of discovery. However,
they came to the following resolution, viz. ‘¢ That
inasmuch as a great number of pine trees have
been cut in the province of Maine, which when
standing were fit for masts for the royal navy, but
are now cut into logs of about 20 feet in length,
and ‘although the cutting them should be allowed
to be an infringement of his Majesty’s rights re-
served in the charter,’ yet in the condition they
are now in, being nolonger capable of being used
for masts, it is lawful for and behoves this govern-
ment to cause such logs to be seized and converted
to their own use, and to bring the persons who cut
down the trees to punishment.’’ In consequence
and for the purposes of this resolve a committee
was appointed,
‘Lhe reservation in the charter is in these words,
‘¢ For the better providing and furnishing of masts
for our royal navy, we do hereby reserve to us,
our heirs and successors, all trees of the diameter of
24 inches, and upwards of 12 inches from the
ground, growing upon any soil or tract of land
not heretofore granted to private persons. And
we restrain and forbid all persons whatsoever trom
felling, cutting, or destroying any such trees with-
out the royal licence of us, our heirs and successors,
first had and obtained, upon penalty of forfeiting
100/. sterling unto us, our heirs and successors, for
every such tree.”
It was said further upon this occasion, that al-
though the crown reserved the trees and restrained
all persons trom cutting them, which the necessity
of the-trees for national use and service might be
suflicient to justify, yet it was not equitable to take
them without a valuable consideration. ‘The
crown had made an absolute grant of the province
of Maine to Gorges, trom whom the Massachu-
setts purchased. ‘The Massachusetts charter in-
deed was declared forfeited. Where the right
was, after that, might be disputed, but this was a
hard judgment, and it was the plain intent of the
charterin general to restore rights, except that of
the form of jurisdiction or administration of go-
vernment, to the former state.
Be this as it may, it has however been thought
by some judicious persons, that considering the
extreme difficulty then existing of convicting tres-
passers of cutting the king’s trees, and by such con-
viction putting a stop to the spoil and havoe
conti:iually making, it would have been good pos
licy to allow the owners or proprietors of these
lands a sum for every tree felled fora mast, equal
to what it would be worth when cut into logs tor
boards or timber. This would scarce have been a
tenth part of the value of the tree for a mast, and
yet would have taken away the temotation to cutit
for logs, and would have encouraged the presery-
ing and cultivating the young trees, which were then
of lesser dimensions, ‘Trees that are incapable of
ever serving for masts, either from decay or other
defects, althongh of sufficient diameter, might have
been allowed to be cut for logs, and it would have
been no prejudice to the crown. |The trespassers
used to make no distinction, and trees were cone
tinually cut worth 20¢. sterling for a mast, which
when cut into logs were scarce worth 20 shillings.
Very few trees were cut for masts by tre Ts,
The notoriety of halling, felling, and shipping
masts has rendered it very difficult, whethe bur.
den of proof where the masts were cut lay upon the
person who claimed the property, to escape dis-
covery and conviction, where among the multi-
tude of logs which were continually let loose to
float down rivers to saw mills, the greatest part of
the trespasses used to escape notice.
There are great numbers of white pines growing
in parts of the country so remote from the sea or
any river by which they can be floated to the sea,
that the expence of bringing them thither would
be 20 times the value ofa mastin England. Itseems
unnecessary to have deprive! the inhabitants of
such places from making use of the trees for tim-
ber and boards, when they must infallibly have
decayed and died in the ground, if they were to
serve for no other purpose but masts.
But to return,
The house neglected making any provision for
the support of the governor, or the other officers
of the government who depend upon the court
for their salaries. They waited to see how far the
governor would consent to their several acts and
votes. On the other hand. the two houses having
chosen the’ treasurer, impost ‘officer, and other
civil officers, the governor hii by the list and
neither approved nor disapproved. When the]
0 ‘.
ke
I¢
{house sent a message to the council, to inquire
whether the governor had passed upon the list,
he directed the committee to tell the house that he
should take his own time for it. This occasioned
a reply from the house, and divers messages and
answers passed upon the subject. At length the
house, by a vote, determined they would not go
into the consideration of grants and allowances
before his exccllency had passed upon the acts,
resolves, and election of that session. ‘This was in
plain terms avowing what the governor at first
charged them with tacitly intending. ‘To have
occurred to this instance would have laid the house
under disadvantage in the dispute, some years
after, about a fixed salary. ‘Io compel the go-
vernor to any particular measure, by making his
support, in whole or in part, depend upon it, is
said to be inconsistent with that freedom of judg-
ment, in each branch of the legislature, which
is the glory of the English constitution. ‘This
was not all. The house withheld the support of
all the other salary men, because the governor
would not comply with the measures of the
house.
Resentment was shewn against some of the go-
vernor’s friends. ‘The agent in England, Mr.
Dummer, in some of his letters, had informed the
court of the sentiments of the ministry upon the
proceedings of the house of representatives, and
of the general approbation in England of the go-
vernor’s conduct. A faithful agent would rather
tell them the truth, than recommend himself to
them by flattery and false representations. He
lost the favour of the house, who upon the receipt
of these letters voted, that it was not for the in-
terest of the province Mr. Durimer should be
continued agent any longer, and thercfore it was
ordered that he should be dismissed. ‘This vote
they sent to the council for concurrence, who de-
sired the house to inform them of the grounds and
reasons of this dismission. ‘The house voted the
message to be unprecedented, and_ insisted that
the council had aothing else to do but to concur
or non-concur, and then they non-concurred the
vote; but this was much the same with a dis-
mission, at least fora time, for an agent having
no fixed salary depends upon temporary grants,
which the house refused to make after this
vote.
Paul Dudley, Esq. another of the governor’s
friends, had the misfortune also of falling under the
displeasure of the house. He had been chosen, by
a small majority, counsellor for Sagadahoc. By
the charter, it was necessary for him to have been
an inhabitant or proprietor of that part of the pro-
MASSACHUSETTS.
vince for which he was chosen. fe dwelt in the
old colony of Massachuset{s. [t was suggested in
the house that he had no lands at Sagadahoc, and
they appointed a comini(tee to inquire into this
fact. Upon their applying to Mr. Dudley for
evidence of his title, he told them it was too late,
they should have inquired before the clection,
Perhaps he was in an error. He went on and told
the committee he had a deed which he would not
expose to the house, but he would shew it to two
or three of the members. Upon this they sent
another committee to inform him it was expected
he should produce his deed, the next morning, to
be laid upon the speaker’s table. He oo that
he would not siedtues his deed before the house,
for they might possibly vote it insufficient. In
this part of the province there are scarce any lands
which have not more than one claimer, and it is not
improbable some of the members of the house
claimed the lands in Mr. Dudley’s decd. The
vote of the house would not have determined his
title, but might have undue influence upon a jury
in a judicial proceeding.
Mr. Dudley’s answer was unsatisfactory, and
the house voted that it was an affront, that his de-
clining to produce his deeds gave suflicient grounds
to believe that he was no proprietor, and it was
therefore resolved that his election be declared null
and void. This vote being sent to the council
was by them unanimously non-concurred.
No grants had been made and no officers for the
ensuing year had been constituted; the house,
notwithstanding, sent a message to the governor to
desire the court might rise. fe refused to gratify
them. Thursday the 13th of July had been ap-
pointed for a public fast. The members desired
to be at home with their families, and on Wednes-
day, by a vote, they adjourned themselves 1a
Tuesday in the next week. ‘The house of com-
mons adjourn for as long time, without any im-
mediate act of royal authority, but we presume,
never contrary to a signification of the mind of the
king ; and the adjournments over holidays are as
much established, by ancient usage, as the ordi-
nary adjournments from day to day, and being
conformed to by both houses of parliament, no
inconvenience can arise. But the charter was
urged by the governor to be the rule in this assem-
bly, not the analogy between a Massachusetts
house of representatives and the commons of Great
Britain. The governor, by charter, has the sole
power of adjourning, proroguing, and dissolvin
the general court. ‘Taken strictly, it would be
extremely inconvenient, for the act of the gover-
nor would be necessary every day Upon a rea-]
+ vate
in the
sted in
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ley for
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uld not
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esired
MASSACHUSETTS. 15
[sonable construction, therefore, the house had
always adjourned from day to day, but never for
so great a number of days. The council, who
were obliged to spend near a week without busi-
ness, unanimously voted, upon hearing the house
had adjourned, that such adjournment without his
excellency’s knowledge and consent, was irregular
and not agreeable to the charter.
The governor afterwards made this adjournment
one of the principal articles of complaint against
the house.
Upon Tuesday, like the first day of a session,
there was scarcely a house for business. The next
morning some votes passed, which were offered to
the governor, and which he would not suffer to be
laid before him until he had sent for the house and
told the: they had made a breach upon his Ma-
jesty’s prerogative, which he was under oath to
take care of, and he insisted upon an acknowledg-
ment of their error before they proceeded to busi-
ness.
The house, by a vote or resolve, declared they
had no design to make any breach upon the prero-
gative, but acknowledged they had made a mis-
take in not acquainting his excellency «nd the
board with the adjournment.
The governor observed to them, that they had
industriously avoided acknowledging that the sole
power of adjourning, as well as proroguing and
dissolving the general assembly, is vested in his
Majesty’s governor, by the royal charter. They
thereupon agreed to the following message : ‘¢ The
house of representatives do truly acknowledge,
that by the royal charter your excellency and the
governor for the time being have the sole power
and authority to adjourn, prorogue, and dis-
solve the general court, and the house farther ac-
knowledge, that your exccllency ought to have
been acquainted with the design and intention of
the house in their adjournment from Wednesday
the 12th to ‘Tuesday the 18th instant, before they
did adjourn, and that it was so designed and casu-
ally omitted.””
The house carefully distinguished between the
ower of adjourning the general court and ad-
journing the house of representatives, one branch
only, and seem to suppose, that their only mistake
was their not acquainting the governor and the
board with their intention, which was by no means
satisfactory to the governor, and he immediately
ordered the house to attend him in the council
chamber. ‘The speaker ordered all the members
of the-house to be called in, and expecting a disso-
lution, they resolved, ‘ that all the votes of the
honse in the present ‘ellie more ~especially ree
lating to any misunderstanding or difference that
hath arisen between his excellency and the house,
shall be prepared to be sent home, and that the
speaker transmit them to William Tailer, oa
now resident in London, or in his absence, to suc
meet persons as he shall think fit, desiring them
to lay the same before his Majesty in council, ot
any where clse, if need require, to obviate any
complaint that may be made by his excellency
the governor against the proceedings of this house,
for their just and necessary vindication.” So
much time was taken up in this vote or resolve,
that the governor was highly offended and sent a
second time, requiring them to attend him forthe
with. Ithasalways been the practice of the house,
before and since, upon a message from the go-
vernor, tostop all business and go up without de-
lay. ‘The speaker, at this time, was among the
forwardest in the opposition. ‘There was no need
of four or five members to hold him, as the speaker
of the house of commons was once held, in the
chair until a number of strong resolutions had
passed the house.
The governor directed his speech to the house
only. ‘Gentlemen of the house of representa-
tives,—I am very much concerned to find in the
printed journal of the house, first, an order to
appoint a committee to draw a memorial upon, or
representation of my speech, made before the
dissolution of the assembly in March last, and
afterwards, the memorial itself, signed by Mr.
Cooke in the name of the committee.
‘¢'This treatment is very surprising, from a
house of representatives that profess so much
loyalty and respect to his Majesty’s government.
It appears to me to be very irregular that the pre-
sent house of representatives, whereof John
Clarke, Esq. is speaker, and which consists of a
majority of new members, should take upon them
to answer my speech made to a former house of
representatives, whereof ‘Timothy Lindall, Esq.
was speaker. These proceedings are not only
improper, but without precedent from any former
assembly.
‘¢ ] must also observe to you, that you have not
shewn that respect which is due to me as governor
of this province, by suffering this order or memo-
rial to go.into the press before it was communicated
to me, which if you had done, I could have con-
vinced you, that it would have been very much
for the service of your constituents, that neither
the order nor the memorial should have appeared
in print.
‘“¢ It is my opinion, that you will quickly be
convinced how much you have been wanting in}
{your duty and interest, by disowning the authority
of the right honourable board which his Ma-
jesty has constituted to superintend the affairs of
the province and all the other plantations.
‘¢ For these reasons | should have dissolved the
pres: court when the memorial first appeared,
t I wasin hopes the house might have been
brought to correct or expunge it. Instead of
making this use of my tenderness, you have gone
on in the most andutiful manner to withdraw trom
his Majesty’s and your country’s service, by ad-
journing yourselves for near a week, without my
knowledge and consent, contrazy to the royal
charter, which absolutely vests in the governors
of this province the power of adjourning, pro-
roguing, and dissolving ; and that at a time when
I thought it for the interest of the colony to ad-
journ you for two days only, having an affair of
the greatest consequence to communicate to the
house, which was to persuade you to take some
effectual measures to prevent the plague coming
among us, there being nothing so likely to bring
it in as the French silk and stuffs which are con-
stantly brought into this province.
‘¢ ‘These your unwarrantable proceedings oblige
me to dissolve this assembly,”
Thisspeech, and the dissolution which followed,
further slienated the minds of the people from the
governor, Some of bis friends wished he had
carried his resentinent no further than putting an
end to the session and giving time to deliberate.
There was no room to expect a change for the
better, upon a new election.
There was yet no open..war with the Indians,
but they continued their insults, The French in-
stigated them and furnished them with ammaition
and provisions. Governor Shute published a
proclamation requiring the inhabitants to remain
upon their estates and keep possession of the
country. No wonder the proclamation was not
obeyed. We kuow no authority he had to require
them to remain. Ifthe preservation af their own
property was not sufficient to keep them there, it
could not be expected they would remain merely
as a barrier for the rest of the province,
In the month of August, 200 Indians with
two French Jesuits came io George town upon
Arowsick island, armed and under French colours,
and, after some parley with the inhabitants,
left a letter to be delivered to the governor, in
which they make a heavy charge against the
English for-unjustly invading the property of the
Indians and taking from them the country which
God had given them.
Rallé, their spiritual father, was their patron also
MASSACHUSETTS.
Either from a con-
conveyed the ons
te,
in their temporal concerns.
sciousness of their havin
tothe English, or from a Seite of peace and qui
they were averse to engaging in war. When they
were at their villages, the priests were continually
exciting them to act vigorously and drive all the
English to the w. of Kennebeck, and such was their
influence over them that they would oiten set out
from home, with great resolution to persist in their
demands, and in their parleys with the coms
manders of forts, as well as at more public treaties,
would appear, at first, to be very sturdy, but were
soon softencd down to a better temper, and to agree
that the English should hold the tands without
molestation. When they returned hore, they
gave their father an account of great firmness they
had shewn in refusing to make any concessions,
and to this we are to impute the erroncous relation
of these treaties by Charlevoix and others,
But about this time Toxus, the Norridgewock
chief, died, When they came to choose another
Toxus, the old men, who were averse to war,
contrary to Rallé’s mind, pitched upon Ouikoui-
roumenit, who had always been of the pacific
party, They took another very disagreeable step,
and sabmitted to send four hostages io Boston,
sureties for their good behaviour and for the pays
ment of the damages the English had sustained,
Vaudreuil, the governor of Canada, was alarmed,
and thought it necessary to exert himself upon this
occasion. He writes to Father Rallé, of the 15th
of June, * 1 was at Montre:l, my reverend father,
when your letters of the 16th and i8th of May
came to my hands, informing me of the bad st
taken by the Norridgewocks, in choosing Ouikouie:
roumenit successor to the deceased ‘loxus, of the
great loss which the whole Abenakis nation hath
sustained by his death, and the divisions prevail-
ing among the Norridgewocks, many of whom,
and especially their chiefs, have betrayed the
interest of their tribe in openly favouring the
pretensions of the English to the country of Nor-
ridgewock, The faint herits of your Indians in
giving hostages to the English, to secure payment
of the damage they have sustained, and the anda.
cious language which they have used to the
Tadiaus, in order to keep possession of theircountry
and to drive you out of it, fully convinced me that
every advantage would be taken, of the present
state of affairs, to subject them to the English, if
the “tmost care should not be immediately taken
to p.zvent so great a misfortune. Without a
moient’s delay, I set out, in order to apply mys
self to the business at Montreal, and fromethenceto
St. Frangois and Becancour,. where I prevailed}
} con-
untr
quiet,
i they
ually
ll the
their
t out
their
come
aties,
were
ugree
ithout
they
s they
sions,
lation
wock
wither
war,
ikoui-
a cific
step,
oston,
7p! e
aah
rmed,
n this
2 15th
ather,
May
st
hour.
of the
hath
vaile
thom,
1 the
the
Nor-
ns in
ment
nuda
pb the
\ niry
that
esent
bh, if
taken
put a
mye
ace to
iled]
MASSACHUSETTS. 17
[with the Indians of those villages vigorously to
support their brethren of Norridgewock, and to
send two deputies for that purpose, to be present
at the treaty and tolet the English know, that they
will not have to do with the Norridgewocks alone
if they continue their injuries to them, ‘The
intendant and [ have joined in a letter, to desire
Father le Chase to take ajourney to Norridgewock,
in order to keep those Indians in their present
disposition and to encourage them to behave with
firmness and resolution, He will also go to
Penobscot, to engage them to send some of their
chiefs also, to be present on this occasion and to
strengthen their brethren,”
Begoir, the intendant, writes at the same time to
Rallé, ** 1 wrote, my reverend father, to Monsicur
de Vaudreuil, who is at Montreal, the sentiments
of Tather de la Chase and my own, viz. what we
think convenient to be done, until we hear from
the council of the marine whether the French shall
join the Indians to support them openly against the
English, or shall content themselyes with suppiy-
ing ammunition, as the council has advised that
M. Vaudreuil might do, in case the English should
enterprise any thing against them. He thought
it more propcr to send the reverend Father la Chase,
than Monsieur de Croisil, lieutenant, &c. because
the English can have no room to except to one
missionary’s visiting another, the treaty of peace
not forbidding it, whereas, if a French officer was
sent, they might complain that we sent French-
men into a country, which they pretend belongs
to them, to excite the Indians to make war upon
them,
& It is to be wished that you and your Indians
may be suffered to live in quict until we know the
king’s intentions whether we shall openly join the
Indians if they are attacked wrongfully ; in the
mean time we shall assist them with ammunition,
which they may be assured they shall not want.
‘¢ P. S. Since | wrote the foregoing the Indians
of St. Frangois and Becancour have desired M.
Vaudreuil that M. de Croisil may go with them to
be a witness of their good disposition, and he has
consented to join him with Father de la Chase.”
The Massachusetts people made heavy com-
plaints of the French governor, for supporting
and stirring up enemies against them in time of
peace between the two crowns, but he justified
imself to his own master. Rallé was ranked by
the English among the most infamous villains, and
his scal> woul’ have been worth an hundred
scalps . the Indians. His intrepid courage and
feryent zeal to promote the religion he professed,
and to secure his neophytes or conyerts to the
VOL, INI.
interest of his sovereign, were the principal causes
of these prejudices. ‘The French, for the same
reasons, rank him with saints and heroes, He
had been, near 40 years, a missionary among the
Indians, and their manner of life had become
quite easy and agreeable to him, ‘They loved and
idolized him, and were always ready to hazard
their own lives to preserve his. Ilis Tetttes; upon
various subjects, discovered him to have been a
man of superior natural powers, which had been
improved by an education ina college of Jesuits,
The learned languages he was master of. — His
Latin is pure, classical, and elegant. Tle had
taught many of his converts, male and female, to
write, and corresponded with them in their own
language, and made some attempts in Indian
poctry. When he was young he learned to speak
Jutch, and so came more easily io a smattering of
English, enough to be understood by traders aud
tradesmen who had been employed in building a
church and other work at Norridgewock, — He
corresponded, in Latin, with one or more of the
ministers of Boston, and had a great fondness for
shewing his talent at controversy, — Pride was his
foible, and he took great delight in raillery, ‘Phe
Kuglish idiom and the flat and bald Latin, in
some of his correspondent letters, afforded him
subject. Some of his contemporaries, as well as
Cotton, Norton, Mitchel, and others of the first
ministers of the country, would have been a match
for him. He contemned and often provoked the
English, and when threatened with destruction by
them, if they should ever take Norridgewock, he
replied—if—., We shall see, by and by, that he
met with the same fate with others long before
him, who by the like Laconic and insulting answers
had unnecessarily provoked their enemies,
The English charged the Indians with perfidy
and breach of the most solemn engagements, The
Jesuit denies it and justifies their conduct, from
their being under duresse, at such times, and
compelled to agree to whatever terms are propos-
ed to them; particularly, when they met Governor
Shute, at Arowsick, in 1717, he says, the body
of the Norridgewocks had fully determined, that
the English should settle no farther upon Kenne-
beck river than a certain mill ; for all the pretence
they had to go beyond that, was a bargain of this
sort, made by some Englishman with any Indian he
happened to mect with, ‘ 1 will give you a bottle
of rum if you will give me leave to settle here, or
if you will give me such a place; give me the
bottle, says the Indian, and take as much land as
you have a mind to: ‘The Englishman asks his
name, which he writes down and the bargain is |
b
18 MASSACHUSETTS,
(finished, Such sort of bargains being urged
against the Indians, at the treaty, they rose ina
body and went away in great wrath, and, although
they met again the next day and submitted to the
governor's terms, yet when they came home all
they had done was disallowed by the body of the
nation and rejected.” Whilst the English kept
within the mill the Jesuit forbad the Indians
molesting them, but if any settled beyond those
bounds Re allowed and encouraged the Indians to
kill their cattle and to make other spoil.
The consideration made by the purchasers of
Indian lands was not always so inconsiderable as
the Jesuit mentions, and the purchases were from
chiefs or reputed chiefs or sachems, and possession
had been taken and improvements made scores of
miles beyond the limits he would restrain the Eng-
lish to, more than sixty years betore,
The French governor, Vaudreuil, in his manu-
script letters, and the French historian, Charlevoix,
in print, suppose the English settlers to be mere
intruders, and charge the English nation with
great injustice in dispossessing the Abanakis of
their country. ‘The European nations which have
their colonies in America, may not reproach one
another upon this head. ‘They all took possession
contrary to the minds of the natives, who would
ey have been rid of their new guests. The
est plea, viz. that a small number of families laid
claim to a greater part of the globe than they were
capable of improving, and to a greater proportion
than the general proprietor designed for so few
people, who therefore had acquired no such
right to it as to exclude the rest of mankind, will
hold as well for the English as any other nation,
The first settlers of the Massachusetts and Ply-
mouth were not content with this, but made con-
science of paying the natives to their satisfaction
for all parts of the territory which were not
depopulated or deserted and lett without a claimer,
Gorges, the original patentee of the province of
Maine, made grants or conveyance of great part of
the sea-coast and rivers of that province without
purchase from the natives, other parts had been
purchased from them by pocneuist persons, and
the remaining part, as well as the country e. of
it, the government claimed by conquest; but it
must be confessed that in the several treaties of
peace this right had not been acknowledged by
the Indians nor insisted upon by the English,
this controversy being about those parts of the
country which the English claimed by purchase,
and no mention made of a right to the whole by
conquest.
The governor, immediately after the dissolution
ro)
o
of the general court, issued writs for a new house
of representatives, and the court met, the 23d of
August, at the George tavern, the extreme part of
Boston, beyond the isthmus or neck, the small-pox
then prevailing in the town, The house chose
Mr. Clarke, their former speaker, and informed
the governor of it by message, and he sent his
approbation, in writing, to the house, ‘They
passed a resolve, that they intended no more by
their message than to inform the governor and
council of the choice they had made, and that they
had no need of the governor's approbation,
The first act of the house gave new occasion for
controversy. ‘They were so near the town as to
be in danger, and, instead of desiring the governor
to adjourn or prorogue the court to some other
place, they passed a vote for removing the court
to Cambridge and sent it to the council for cons
currence. ‘The council non-concurred inthe vote.
The governor let the house know, that he should
be very ready to gratify them if he was applied to
in such manner as should consist with the sole
right in him of adjourning, proroguing, and dise
solving the court. They replied, that they were
very willing to acknowledge his right, so far as
respected time; but as to place, by the law of the
province the court was to be held in Boston, and
therefore an act or order of the three branches
was ncevssary to remove it to any other place,
They let the governor know further, that although
they had convened in consequence of his summons,
et, as many of the members apprehended their
ives in danger, they would leave the court and
go home. There was a quorum, however, who
chose to risk their lives rather than concede that
the governor had power, by his own act, to remove
the court from Boston to any other town in the
province, or risk the consequence of refusing to
remain a suflicient number to make a house.
The governor had received from England the
opinion of the attorney-general, that he had good
right to negative the speaker, and the lords com.
missioners of trade and plantations had wrote to
him and signified their approbation of his proceed-
ings. ‘These papers he caused to be laid before the
house, ‘The house drew up a remonstrance, in
which they justify their own conduct and that of
former assemblies, in their controversies with the
governor, and with a great deal of decency declare,
that, with all deference to the opinion of the
atiorney-general, they must still claim the right
of solely electing and constituting their speaker,
and they humbly presumed that their so doing
could not be construed a slight of or disrespect
to his Majesty’s instructions, or bearing upon the}
house
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MASSACHUSETTS. 19
[royal prerogative, ‘The governor gave them a
short and very moderate answer; that he had
made his Majesty's instructions and the royal
charter the rule of his administration, that he did
not desire to be his own judge, the former house
had voted to send an account of their proceedings
to England, and it would be very acceptable to
him, if the >resent house would state the case and
send it home to persons learned in the law, and
give them directions to appear for the house,
that his Majesty might judge between his governor
and them, but in the mean time it was his duty
to follow his instructions until they were counter-
manded,
Here seems to have been a calm interval. ‘The
flame was abated but the fire not extinguished.
Fresh fuel soon caused a fresh flame, The grant
to the governor afforded proper matter. It was
said the house were bad economists. ‘To save 100/,
in the governor’s salary ay put their constitu.
ents to the expence of 500/. for their own wages.
If the governor’s demand was unreasonable, the
house might be justified although the wages of
the members for the time spent in the debate
amounted to much more than the sum in dispute,
The currency also continued to depreciate, but
this is a consideration which never had its just
weight. ‘Twenty shillings one year must be as
good as 20s, another. bh received and paid their
private dues and debts in bills of credit according
to their denominations, why should not the govern-
ment’s debts be paid in the same manner? A
majority of the house were prevailed upon to vote
no more than 500/. for half a year’s salary, equal
to about I80/. sterling.
‘The governor was irritated, instead of obtainin
an established salary of 1000/. per annum, abiclr
he had been instructed to insist upon, his whole
Rergiaes from the government would not afford
iim a decent support, and they were growing less
every day by the sinking of the currency in its
value.
The house, from an expectation that the governor
would, from time to time, make complaints to the
ministry, voted 500/. sterling, to be paid into the
hands of such persons as should be chosen to
defend their rights in England, but the council
refused to concur the vote, because it was not
expressed by whom the persons should be chosen.
At the close of the session, the house and council
came into a vote, and the governor was prevailed
with to consent to it, ‘* that 300 men should be
sent to the head-quarters of the Indians, and that
proclamation should be made commanding them, on
pain of being prosecuted with the utmost severity,
to deliver up the Jesuits and the other heads and
fomenters of their rebellion, and to make satisfaction
for the damage they had done, and, if they refused
to comply, that as many of their dae ny men as
the commanding officer shou'd judge meet should
be seized, together with Rallé, or any other Jesuit
and sent to Boston, and, if any le should
be made, force should be repelled by force,”
Judge Sewall, one of the council, scrupled the
lawtulness of this proceeding against the Indians
and entered his dissent. After the general court
was prorogued, the governor, notwithstanding he
had consented to the vote, suspended the prose-
cution until the Indian hostages escaped from the
castle, but a war being then deemed inevitable,
orders were given for raising the men, ‘The
hostages were taken and sent back to their con-
finement, and the orders were recalled,
A promise had been made, by the governor, to
the Indians, that trading houses should be built,
armourers or smiths sent down, at the charge of
the province, and that they should be supplied
with provisions, clothing, &c. for their furs and
skins. ‘The compliance with this promise was
expected from the general court, and, at any other
time, it would have been thought a well judged
measure, but the unhappy controversy with the
governor would not suffer any thing, from him, to
be approved of, and the private traders provoked
the Indians by their frauds and other injuries, and
it seems the governor, as well as good Mr. Sewall,
scrupled whether a declaration of war against them
was just or prudent. This house and council
chose to call the proceedings against them a
prosecution for rebellion; but, if a view be taken
of all the transactions between the English and
them from the beginning, it will be difficult to say
what sort of subjects they were, and it is not certain
that they understood that they had promised any
subjection at all,
The house, dissatisfied with the governor for
not carrying into execution a vote of the whole
court, resolved at the beginning of the next session,
‘6 that the government has still sufficient reason
for prosecuting the e. Indians for their many
breaches of covenant.” The vote being sent up
for concurrence, the council desired the house to
explain what they intended by prosecution, but
they refused to do it, and desired the council either
to concur cr non-concur, The house refusing to
explain their meaning, the board undertook to
explain it, and concurred the vote with a declara-
tion that they understood it to be such a prosecution
as had been determined the former session. This
no doubt was irregular in the council, and left room]
n2
20 MASSACHUSETTS.
{to question whether it was a vot? of the court, the
louse not having agreed to it as the council
qualified it. However, in consequence of it, a
party of men were ordered up to Norridgewock,
and returned with no other success than bringing
off some of Rallé’s books and papers, his faithful
disciples having taken care to secure his person
and to fly with him into the woods. This insult
upon their chief town and the spoil made upon
their priest will not long remain unrevenged.
The session began at Boston the 3d of Novem-
ber. The governor prorogued the court to meet
at Cambridge, the 7th; and before they proceeded
to business, to avoid any dispute about the place
of meeting, which would have obstructed the
important affairs of the province, he gave his
consent to a vote of the two houses, that by this
instance of the governor’s adjourning the court, no
advantage should be taken in favour of his sole
ower of removing the court from place to place.
n his speech he had taken no notice of party
disputes, and only recommended to them to raise
money for the service of the government, and par-
ticularly of their exposed frontiers.
The house, in their vote for supply of the trea-
sury, brought in a clause which had not been in
former votes, and which the council supposed
would lay such restraint upon the money in the
treasury, that it would not be in the governor’s
power, with their advice and consent, so much
as to pay an express without a vote of the whole
court ; they therefore non-concurred in the vote,
and the house refused any provision without that
clause. Inthe midst of the dispute, Mr. Hut-
chinson, one of the members for Boston, was
seized with the small-pox and died ina few days.
The speaker, Mr. Clarke, was one of the most
noted physicians in Boston, and, notwithstanding
all his care to cleanse himself from infection after
visiting his patients, it was supposed brought the
distemper to his brother member, which so terri-
fied the court, that after the report of his being
seized it was not possible to keep them together,
and the governor fow d it necessary to prorogue
them. At the next session in March, the house
iuisisting upon the form of supply which they
had voted in the last session, the council con-
curred.
An affair happened during this session which
shewed the uncertainty of the relation the Indians
stood in to the English. Castine, son by an Ine
dian woman to the Baron de St, Castine, who
lived many years in the last century at Penobscot,
had appeared among the Indians, who were in
arms at Arowsick. By an order of court he had
heen afterwards seized inthe e. country and brought
io Boston, and put under close confinement.
The house ordered that he should be brought
upon trial in the county of Suffolk, before the su-
perior court, and that the witnesses who saw him
In arms should be summoned to attend. This, no
doubt, would have been trying in one country a
fact committed in another. ‘The council non-con-
curred and voted to send for witnesses, that the
court might judge in what manner to proceed
against him, but this was not agreed to by the
house. Some time after a committee was ap-
pointed to examine him. Castine was a very
subtle fellow and made all fair with the committee.
He professed the highest friendship for the Eng-
lish, and aflirmed that he came to Penobscot to
prevent the Indians from doing mischief, and
promised to endeayour to influence all that tribe to
keep peace. ‘The committee, therefore, reported,
and the two houses accepted the report, that he
should be set at large. The governor approved of
this proceeding. He had yet hopes of preserving
peace. ‘To Lave punished him as a traitor would
have destroyed all hopes of an accommodation. It
might also be very well questioned whether it would
have been justifiable. The tribe or nation with
which he was mixed has repeatedly, in words of
which they had no adequate ideas, acknowledged
themselves subjects ; but, in fact, in concomitant
as well as precedent and subsequent transactions
with them, had always been considered as free and
independent, and, although they lived within the
limits of the charter, the government never made
any attempt to exercise any civil authority or ju-
risdiction over them, except when any of them
came within the Linglish settlements, and dis-
putes had arisen between them and the English
subjects.
The house, who, the last session, were for prose-
cuting the Indians, and could not reasonably have
supposed that they would bury, as they express
themselves, the late march of the English to Nor-
ridgewock, seem, notwithstanding, to be suddenly
changed from vigorous measures for bringing
them to terms, to schemes for appeasing and sofien-
ing them; and a present was ordered to be sent to
Bomaseen, the Norridgewock captain, to engage
him in favour of the English.
The small-pox this year made great havoc in
Boston and some of the adjacent towns. Having
been prevented spreading for near 20 years, all
born within that time, besides many who had
escaped it before, were liable to the disiemper.
Of 5889 which took it in Boston, 844 died. Ino-
culation was introduced upon this occasion, con- |
brought
t.
yroucht
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sent to
engage
voc in
laving
MASSACHUSETTS. 21
[trary to the minds of the inhabitants in general,
and not without hazard to the lives of those who
promoted it, from the rage of the people. Dr.
C. Mather, one of the principal ministers of Bos-
ton, had observed, in the Philosophical ‘Transac-
tions, a letter of Timonius, from SeOnSTEN HORNS
and a ‘reatise of Pylarinus, Venetian consul at
Smyrna, giving a very favourable account of the
yperation, and he recommended a trial to the
physicians of the town, when the small-pox first
began to spread, bué they all declined it except
Dr. Boylston, who made himself very obnox-
ious. ‘lo shew the confidence he had of success
he began with his own children and servants.
Many sober pious people were struck with horror,
and were of opinion that if any of his patients
should die he ought to be treated as a murderer,
The vulgar were enraged to that degree that his
family was hardly sate in his house, and he often
met with affronts and insults .n the streets.
The faculty, in general, disapproved his con-
duct, but Dr. Douglass made the most zea-
lous opposition. He had been regularly bred in
Scotland, was assuming even to arrogance, and
inj several fugitive pieces, which he published,
treated all who differed from him with contempt.
Ile was credulous, and easily received idle reports
of persons who had received the small-pox by
inoculation taking it a second time‘in the natural
way, of others who perished in a most deplorable
manner from the corrupt matter, which had so in-
fected the mass of blood as to render the patient
incurable. At other times, he pronounced the
eruption from inoculation to be only a pustulary
fever, like the chicken or.swine pox, nothing ana-
logous to the small-pox, and that the patient,
therefore, had not the least: security against the
small-pox afterwards by ordinary intection.
Another practiser, Lawrence Dalhomie, who
had been a surgeon in the French army, made
oath, that at Cremona, about the year 1696, the
operation was made upon 13 soldiers, four of whom
died, three did not take the distemper, the other
six hardly escaped, and were left with tumors,
inflammations, gangrenes, &c. and that about
the time of the battle of Almanza, the small-pox
being in the army, two Muscovians were inocu-
lated, one without any immediate effect, but six
weeks after was seized with a frenzy, swelled all
over his body, and was supposed to be poisoned,
and, being opened after his death, his lungs were
found ulcerated, which it was determined was
saused by inoculation.
The justices of the peace and select men of the
town called together the physicians, who, after ma-
ture deliberation, came to the tollowing conclu-
sions. “That it appears by numerous instances,
that inoculation has proved the death of many per-
sons soon after the operation, and brought dis
tempers upon nove’ others, whieh, in the end,
have proved deacl, wo them, ‘Phat the natural
tendency of infusing suca malignant filth in the
mass of blood is -o corrupt and putrefy it, ands if
there be notasuflicient discharge of that malignity,
by the place of incision or elsewhere, it lays a
foundation for many dangerous diseases. ‘That
the continuing the operation among us is likely to
prove of the most dangerous consequence.” ‘The
practice was generally condemned.
The common people imbibed the strongest pre-
judices, and such as died by inoculation were no
more lamented than self-murderers. Dr. Mather,
the first mover, after having been reproached and
vilified in pamphlets and newspapers, was at length
attacked in a more violent way. His nephew,
Mr. Walter, one of the ministers of Roxbury,
having been privately inoculated in the doctor’s
house in Boston, a villain, about three o’clock in
the morning, set fire to the fuse of a granado
shell, filled with combustible stuff, and threw tt
into the chamber where the sick man was lodged.
The fuse was fortunately beat off by the passing
of the shell through the window, and the wild-
fire spent itself upon the floor. It was generally
supposed that the bursting of the shell by that
means was prevented. A scurrilous menacing
writing was fastened to the shell or fuse.
The moderate opposers urged that the practice
was to be condemned as trusting more to the ma-
chination of men than fu the all-wise providence
of God in the ordinary course of nature, and as
tending to propagate distempers to the destruction of
mankind, which proved it tobe criminal in its nature
and a species of murder. ‘The magistrates, we mean
those in Boston, supposed it had a tendency to in-
crease the malignity and prolong the continuance
of the infection, and that therefore .it behoved
them to discountenance it.
At length the house of representatives laid hold
of it, and a bill was brought in and passed to pro-
hibit all persons from inoculation for the small-
pox, but the council were in doubt and the bill
stopped.
Such is the force of prejudice. All orders ot
men, in that day, in greater or lesser proportion,
condemned a practice which is now generally ap-
proved, and to which*many thousands owe the
preservation of their lives,
Boylston continued the practice in spite of all
the opposition, About 300 were inoculated in)
22 MASSACHUSETTS.
{Boston and the adjacent towns. It is impossible
to determine the number which died by it. Doug-
Tass would have it there was one in 14, whilst the
favourers of the practice would not allow more
than one in 70 or 80. It was evident from the
speedy eruption, that many had taken the dis-
temper before they were inoculated. — Indeed,
where persons have continued in an infected air
for months together, no true judgment can ever be
made of the experiment.
(Anno 1722.)—The new house of representa.
tives, in May, chose the former speaker, and the
governor declared his approbation in the same
manner he had done before. He negatived two
of the counsellors elect, Colonel Byfield and
Mr. William Clark. Mr. Clark, being a mem-
ber of the house for Boston, had ever adhered
closely to Mr. Cooke. ‘The governor shewed his
resentment by refusing to admit him to the coun-
cil, but did rot serve his own interest, Mr.
Clark’s opposition being of greater consequence
in the house.
‘he Indians were med'tating mischief from the
time the English were at Norsidgewock, but com-
mitted no hostilities until June following. They
came then with about 60 men, in 20 canoes, into
Merrymeeting bay, and took prisoners nine farai-
lies, but gave no marks of their usual rage and
barbarity. Some of their prisoners they released
immediately, and others in a short time after.
Enough were retained to be a security for the re-
turn of their hostages from Boston. Another
small party of Indians made an attempt upon a
fishing vessel belonging to Ipswich, as she lay in
one of the e. harbours, but the fishermen being
armed they killed two or three of the Indians and
the rest retreated. The collector of the customs
at Annepolis Royal, Mr. Newton, with John
Adams, son of one of the council for Nova Sco-
tia, were coming from thence with Captain Blin
to Boston, and putting into one of the Passima-
quadies, went ashore with other passengers, and
were all seized and made prisoners by about 12
Indians and as many French; the people left
on board the sloop cut their cables and fled to
Boston.
Another party of the Indians burned a sloop at
St George’s river, took several prisoners, and at-
tempted to surprise the fort.
Intelligence of these several hostile acts came to
Boston whilst the general court was sitting, but
there seemed to be no disposition to engage in war,
Instead of the former vigorous resolves, upon
lesser provocations, the house proposed thata mes-
sage should be sent to the Norrigewock Indians
to demand the reasons of this behaviour, restitue
tion of the captives, and satisfaction for damages,
and acquaint them that if they refused, effectual
methods would be taken to compel them. The
hostages given by the Lncians were sent down to
the e, and upon the restoring the English captives
they were to be set at liberty.
The friends of the English captives were impor-
tunate with the government to take measures for
their redemption, and a view to effect this seems
to have been the chief reason which delayed a de-
claration of war. But soon after the prorogation
of the court news came that the Indians had burnt
Bruns(ick, a village between Casco bay and Ken-
nebeck, and that Captain Harman, with part of
the forces posted upon the frontiers, had pursued
the enemy, killed several, and taken 15 of their
guns. Immediately afier this news, July 25, the
governor, by advice of council, caused a decla-
ration of war to be published.
Foreign wars often delivered Greece and Rome
from their intestine broils and animosities, but this
war furnished a new subject for contention. ‘The
governor often charged the party in the house
with assuming the direction of the war, and taking
into their hands that power which the charter
gives to the governor. He gave them a hint in his
speech, August 8th, at the opening the next ses-
sion. ** One thing 1 would particularly remark
to you, which is, that if my hands and the coun-
cil’s be not left at a much greater liberty than of
late they have been, 1 fear our affairs will be car-
ried on with little or no spirit, Surely every per-
son who wishes well to his country will think it
high time to lay aside all animosities, private
peeks, and self-interest, that so we may unani-
mously join in the vigorous prosecution of' the
weighty affairs which are now upon the carpet.”
The house, in an address to the governor,
signified their sentiments of the necessity of this
declaration of war, and promised ¢¢ all necessary
and chearful assistance.”” A committce of the two
houses settled the rates of wages and provisions for
the forces, to which no exception was taken, but
they went further and determined the service in
which they were to be employed, S00 men to be
sent upon an expedition to Penobscot, and the rest
to be posted at different places on the frontiers,
and qualified their report by desiring the gover-
nor to give orders accordingly. He let them know
that the king his master and the royal charter had:
given him the sole command and direction of the
militia and all the forces which might be raised on
any emergency, and that he would not sufter them
to be under any direction but his own and those of- |]
estitue
nages,
ectual
The
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25, the
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ut this
The
house
taking
charter
tin his
xt ses-
remark
MASSACHUSETTS. 23
[ficers he should think fit to appoint. The house
made him no answer. The destination of the mi+
litary forces in this manner, and making the esta-
blishment of their wages depend upon a com-
pliance with it, had not been the pract.ce in former
wars and administrations, but the governor found
he must submit to it, or the frontiers would be
without defence. He gave up his own opinion
with respect to the Penobscots, and had laid the
same plan which the committee had reported, and
he intended to prosecute it, which made ‘is com-
pliance more easy. ‘The house being dissatisfied
with Major Moody, who had the command of the
forces, nassed the vote desiring the governor to
dismiss hiro. ‘The council non-concurred in this
vote, ** becuuse he was condemned unheard,”
and substituted another vote to desire the governor
to send for him that he might attend the court, but
this the house would not agree to, and sent a sepa-
rate message to the governor to desire him to sus-
pend the major from his post. The governor told
them he was surprised tlie should desire so high
a piece of injustice as the punishing a man with-
out hearing what he had to say for himself, and
let them know he would inquire into the grounds
of their complaint. Several other votes passed
relative to the forces, which the governor did not
approve.
At the next session, November 15, he recom-
mended a law to prevent mutiny and desertion, for
want of which the men were daily running away.
The house thought it necessary to be first satisfied
whether the desertion in the army was not owing
to the unfaithfulness of the officers, and appointed
two committees, one to repair to the head-quarters
on the e. and other on the w. frontiers, with powers
to require the officers to muster their companies,
when an exact list was to be taken of the men that
appeared, an ~ecount of all deserters, and of all
such as were abvent upon furlough, or had been
dismissed, or haa been exchanged, together with
divers other powers. ‘They then applied to the go-
vernor to give orders to all in command to pay a
proper deference to the voteand order of the house
respecting repeated abuses and mismanagements
among the forces, &c.
This the governor thought he had good right
to except to, and he made the vote itself, as well
as the manner in which it was to be executed, an
article of complaint against the house to the king,
but he was prevailed upon to consent to it, and
either made or intended to make this condition,
“at the committees should make report to him.
The house urged this consent against him, but
in E-gland it was not thought a sufficient justifi-
cation,
The conceding in one point naturally led to a
demand of the like concessions in others.
It was thought a salutary measure to send for
delegates from the Iroquois, who were in friend-
ship with us, and io desire them to use the in-
fluence they had over the e. Indians, in order to
their making satisfaction for the injuries done, and
to their good behaviour for thetime to come. When
the delegates came to Boston, the house voted that
the speech to be made to them by the governor
should be prepared by a committee of the two
houses. ‘The governor had prepared his speech,
and he directed tl.e secretary to read it to the house
of representatives, but this was not satisfactory,
and they sent a message to desire that what the se-
cretary had read might be laid before the house.
The governor refused at first, but upon further
consideration consented, desiring they would spee-
dily return it. They sent it back to him, and let
him know they would not agree to it, unless he
would speak in the name of the general court,
and the house of representatives might be present
when the speech was delivered. This was dis-
agreeable to him and a novelty to the Indians, who
had always considered in their treaties the gover-
nor of Pennsylvania as well as the governor of
New York, to be treating with them in their own
names, or the name of the king, and not of their
respective assemblies, but he submitted,
n consequence of the vote of the house in the
last session, the governor had directed an expe
dition to Penobscot, although it was not altogether
agreeable to his own judgment. It seems he had
hopes of an accommodation with that tribe at least.
‘olonel Walton, who had the command on the e.
fron::crs, selected forces proper for the purpose,
and they had actually begun their march when ine
telligence arrived tothe colonel that Arowsick was
attacked by a great number of Indians. He ime
mediately sent an express with orders to the forces
to return, and acquainted the governor with his
proceedings. ‘The council advised to keep the
whole forces for the defeace of our own inhabie
tants, and to suspend acting upon the offensive
until winter, which they judged a more proper
season for the expedition ; and the men, in conse-
quence of this new advice, were employed in
marches upon the back of the frontiers. But the
house were dissatisfied, and scnt a message to the
governor ** to desire him to order, by express,
Colonel Walton to appear forthwith before the
house, to render his reasons why the orders relat-]
2+ MASSACHUSETTS.
ing to the expedition had not been executed.”
‘his was not only to take Walton from the com-
mand, as long as the house should think fit to de-
tain him, but the orders ¢ relating to the expe-
dition”? might be understood to mean the orders
which had been given by the house, and not what
he had received from the captain-general. The
governor told the committee that he would take no
notice of the message from the house unless it was
otherwise expressed ; besides, he and the council
were well satisfied, and he thought every body
else was. He added, that he intended the officers
should give an account * to him” of their conduct.
The next day, Nov. 20th, they sent another mes-
sage to him to desire him to inform the house whe-
ther he would send for Walton as they had de-
sired. He then told the committee he would send
his answer tothe house when they thought proper.
Upon this they seem to have appointed a messen-
ger to goto the e. upon what occasion does not
appear, and the next day passed the following ex-
traordinary vote, ‘* Whereas this house did on
Thursday last appoint a committce to wait on his
excellency the governor, praying his orders for
Colonel Walton’s appearance before the house,
and renewed their request to him yesterday, and
his excellency has not yet seen cause to comply
with that vote, and the denial of Colonel Wal-
ton’s being sent for has extremely discouraged the
house in projecting any further schemes for carry-
ing on the war, under any views of success. And
this house being zealously inclined to do what in
them lies to bring this people out of the calamities
and perplexities of the present war, and to spare
no cost and charge to effect. so great a good, were
some things at present remedied ; We do, tiere-
fore, once more, with the greatest sincerity and
concern for our couitry’s good, apply to your
excellency for your speedy issuing your orders
concerning Colonc! Walton, to be dispatched by
the messenger of this house going into those parts.”
The governor did not like to be so closely pressed,
and when the committee came to his house he told
them, he would not receive the vote, and, as it is
inserted in the reportand journal of the house, he
went his way.” They then appointed their
speaker and eight principal members, a committee
to wait upon the governor and desire him to re-
turn to the chair, ‘‘ on some important aflairs
which lay before the house,” but he refused to
see the committee, and directed his servant to tell
them he would not then be spoke to by any body.
Walton was a New Hampshire man, at the head
of the forces, asmall part only of which were
raised in that government. This might prejudice
many, butthere was a private grudge against him
in some of the leading men of the house, and
they never left pursuing him until they effected
his removal.
The house finding the governor would not com-
ply, all their messages to him being exceptionable,
as founded upon a supposed right in the house to
call the officers out of the service to acco::nt before
them whensoever they thought proper, and also to
order the particular services in whieh the forces
should be employed, without leaving itin the gover-
nor’s power to vary, they made some alterations in
the form of their request, and (Dec. 4th) passed the
following vote, ‘* Whereas this house have been
informed of divers miscarriages in the manage-
ment of the war in the e. country, voted that his
excellency the governor be desired to express to
Colonel Walton, that he forthwith repair to Boston,
and when he hath attended upon his excellency,
that he would please to direct him to wait on this
house, -hat they may examine him, concerning his
late conduct in prosecuting the war, more espe-
cially referring to the late intended expedition to the
fort of Penobscot.” ‘This being more general, and
not confined to the laying aside the expedition,
which was known to be in consequence of orders,
the governor was willing it should be construed
favourably, and sent for Walton.
The council having steadily adhered to the
governor, he took this opportunity to recommend
to the house to act joinily with the council in mes-
sages to him of general concern, and at the same
time, in a verbal message by the secretary, endea-
voured to soften the temper of the house.—‘* Mr.
speaker, his excellency commands me to acquaint
this honourable house that he has taken into con-
sidevation the several messages relating to Colonel
Walton, and thinks it most agreeable to the con-
stitution, and what would tend to keep up a good
agreement between the council and house of ree
presentatives, for all their messages, of a public
nature and wherein the whole government is con-
cerned, to be sent up to the council for their con-
currence and not immediately to himself; however,
that he will give order for Colonel Walton’s com-
ing up to town, and, when he has received an ac-
count of his proceedings, the whole court shall
have the hearing of him if they desire it.” In this
way the governor intended to guard against any
undue proceeding, there being no danger of the
council’s condemning a measure to which a little
while before they had given their advice and con-
sent, but the house improved the hint to a very]
ejudice
nst him
se, and
eftected
ot com-
ionable,
louse to
t before
also to
> forces
e rover-
tions in
ssed the
ve been
nanages
that his
press tu
Boston,
ellency,
on this
ning his
re espe-
yn to the
ral, and
edition,
orders,
ynstrued
in mes-
e same
endea-
6 Mr.
cquaint
of ree
an ace
rt shall
In this
ist any
of the
MASSACHUSETTS, 2
[different purpose, 2ad on the 5th December voted,
“ that a committee, to consist of 11 members of
the two houses, seven of the house of representa-
tives and four of the council, shall meet in the re-
cess of the court, once in 14 days, and oftener if
occasion should require, to concert what steps and
methods shall be put in practice, relative to the
war, and baving agreed upon any prejectttits or
designs, to lay them before his excellency for his
approbation, who is desired to take effectual care
to carry them into pha execution.” In affairs
of government, of what nature soever, this was an
innovation in the constitution, but in matters rela-
tive to the war it was taking the powers from
the governor, which belonged to him by the con-
stitution, and vesting them in a committee of the
two houses. The council unanimously non-con-
curred in the vote, and altercation ensued between
them and the house, but the council persevered.
In the mean time the governor was engaged with
the house in fresh disputes.
The committee of the house which had been
sent to the ¢. frontiers returned, and, instead of
making their report to the governor, which was
the condition of his consent to their authority and
of his orders to the officers to submit to them, they
made their report to the house. This was disin-
genuous. It would not do to urge that he had no
right to make conditions to their votes, for he had
given no consent, unless it was conditional, and
without his consent they could have no authority.
As soon as he heard of the report, he sent to the
house for his original order, which he had de-
livered to the committee. They answered that they
were not possessed of it, but the chairman of the
committee had left an attested copy on their files,
which he might have if he pleased, but he refused
the copy and insisted upon the original. He then
sent for John Wainwright, the chairman of the com-
mittee, to attend him in council, and there de-
manded the return of the original order. Wain-
wrighf, in gencral, was what was called a preroga-
tive man, but the house had enjoined him not to
return the order. He acknowledged he had the
order in his possession, but desired to be excused
from delivering it, the house having directed him
to deliver no original papers. The original vote
of the house, and the governor’s order in conse-
quence of it, are as follows:
“ In the house of representatives, Nov. 11,1719.
6¢ Whereas this house have been informed of re-
peated abnses and mismanagements among the of-
ficers now in pay, tending greatly to the dishonour
and damage of the government, and are desirous
to use all proper and suitable methods for the full
VOL. WU
discovery thereof,—and, to effect the same, have
sent a committee from the house to inquire into
these rumours and report how they find things,
—we the representatives do most earnestly de-
sire your excellency’s «rders, by the same com-
mittee, to the commandin,: officer and all others in
command there, to pay all proper deference to
the vote and order of this house respecting that
matter.
Joun Cuarke, speaker.”
‘‘ Boston, Nov. To the officer commanding in
17th, 1722. § chief at the eastward.
“I do hereby give orders to the commanding
officers and all other inferior officers to pay defer-
ence to the committee, and do expect that the com-
mittee lay first before me their report as captain-
generals and afterwards, upon the desire of the
house of representatives, it shall be laid before
them.
Samver Snute.”
The house expected the governor would com-
plain of them for usurping a military power, and
might refuse to part with the original votes or
orders by which he had signified his consent to
it, the condition not preceding the exercise of such
power.
Soon after (Dec. 18th) Colonel Walton came to
town, and the house sent their committee to desire
the governor to direct him to attend the house the
next morning, but the governor refused to give
such orders, and told the committee, that if his
officers were to answer for their conduct, it should
be before the whole court. They then sent their
door-keeper and messenger to Walton, to let him
know the house expected his attendance. He went
immediately, but refused to give any account of
his proceedings, without leave from the governor.
The next day, Walton was ordered to appear be-
fore the whole court, and the governor sent a mes-
sage by the secretary, to acquaint the house, that
they might then ask any questions they thought
proper, relative to his conduct, but they resolved,
that their intent in sending for him was, that he
should appear before them. The next day, he sent
another message to acquaint the house that Walton
was then before the governor and council, with his
journal, and if the house inclined to it, he desired
them to come up, and ask any questions they
thought proper. They returned for answer, that
they did not think it expedient, for they looked
upon it not only their privilege, but duty, to de-
mand, of any officer in the pay and service of the
government, an account of his management while
it OE a by the public.
This perhaps, in general, was not the cause of |
E
2 MASSACHUSFEIrTS.
[dispute, but the question was, whether he was cul-
abie for observing the orders which the governor
brad given contrary to the declared mind and order
of the house? ‘They then passed an order for
Walton forthwith to lay his journal before the
house. ‘This was their last vote relative to this
affair whilst the governor was in the province.
He had, without making it public, obtained his
Majesty’s permission to leave the province and go
to England. The prejudice, in the minds of the
common people, increased every day. It was
known to his friends, that as he sat in one of the
chambers of his house, the window and door of a
closet being open, a bullet entered, through the
window and door passages, and passed very near
him. If some thought this a mere accident, yet
as he knew he had many virulent enemies, he
could not be without suspicion of a wicked design ;
but his principal intention in going home, was to
represent the conduct of the house, to call them to
answer before his Majesty in council, and to ob-
tain a decision of the points in controversy, and
thereby to remove all occasion or pretence for fur-
ther disputes. His departure was very sudden,
‘The Seahorse man of war, Captain Durrell, lying
in Nantasket, bound to Barbadoes to convoy the
Saltortugas fleet, the governor went on board her
December 27th, intending to go from Barbadoes
the first opportunity for London. Not one mem-
ber of the court was in the secret, nor indecd any
person in the province except two or three of his
domestics. The wind proved contrary for three
or four days, during which the owners of the ship
Ann, Captain Finch, which was then loading tor
London, by employing a great number of hands,
had her fitted for sea and sent her to Nantasket,
and offered the governor his passage in her, and he
went on board and sailed the first of January.
Upon a review of this controversy with Governor
Shute, we are apprehensive some of our readers
will be apt to doubt the impartiality of the rela-
tion. Such steps and so frequent by one party,
without scarce any attempts by the other, are not
usual, byt we have made the most diligent search
into the conduct of the governor, as well as the
house, and we are not sensible of having omitted
any material fact, nor have we designedly given a
varnish to the actions of one party, or high colour-
ing to those of the other. Colonel Shute had the
character of being humane, friendly, and benevo-
lent, but somewhat warm and sudden upon provo-
cations received, was a lover of ease and diver-
sions, and for the sake of indulging his inclina-
tions in those respects, would willingly have
ayoided controversy with particular persons or
orders of men in the government; but it was his
misfortune to arrive when parties ran high and the
opposition had been violent. With reat skill in
the art of government, it might not have been im-
possible for him to have kept both parties in suse
pense, without interesting himself on either side,
until he had broke their respective connections or
the animosity had subsided ; but, void of art, with
great integrity, he attached himself to that party
which appeared to him to be right, and made the
other his irreconcilable enemies. His negativing
Mr. Cooke, when chosen to the council, was no
more than what he had an undoubted right to do
by charter; but the refusal to accept him as
speaker, perhaps, was impolitic, the country in
general supposing it to be an invasion of the rights
of the house, and it would have been less excep-
tionable to have dissolved them immediately, which
he had a right to do, than to dissolve them after an
unsuccessful attempt to enforce his negative when
his right was doubtful in the province, 2'though not
so with the attorney and solicitor general, who sup-
posed the house of representatives claimed a pri-
vilege, which the house of commons did not.
The leading men in the house of representatives
did not think so. ‘That point had not been in ques-
tion in England since the reign of King Charles II.
when it was rather avoided than determined, and
it was not certain that the house of commons in
the reign of King George 1. would more readily
have given up the point than their predecessors in
the time of King Charles, The house, in the other
parts of the controversy, had less to say for them-
selves, and with respect to the attempts upon his
military authority, were glad to be excused by an
acknowledgment of their having been in the wrong.
The clipping his salary, which at the highest
would no more than decently support him, was
highly resented by him, and his friends were
heard to say, that he would have remained in the
government and waited the decision of the other
points, if the 200/, equal to about 50/. sterling,
the deduction made, had been restored.
Under an absolute monarch the people are with-
out spirit, wear their chains despairing of freedom.
A change of masters is the sum of their hopes, and
after insurrections and convulsions, they still con-
tinue slaves. In a government founded upon the
principle of liberty, as far as government and li-
berty can consist, such are the sweets of liberty,
that we often see attempts for a greater degree of
it than will consist with the established constitu.
tion, although anarchy, the greatest and worst of
tyrannies may prove the consequence, until the
eyes of the people are opened and they see the ne- }
was his
and the
skill in
een i=
sin sus«
her side,
clions or
art, with
at party
nade the
gativing
was no
it to do
him as
untry in
1e rights
3 excep-
y, which
1after an
ive when
ough not
vho sup-
d a pri-
lid not.
entatives
in ques-
varles IT.
ned, and
mons in
readily
2ssors in
he other
r them-
ipon his
dt by an
wrong.
highest
im, was
ds were
d in the
he other
sterling,
re with-
MASSACHUSETTS, 27
[cessity of returning to their former happy state of
government and order.
The lieutenant-governor took the chair, under
the disadvaritage of being obliged to maintain the
same cause which had forced his predecessor out of
it. Personal prejudice against the governor was
the cause of assuming rights reserved by charter to
the crown, The cause now ceased, but power
once assumed is not willingly parted with. Mr.
Dummer had demeaned himself very discreetly.
His attachment to the cause of the governor lost
him some friends and proved a prejudice to him
and to his successors, for it had been usual to make
an annual grant or allowance to the lieutenant-go-
vernor, in consideration of his being at hand, or, as
they expressed it, ready to serve the province, in
case of the governor’s absence, but after the two or
three first years from his arrival, they withheld it.
Without any mention of the unhappy state of
affairs, ina short speech to the two houses, he let
them know that he would concur with them in
every measure for his Majesty’s service and the
good of the province. An aged senator, Mr, Se-
wall, the only person alive who had been an assist-
ant under the old charter, addressed himself to the
lieutenant-governor with great gravity and sim-
plicity, in primitive style, which, however obsolete,
may be worth preserving. ** If your honour and
the honourable board please to give me leave, I
would speak a word or twoupon this solemn occa-
sion, Although the unerring providence of God has
brought your honour to the chair of government
in a cloudy and tempestuous season, yet you have
this for your encouragement, that the people you
have todo with area part of the Israel of God,
and you may expect to have of the prudence and
patience of Moses communicated to you for your
conduct. It is evident, that our almighty Saviour
counselled the first planters to remove hither and
settle here, and they dutifully followed his advice,
and therefore he will never leave nor forsake them
nor theirs; so that your honour must needs be
happy in sincerely seeking their happiness and
weltare, which your birth and education will in-
cline you to do. Difficilia que pulchra. 1 pro-
mise myself, that they who sit at this board will
yield their faithful advice to your honour, accord-
ing to the duty of their place.”
The house thought it necessary to take imme-
diate measures tor their defence and vindication in
England. The governor had mentioned nothing
more to their lieutenant-governor, than that he
was embarked and intended to return to his go-
vernmentearly in the fall. This the lieutenant-go-
vernor communicated to the council, and the coun-
cil to the house. ‘They sent a committee imme-
diately to the lientenant-governor, to pray him to
inform them what he knew of the governor’s in-
tended voyage ; but he could tell them no more.
They then appointed another committee * to pre-
pare and lay before the house what they think
roper to be done in this critical juncture, in their
just and necessary vindication at the court at
home,” and a ship, Captain Clark, then ready to
sail for London, was detained until the dispatches
were ready. Anthony Sanderson, a merchant of
London, had been recommended by Mr. Popple,
of the plantation oflice, in a letter to the speaker, as
@ proper person for the province agent, ‘lo him
the house sent their papers, to be improved as they
should order,
(Anno 1723.)—The house was loth suddenly to
recede, and the day after the governor sailed, they
appointed a committee, to join with a committee of
council, to consider of proper ways for carrying
into execution the report of a committee of war.
This was the province of the captain-general, and
the council refused a concurrence. The house
then passed another vote, protesting against carry-
ing on an offensive war unless W alton, the colonel,
and Moody, the major, should be removed and
other suitable persons appointed. Before the
council passed upon this vote, the two obnoxious
persons were prevailed upon to write to the licute-
nant-governor and desire a dismission, provided
they might be paid their wages, and the letters
being communicated to the council, they passed
another vote, desiring the lieutenant-governor to
dismiss the officers, agreeable to the letters received
fromthem. In this vote the house non-concurred,
and insisted upon their own vote, in which the coun-
cil then non-concurred. ‘The house then passed a
resolve, that, unless Walton and Moody were dis-
missed, they should be necessiated to draw off
part of the forces, and sent their ‘‘ resolve to be
laid upon the council table.” The lieutenant-go-
vernor, by a message, let the house know, that the
king had appointed him general of the forces, and
that he only had the power to draw them off, and
added, that he expected all messages from the
house should be properly addressed to him, other-
wise he should pay no regard tothem. The house
were sensible they had gone too far, and appointed
a committee to wait upon the licutenant-governor,
to desire they might have leave to withdraw their
resolve, and declared that, however expressed, they
intended only that they would not vote any tur-
ther pay and subsistence. ‘They persisted, how-
ever, in their refusal to provide for the pay of the
two olticers, whose dismission they required, nor]
EQ
28
{would they make provision for further carrying on
the war until other officers were appointed.
Among the other instances of additional power
to the house, they had by degrees acquired from
the governor and council the keys of the treasury,
and no moneys could be issued without the vote of
the house for that purpose. ‘This is no more than
some colonies, without charters, claim and enjoy,
but by the charter, all moneys are to be paid out of
the treasury ** by warrant” from the governor with
advice and consent of the council. The right of
the house to originate all acts and -orders for
raising moneys from the people, and to appropriate
such moneys to such services as they thought pro-
per, was not disputed, but they went further and
would not admit that payment should be made for
such services until they had judged whether they
were well performed, and had passed a special
order tor such payment. Thus they kept every
officer dependent, and Walton, because he had
not observed their orders to go to Penobscot, but
had conformed to the governor’s orders, from
whom he derived all the authority he had to march
any where, was denied his pay. Other matters
were alleged against Walton in the course of the
pea but this seems to have been the piin-
cipal.
The exposed state which the frontiers must have
been in, if the forces had been drawn off, and they
could not be kept there without pay, induced the
lieutenant-governor to dismiss Walton and to ap-
point Thomas Westbrooke colonel and commander
in chief, whereupon an establishment was settled
by the house, premiums were granted for Indian
scalps and prisoners, and an end was put to the
session.
The Indians, we have observed, were instigated
by the French to begin the war. The old men
were averse to it. Rallé with difficulty prevailed
upon the Norridgewocks. ‘The Penobscots were
still more disinclined, and after hostilities began,
expressed their desires of an accommodation.
The St. Frangois Indians, who lived upon the bor-
ders of Canada, and the St. John’s, as also the
Cape Sable Indians, were so remote as not to fear
the destruction of their villages by the English.
‘They mixed with the Norridgewocks and Penob-
scots, and made the war general. In the latter
part of July the enemies surprised Canso and other
harbours near to it, and took 16 or 17 sail of fish-
ing vessels, all belonging to the Massachusetts.
Governor Phillips happened to be at Canso, and
caused two sloops to be manned, partly with vo-
lunteer sailors from merchant vessels which were
loading with fish, and sent them, under the com-
MASSACHUSETTS.
mand of John Eliot of Boston, and John Robinson
of Cape Ann, in quest of the enemy. Eliot, as he
was ranging the coast, espied seven vessels in a
harbour called Winnepaug, and concealed all his
men, except four or five, until he came near io onc
of the vessels, which had about 40 Indians aboard,
who were in expectation of another prize falling
into their hands. As soon as he was within hear-
ing, they hoisted their pennants and called out,
66 strike English dogs and come aboard, for you are
all prisoners.” Eliot answered, that he would
make all the haste he could. Finding he made no
attempt to escape, they began to fear a tarter and
cut their cable, with intent to run ashore, but he
was too quick tor them and immediately clapped
them aboard. For about half an hour they made
a brave resistance, but at length, some of them
jumping into the hold, Eliot threw his hand gra-
nadoes after them, which made such havoc, that
all which remained alive took to the water, where
they were a fair mark for the English shot. From
this or alike action, probably took rise a common
expression among English soldiers and sometimes
English hunters, who, when they have killed an
Indian, make their boast of having killed a black
duck. Five only reached the shore.
Eliot received three bad wounds, and several of
the men were wounded and one killed. Seven
vessels, with several hundred quintals of fish, and
15 of the captives, were recovered from the enemy.
They had sent many of the prisoners away, and
nine they bad killed in cold blood. The Nova
Scotia Indians had the character of being more
savage and crucl than the other nations.
Robinson retook two vessels, and killed several
of the enemy. Five other vessels the Indians had
carried so far up the bay, above the harbour of
Malagash, that they were out of his reach, and he
had not men sufficient to land, the enemy being
very numerous.
The Joss of so many men enraged them, and
they had determined to revenge themselves upon
the poor fishermen, above 20 of whom yet remained
prisoners at Malagash harbour, and they were all
destined to be sacrified to the manes of the slain
Indians. The powowing and other ceremonies
were performing when Captain Blin, in a sloop,
appeared off the harbour, and made the signal or
sent in a token which had been agreed upon be-
tween him and the Indians, when he was their
risoner, should be his protection. Three of the
ndians went aboard his vessel, and agreed for the
ransom both of vessels and captives, which were
delivered to him and the ransom paid, In his way
to Boston he made prisoners of three or four In- |
2
obinson
rt, as he
cls in a
tall his
rio one
aboard,
» falling
in heare
led out,
‘you are
> would
made no
rier and
» but he
clapped
ey made
of them
and gra-
roc, that
r, where
. From
common
oinetimes
killed an
1 a black
several of
|. Seven
fish, and
e enemy.
way, and
he Nova
ing more
d several
lians had
arbour of
h, and he
my being
lem, and
Ives upon
remained
were all
the slain
eremonies
ht a sloop,
signal or
upon be-
was their
ree of the
ed for the
hich were
n his way
four In- |
MASSACHUSETTS. 29
dians near cape Sable, and about the same time,
Japtain Southack took two canoes with three In-
dians in each, one of which was killed and the
other five brought to Boston.
This Nova Scotia affair proved very unfortunate
for the Indians. ‘The Massachusetts fronticrs af-
forded them less plunder, but they were in less
danger. On the 16th of September, between 400
and 500 Indians were discovered upon Arowsick
island, by a party of soldiers employed as a guard
to the inhabitants while at their labour. ‘They
immediately made an alarm, by firing some of
their guns, and the inhabitants of the island, by
this means, had suflicient notice to shelter them.
selves in the fort or garrison-house, and also to se-
cure part of their goods, before the enemy came
upon them.
They fired some time upon the fort and killed
one man, after which they fell to destroying the
cattle, about 50 head, and plundering the houses,
and set fire to 26 houses, the flames of which the
owners beheld from the fort, lamenting the insuf-
ficiency of their numbers to sally out and prevent
the mischief.
These were the Indians which put a stop to the
march to Penobscot. ‘There were in the fort about
AO soldiers, under Captain Robert Temple and
Captain Penhallow. Captain Temple was a gentle-
man, who came over from Ireland with an intent to
settle the country with a great number of families
from the x. of Ireland, but this rupture with the
Indians broke his measures, and having been an
oflicer in the army, Colonel Shute gave him acom-
mand here. Walton and Harman, upon the first
alarm, made all the dispatch they could, and be-
fore night, came to the island in two whaleboats
with 30 men more. With their joint force the
English made an attempt to repel the enemy, but
the disproportion in numbers was such, that ina
bush-fight or behind trees, there was no chance,
and the English retreated to the fort. ‘The enemy
drew off the same night, and passing up Kenne-
beck river, met the province sloop, and firing upon
her, killed the master, Bartholomew Stretton, and
then made an attempt upon Richmond fort, and
from thence went to the village of Norridgewock,
their-head quarters,
A man was killed at Berwick, which was the
last mischief done by the enemy this first year of
the war.
When the general court met in May, next year,
no advice had been received of any measures taken
by the governor in England. The house chose
their speaker and placed him in the chair without
presenting him to the lieutenant-governor, which
he took no notice of. They continued their claim
to a share in the direction of the war, and insisted
that if any proposals of peace should be made by
the Indians, they should be communicated to the
house and approved by them. They repeated also
a vote for a committee of the two houses to meet
in the recess of the court, and (o settle plans for
managing the affairs of the war, which the licute-
nant-governor was to carry into execution, but in
this the council again non-concurred. ‘The lieute-
nant-governor’s seal being affixed to a belt given
to the delegates from the Iroquois, who came to
Boston to a conference, the house passed a resolve,
*¢ that the seal be defaced and that the seal of the
province be affixed to the belt, as the committee
of the two houses have agreed,’ and sent the re-
solve to the council for their concurrence. The
council, instead of concurring, voted, as weil they
might, that the resolve contained just matter of
oftence, and therefore they desired the house to
withdraw it, This produced another resolve from
the house still higher, ‘* that the affixing a private
seal, contrary to the agreement of a committee, was
a high affront and indignity to them, and therefore
they very justly expected the advisers and pro-
moters thereof to be made known to the house.”
There was a double error in this transaction ofthe
house, the lieutenant-governor having the unques-
tionable right of ordering the form of proceeding
in treaties or conferences of this kind, and the
house having no authority to direct the king’s seal
to be applied to any purpose, the governor being
the keeper of the ssl, and although. in common
parlance called the province seal, which we sup-
pose‘led to the mistake, yet was it properly speak-
ing the king’s seal for the use of the province,
he lieutenant-governor took no public excep-
tion to any votes of the house this session, which
we must presume to be owing to his apprehensions
that in a short time, a full consideration would be
had in England of matiers of the same nature dur-
ing Colonel Shute’s administration. Before the
next session of the general court (Oct. 23d) the
agent Mr. Sanderson transmitted to the speaker,
copy of the heads of complaint exhibited against
the house for encroaching upon his Majesty’s pre-
rogative in seven instances.
** Ist, In tlieir behaviour with respect to the trees
reserved for masts for the royal navy.
‘2d, For refusing to adimitthe governor’s nega-
tive upon their choice of a speaker.
‘6 3d, Assuming power in the «ppointment of
days for fasting and thanksgiving.
‘Ath, Adjourning themselves to a distant day by
their own act. |
30 MASSACHUSETTS.
(‘6 5th, Dismantling forts and directing the artil-
lery and warlike stores to other than the custody
ef the captain-general or his order,
¢ 6th, Suspending military officers and refusing
their pay.
“7th, Appointing committees of their own to
direct and muster his Majesty’s forces.”
The house voted the complaint groundless, and
ordered 100/, sterling to be remitted to Sanderson,
to enable him to employ counsel to justify the pro-
ceedings of the house, ‘lhe vote being sent to the
council was unanimously non-concurred in,
The house then prepared an answer to the se-
veral articles of contain and an address to the
king, to which they likewise desired the concur-
rence or approbation of the council, but they were
disapproved and sent back with a vote or message,
that ‘ in faithfulness to the province and from a
tender regard to the house of representatives, the
board cannot but declare and give as their Seinen
that the answer is not likely to recommend this go-
vernment and people to the grace and favour of
his Majesty, but, on the contrary, has a tendency
to render us obnoxious to the royal displeasure.”
The house, however, ordered the answer and
address to be signed by the speaker and forwarded
to Mr. Sanderson, to be improved as they should
order.
The council thereupon prepared a separate ad-
dress to his Majesty and transmitted it to the go-
vernor, The non-concurrence of council with
these measures of the house was resented, and the
house desired to know what part of their answer
had a tendency to render the government and
people obnoxious. Here the council very pru-
dently avoided engaging in controversy with the
house. * It was not their design to enter into a
detail, but only to intimate their opinion, that con-
sidering the present circumstances of affairs, some
better method might be taken than an absolute
justification.” They had shewn their dissatisfac-
tion with the conduct of the house, in every article
which furnished matter for the complaint, except
that of the speaker, and did all in their power to
prevent them, but now this conduct was im-
peached, the arguments used by the council in a
dispute with the house might be sufficient to jus-
tify the council, and set their conduct in an ad-
vantageous light, but they would strengthen and
increase the prejudice against the country in gene-
ral. This was an instance of public spirit worthy
of imitation.
The house then resolved, ¢ that bein’ apprehen-
sive that the liberties and privileges of the people
are struck at by Governor Shute’s memorial to his
Majesty, it is thereforetheir duty as well as interest
to send some suitable person or persons from hence,
to use the best method that may be to defend the
constitution and charter privileges.’ They had
no power over the treasury without the council,
and therefore sent this vote for concurrence, but it
was refused, and the following vote passed in
council instead of it: * The liberties and privi-
leges of his Majesty’s good subjects of this pro-
vince being in danger, at this present critical cone
juncture of our public affairs at the court of Great
Britain, and it being our duty as well as interest
to use the best methods that may be in defence of
the same; and whereas Jeremiah Dummer, Esq.
the agent of this court, is a person of great know-
ledge and long experience in the affairs of the
rovince, and has greatly merited of this people,
»y his printed defence of the charter, and may
reasonably be supposed more capable of serving
us in this exigence than any person that may be
sent from hence, voted, that the said Mr. agent
Dummer be directed to appear in behalf of the
province for the defence of the charter, according
to such instructions as he shall receive from this
court.” ‘This vote plainly intimated, that by the
late conduct of the house the charter of the pro-
vince was in danger, but the house seem to have
overlooked it and concurred with an amendment,
66 that Mr. Sanderson and a person sent from hence
be joined with Mr. Dummer.” The council
agreed that a person should be sent home, but re-
fused to join Sanderson. Before the house passed
upon this amendment, they made a further trial to
obtain an independency of the council, and voted,
that there should be paid out of the treasury, to
the speaker of the house, 300/. sterling, to be ap-
plied as the house should order, Near three weeks
were spent in altercations upon this subject, be-
tween the council and the house, at length it was
agreed that 100/. should be at the disposal of the
house, and 200/. to be paid to such agents as
should be chosen by the whole court. ‘The house
were inarrears to Sanderson, which they wanted
this money to discharge, and then were content to
drop bim.
The manner of choosing civil officers had been
bya joint vote or ballot of council and house.
This gives a great advantage tothe house, who are
four times the number of the board. But to be
more sure ofthe person the majority of the house
were fond of, they chose Mr. Cooke for agent, and
sent the vote to the board fer concurrence. The
council noneconcurred, and insisted on proceeding
in the usual way, which the house were obliged
to comply with. The choice, however, fell upon]
by
+
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iccording
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MASSACHUSETTS. 31
the same person, and he sailed for London the
8th of January.
Colonel Westbrook with 230 men set out from
Kennebeck the ith February this year, with
small vessels and whale-boat, and ranged the
const as far ¢. as mount Desert, Upon his return
he went up Penobscot river, where, about 32 miles
from the anchoring place of the transports, he
discovered the Indian castle or fortress, walled
with stockadoes, about 70 feet in length and 50 in
breadth, which inclosed 23 well finished wigwams.
Without, was a church 60 feet long and 30 broad,
very decently finished within and without, also a
very commocious house in which the priest dwelt.
All was deserted, and all the success attending
this expedition was the burning the village. The
forces returned to St. George’s the 20th of
March.
Captain Harman was intended, with about 120
men, for Norridgewock at the same time, and
set out the Gth February, but the rivers were so
open and the ground so full of water, that they
could neither pass by water nor land, and having
with great difficulty reached to the upper falls of
Amascoggin, they divided into scouting parties
and returned without seeing any of the enemy.
An attempt was made to engage the Six Nations
and the Scatacook Indians in the war, ard com-
missioners were sent to Albany empowered to pro-
mise a bounty for every scalp if they would go out
against the enemy, but they bad no further suc-
cess than a proposal to send a large number of
delegates to Boston.
The commissioners for Indian affairs in Albany
had the command of the Six Nations, and would
not have suffered them to engage in war if they
had inclined to it. The Massachusetts commis-
sioners were amused, and a large sum was drawn
from the government in valuable presents to no pur-
pose. No less than 63 Indians came to Boston,
August 2Ist, the general court then sitting. A
very formal conference was held with them, in the
presence of the whole court, but the delegates
would not involve their principals in war; if any
of their young men inclined to go out, with any
parties of the English, they were at liberty and
might do as they pleased. ‘Two young fellows
offered their service, and were sent down to fort
Richmond on Kennebeck river. Captain Heath the
commander ordered his ensign, Coleby, and three
of the garrison, to go up the river with them.
After they had travelled a league from the fort, they
judged by the smell of fire, that a party of the
enemy must be near. ‘The Mohawks would go no
further until they were strengthened by more men,
and sent to the fort for a whale-boat, with as many
men as she could carry. Thirteen men were sent,
and soon after they had joined the first party,
about 30 of the enemy appeared, and, after a
smart skirmish, fled to their canoes, carrying off
two of their company dead, or so eely wounded
as to be unable to walk, and ering. $ eir packs
behind, Coleby, who commanded the party, was
killed and two others wounded, The Mohawks
had enough of the service, and could not be pre-
vailed on to tarry any longer, and were sent back
to Boston.
Small parties of the enemy kept the frontiers
in constant terror, and now and then met with
success.
In April, they killed and took eight persons at
Scarborough and Falmouth. Among the dead
was the serjeant of the fort, Chubb, whom the Ing
dians took to be Captain Harman, and no less than
15 of them aimed at him at the same time, and
lodged 11 bulletsin his body. ‘This was lucky
for the rest, many more escaping to the fort than
would otherwise have done. In May, they killed
two at or near Berwick, one at Wells, and two
travelling between York and Wells. In June,
they came to Roger Dering’s garrison at,Scarbo-
borough, killed his wife and took tliree of his
children, as they were picking berries, and killed
two other persons. In July, Dominicus Jordan,
a principal inhabitant and proprietor of Saco, was
attacked in his field by five Indiaus, but keeping
his gun constantly presented without firing, they
did not care to close in with him, and after re-
ceiving three wounds he recovered the garrison.
In August, the enemy appeared w, and the 13th
killed two men at Northfield, and the next day a
father and four of his sons, making hay in a mea-
dow at Rutland, were surprised by about a dozen
Indians. The father escaped in the bushes, but
the four sons fell a prey tothe enemy. Mr. Wil-
lard, the minister of Rutland, being abroad, armed,
fell into their hands also, having killed one and
wounded another before he was slain himself. The
last of the month, they killed a man at Cocheco,
and killed or carried away another at Arundel,
The 11th of October, about 70 of the enemy at-
tacked the blockehouse above Northfield, and
killed and wounded four or five of the English,
Colonel Stoddard marched immediately with 50
men from Northampton to reinforce Northfield,
50 men belonging to Connecticut having been
drawn off the day before. Justice should be done
to the government of Connecticut. ‘Their frontiers
were covered by the Massachusetts, and if they
had not contributed to the charge of the war, it]
32 MASSACHUSETTS.
{was not probable that the Massachusetts people
would have drawn in and left Connecticut. frontiers
exposed, Nevertheless, they generally, at the
request of the Massachusetts, sent forces, every
year durin, the summer in this and former, wars,
and the r wages, tho provisions being fur-
nighey yy this Gayenienent, bis » 5
n October, the er, .y surprised. one Cogswe
and yt which ene with him. at mount
Desert. . December 25th, about 60 Indians laid
siege to the fort at Muscongus or St, George's.
They surptied and took two of the garrison, who
informed them the fort was in a miserable condi-
tion, but the chief officer there, ——-. Kennedy
a a bold resolute man, the garrison: held out
until’ Colonel Westbrook arrived with force sufli-
fig to scatter the besicgers and put them, to
t.
+ This summer also, July 14th, the Indians sur-
prised one Captain Watkins, who was.on.a fishi
voyage at Canso, and killed himand three or four
of his family upon Dure'l’s island.
Douglass and other writers applaud the admi-
nistration for conducting this war with great skill.
The French could not, join the Indians, as in
former wars. , Parties of, the. English. kept. upon
the march, backwards and; forwards, but; saw no
Indians, Captain, Moulton, went,up to Norridge-
wock and‘brought, away, some sand papers
of the Jesuit Rallé, which, discovered that the
French were the instigators of the Indians to the
war, but he saw none of the enemy. He came off
without destroying their houses and church.
Moitltqn ‘was a disgrect.as well, as brave man, and
probably imagined this instance, of his moderation
waild ‘provoke, in, the Indians, the like spirit to-
wards the English, uj)
(Anno 179A, —The next year was unfavourable
to tlie English in the former. part. of it, and the
losses, upon the whole, exceeded those of the
enemy; but a successful: stroke or two against
them in the course of the year; made them weary
of war, and were the means of an.accommadation.
Vhe 23d of March, they killed one Smith,. ser-
jeant of the fort at cape Porpoise. In, April, one
itchelt was killed at Black point and:two of his
sons taken, and about the: same time John Felt,
William Wormwell, and Ebenezer Lewis, were
killed at a saw mill on Kennebeck river, and one
Thomson at Berwick met. with the same, fate in
May, and-one of his. children, was carried into
captivity, another child was scalped and. left. on
the ground for dead, but soon after was taken up
and carried home aliye,,, Inthe same month they
killed clder Knock, at Lamprey. river, George
Chapley and a young woman, at Oyster river, as
ty re going home from public worship, and
too: rs aman and three boys at Kingston.
The ning. of June, a scout of 90 men, from
Oyster river, were attacked before they teft the
houses, and: two inen were shot down >the rest
sus upoa the Indians: and put then to: flight,
Jeaving their packs and one of their company who
was killed:in the skirmish. One Englishman: was
killed and two: taken: prisoners at Hatficld; ancther
with a friend Indian and» their horses were killed
between: Northfield and: Deerfield. bliuis 0hoe
This menth news was brought to: Boston of the
loss of in Josiah Winslow and: 13 of his come
pany belonging’ to the fort at St. George's river.
‘There went out 17 men in two whale-buats, April
30. The Indians, it seems, watched their motions
and waited the most convenient time and place to
attack them, The’ next day, ‘as they were upon
ng their return, they: found: themselves on a'sudden
surrounded with 30 canoes, whose complement
must be 100 Indians. They attempted to land
but were intercepted, and nothing remained but
to sell their lives as dear as they could. .The
made a gallant defence, and the bravery oftheir
captain was in an especial manner applauded.
Every: Englishman was: killed. ‘Three’ Indians,
we suppose of those called the Cape Anw Indians,
who were of the company, made their escape ‘and
carried to the fort the melancholy news.
Encouraged by this success, the enemy made a
still greater attempt by water,’ seized: two-shallops
at the isles of Shoals, and afterwards other fishing
vessels, in. other harbours, and among ‘the rest, a
large schooner with two swivel guns, which the
manned; and. cruised about the coast. Av small
force was thought sufficient to conquer these raw
sailors, and the lieutenant-governor commissioned
Dr. Jackson, of the province of Maine, in a
small schooner with 20 men, and Silvanus Lake-
man, of Ipswich, in ashallop with 16 men, to go
in questiofthem. ‘They soon came up with-them,
and not long after returned with their rigging
much: damaged by the swivel guns, and Jackson
and several. of his men wounded, ‘and:could’ give
no other account of the enemy thanthat they had
gone into: Penobscot.
The Seahorse manvof war, Captain Durrell,
being then upon the Boston station, the lieutenant,
master, and) master’s mate, each of them took the
command of a:small vessel with 30 men each, and
went after the Indians, but it is: probable they
were soon tired of this new business, for they were
not to be found, nor do we meet with any further
intelligence about them. ‘They took 11 vessels |
AY.
a4
o's river.
is, April
rmotions
“place to
ere upon
Dstciien
pplement
to land
ined but
. <The
ofthe
MASSACHUSETTS. 33
{with 45 men, 22 of whom they killed, and carried
23 into captivity. ‘
At Groton they killed one man and left dead one
of their own number, August 3d, they killed
three, wounded one, and made another prisoner at
Rutland. The 6th, four of them came upon a
small house in Oxford, which was built under a
hill: they made a breach in the roof, and as one
of them was attempting to enter, he received a
shot in his belly from a courageous woman, the
only person in the house, but who had two mus-
kets and two pistols charged, and was prepured
for all four, but they thought fit to retreat, carry-
ing off the dead or wounded man. ‘The 16th, a
man was killed at Berwick, another wounded, and
a third carried away. The 26th, one was killed
and another wounded at Northampton, and the
Q7th, the enemy came to the house of John Han-
son, one of the people called Quakers, at Dover,
and killed or carried away his wife, maid, and six
children, the man himself being at the Friends
meeting.
Discouraged with the ineffectual attempts to in-
tercept the enemy, by parties of the forces march-
ing upon the back of the frontiers, another expe-
dition was resolved upon, in order to surprise
them in their principal village at Norridgewock.
Four companies, consisting in the whole of 208
men, were ordered up the river Kennebeck, under
Captain Harman, Captain Moulton, Captain
Bourn, and Lieutenant Bean. Three Indians of
the Six Nations, were prevailed with to accompany
our forces. ‘The different accounts given by the
French and English of this expedition may afford
some entertainment. Charlevoix, who we ups
pose was about that time in Canada, and might
receive there or from thence the account given by
the Indians themselves, relates it in this manner ;
“¢ The 23d of August 1724, 1100 men, part Eng-
lish, part Indians, came up to Norridgewock.
The thickets, with which the Vidian village was
surrounded, and the little care taken by the inba-
bitants to prevent a surprise, caused that the
enemy were not discovered, until the very instant
when they madea general discharge of theirgunsand
their shot had penetrated all the Indian wigwams.
There were not above 50 fighting men in the vil-
lage. ‘These took to their arms and ran out in con-
fusion, not with any expectation of defending the
place against an enemy who were already in pos-
session, but to favour the escape of their wives,
their old men and children, and to give them time
to recover the other side of the river, of which the
Unglish had not then possessed themselves.
‘‘'The noise and tumult gave Father. Rallé
VOL. WL.
notice of the danger his converts were in, Not
intimidated, he went to meet the enemy, in hopes
to draw all their attention to himself and secure
his flock at the peril of bis own lite. He was not
disappointed. As soon as he appeared, the Eng-
lish set up a great shout, which was followed by a
shower of shot, and he fell down dead near toa
cross which he had erected in the midst of the vil-
lage, seven Indians, who accompanied him to
shelter him with their own bodies, falling dead
round abouthim. ‘Thus died this kind shepherd,
giving his life for his sheep, after a painful mission
of 37 years. The Indians, who were all in the
greatest consternation at his death, immediately
took to flight and crossed the river, some swim-
ming and others ‘ording, The enemy pursued
them until: they had ciiered far into the woods,
where they again gathered together to the number
of 150. Although more than 2000 shot had been
fired upon them,. yet there were no more than 30
killed and 14 wounded, ‘The English, finding
they had nobody left to resist them, fell first to
pillaging and then burning the wigwams. ‘They
spared the church, so long as was necessary for
their shamefully profaning the sacred vessels and
the adorable body of Jesus Christ, and then sct
fire to it. At length they withdrew, with so great
precipitation that it was rather a flight, and they
seemed to be struck with a perfect panic. The
Indians immediately returned to their village,
where they made it their first care to weep over
the body of their holy missionary, whilst their
women were igohing out for herbs and plants for
healing the wounded. They found him shot ina
thousand places, scalped, his skull broke to pieces
with the blows of hatchets, his mouth and eyes full
of mud, the bones of his legs fractured, and all his
members mangled an hundred different ways.
Thus was a priest treated in his mission, at the
foot of a cross, by thuse very men who have
so strongly exaggerated the pretended inhumanity
of our Indians, who have never made such carnage
upon the dead bodies of their enemies, After his
converts had raised up and oftentimes kissed the
precious remains, so tenderly and so justly be-
loved by them, they buried him in the same place
where, the evening before, he had celebrated the
sacred mysteries, namely, where the altar stood
before the church was burnt.”
Besides the great error in the number of the
English forces, there are many embellishments in
this relation in favour of the Indians and injurious
to the English. Not satisfied with the journal
alone which was given in by Captain Harman, we
took from Captain Moulton as minute and cir-]
F
54. MASSACHUSETTS.
[cumstantial an account as he could give of this
affair.
The forces left Richmond fort on Kennebeck
river, the 8th of August,O.S. The 9th, they
arrived at Taconick, where they left their whale-
boats, with a licutenant and 40 of the 208 men to
guard them. With the remaining forces, the 10th,
they began their march by land for Norridgewock.
The same evening, they discovered and fired
upon two Indian women ; ne of them, the duugh-
ter of the well known Bomazeen, they killed, the
other, his wife, they took prisoner. From her they
received a full account of the state of Norridge-
wock. ‘The 12th, a little after noon, they came
near toa village. It was supposed that 4 art of
the Indians might be at their corn-fields, waich
were at some distance, and therefore it was thought
proper to divide this small army. Harman, with
about 80 men, chose to goby the way of the fields,
and Moulton, with as many more, were left to
march straight to the village, which about three
o’clock suddenly opened upon them, ‘There was
not an Indian to be seen, being all in their wig-
wams. The men were ordered to advance softly
and to keep a profound silence, At length an In-
dian came out of one of the vigwams, and as he
was making water, looked rourd him and dis-
covered the English close upon him. He imme-
diately gave the war whoop and ran in for his gun.
The whole village, consisting of about 60 warriors,
besides old men, women, and children, took the
alarm, and the warriors ran to mect the English,
the rest fled to save their lives. Moulton, instead
of suffering his men to fire at random through the
wigwams, charged every man not to fire, upon
pain of death, until the Indians had discharged
their guns. It happened as le expected ; in their
surprise they overshot the English and not a man
was hurt. ‘The English then discharged in their
turn and made great slaughter, but every man
still kept his rank. ‘Ihe Indians fired a second
volley and immediately fled towards the river.
Some jumped into their canoes, but had left their
paddles in their houses, others took to swimming,
and some of the tallest could ford the river, which
was about GC feet over, and the waters being low,
it was no where more than six fect deep. ‘The
English pursued, some furnished themselves with
addles and took the Indian canoes which were
left, others waded into the river, ‘They soon
drove the Indians from their canoes into the river,
and shot them in the water, and they conjectured
that not more than 50 of the whole village landed
on the other side, and that some of them were
killed before they reached the woods.
The English then returned to the town, where
they found the Jesuit in one of the wigwams,
firing upon a few of our men who had not pursued
after the enemy. He had an English boy in the
wigwam with him, about 14 years of age, who
had been taken about six months before. This
boy he shot through the thigh, and afterwards
stabbed in the body, but by the care of the sur-
gcons he recovered. We find this act of cruelty
in the account given by Harman upon oath. Moul-
ton had given orders not to kill the Jesuit, but by
his firing from the wigwam, one of our men being
wounded, a lieutenant Jaques stove open the door
and shot him through the head. Jaques excused
himself to his commanding officer, alleging that
Rallé was loading his gun when he entered the
wigwam, and declared that he would neither give
nor take quarter. Moulton allowed that some
answer was made by Rallé which provoke Jaques,
but doubted whether it was the same as reported,
and always cxpressed his disapprobation of the
action. Mog, a famous old chief among the In-
dians, was shut up in another wigwam. ond firing
from it killed one of the three Mohawks. His
brother was so enraged that he broke down the
door and shot Mog dead. The English, in their
rage, followed and killed the poor squaw and two
helpless children. Having cleared the village of
the enemy, they then fell to plundering and de-
stroying the wigwams. The plunder of an Indian
town consisted of but a little corn, it being not far
from harvest, a few blankets, kettles, guns, and
about three barrels of powder, all which was
broughtaway. New England Puritans thought it
no sacrilege to take the plate from the altars of the
Roman Catholic church, and this we believe was
all the profaneness offered to the sacred vessels.
There were some expressions of zeal against idola-
try, in breaking the crucifixes and other imagery
which were found there. ‘The church itself, a few
years before, had been built by carpenters from
New England. Beaver and other Indian furs and
skins set up the church, and a zeal against a sup-
posed false rcligion destroyed the ornaments of it.
Harman and the men who went to the corn-
fields did not come up till near night, when the
action wasover. ‘They all of both parties lodged
in the wigwams, keeping a guard of 40 men, the
next morning they found 26 dead bodies, besides
that of the Jesuit, and had one woman and three
children prisoners. Among the dead were Boma-
zeen, Mog, Job, Carabesett, Wissememet, and
Bomazeen’s son-in-law, all noted warriors. They
marched early for 'Taconick, being in some pain
for their men and whale-boats, but gound all safe. ]
m, where
vigwams,
t pursued
joy in the
age, who
re. This
fterwards
the sur-
f cruelty
bh. Moul-
t, but by
nen being
) the door
¥ excused
zing that
tered the
ither give
hat some
l Jaques,
reported,
on of the
r the In-
nd firing
‘ks. His
down the
y in cheir
and two
village of
- and de-
n Indian
hg not far
uns, and
lich was
hought it
ars of the
lieve was
vessels.
nst idola-
imagery
elf, a few
ers from
furs and
men, the
» besides
me pain
all safe. ]
MASSACHUSETTS. 3b
[ Christian, oneof the Mohawks, was sent, or of his
own accord returned, after they had began their
march, .and set fire to the wigwams and to the
church, and then joined the company again. ‘The
16th, they all arrived at Richmond fort. Harman
went to Boston with the scalps, and being chief in
command, was made a lieutenant-colonel for an
exploit in which Moulton was the principal actor,
who had no distinguishing reward, except the
applause of the country in gencral. ‘This has often
been the case in much more important service.
The Norridgewock tribe never made any figure
since this blow.
Encouraged by this success Colonel West-
brook was ordered to march with 300 men across
from Kennebeck to Penobscot, which he performed
with no other advantage than exploting the coun-
try, which before was little known. Other parties
were ordered up Amaseconti Amariscoggin, and
a second attempt was made upon Norridgeweck,
but no Indians were to be found.
The frontiers, however, continued to be infested.
September the 6th, an English party of 14 went
from Dunstable in search of two men who were
missing. About 30 Indians lay in wait and shot
down six and took three prisoners. A second
party went out and lost two of their number. ‘The
w. frontier seems to have been better guarded, for
although often alarmed, they were less annoyed.
(Anno 1725.) —The government. increased the
premium for Indian scalps and captives to 100/.
Chis encouraged John Lovewell to raise a com-
pany of volunteers, to go out upon an Indian
hunting, January 5th, he brought io Boston a
captive and a scalp, both which he met with above
40 miles beyond Winnepesiaukee lake. Going
out a second time, he discovered ten Indians
round a fire all asleep: he ordered part of his
company to fire, who killed three; the otherseven,
as they were rising up, were sent to rest again by
,the other part of the company reserved for that
purpose. ‘The ten scalps were brought to Boston
Sd of March, Emboldened by repeated success,
he made a third attempt and went out with 33
men, Upon the 8th of May, they discovered
an Indian upona point of land which joined to a
great pond or lake, ‘They had some suspicion
that he was set there to dtaw them into a snare,
and that there must be many Indians near, and
therefore laid down their packs that they might be
ready foraction, and then marched near two miles
round the pond to come at the Indian they had
seen. The fellow remained, although it was cere
‘ain death to him, and when the English came
within gun-shot, discharged his piece, which was
loaded with beaver shot, and wounded Lovewcll
and one of his men, and then immediately fell
himself and was scalped. His name ought to have
been transmitted as well as that of M. Curtius, who
jumped into the gulf or chasm, upon less rational
grounds, to save his country.
The Indians who lay concealed seized all the
English packs, and then waited their return at a
place convenient for their own purpose, One of
the Indians being discovered, the rest, being about
80, rose, yelled and fired, and then ran on with
their hatchets with great fury. The English
retreated to the pond to secure their rear, and
although so unequal in numbers, continucd five
or six hours till nightcame on, Captain Lovewell,
his lieutenant Farewell, and ensign Robins were
soon mortally wounded, and with five more were
left dead on the spot, Sixteen escaped and return-
ed unhurt, but were obliged to leave eight of their
wounded companions in the woods without pro-
visions ; their chaplain, Mr. Fry of Andover, was
one, who had behaved with great bravery and
scalped one Indian in the heat of the action, but
perished himself for want of relief.
One of the eight afterwards came into Berwick,
and another to Saco. This misfortune discourag-
ed scalping parties. But Indians as well as
English wished to be at peace. After Rallé’s
death, they were at liberty to follow their incli-
nations. The Penobscot tribe, however, being
best disposed, were first sounded. An Indian
hostage and a captive were permitted, upon their
parole, to go home in the winter of 1724, and they
came back to the fort at St. George’s the 9th of
February, accompanied with two of the tribe, one
a principal sachem or chief. They brought an
account that, at a meeting of the Penobscots, it
was agreed to make proposals of peace. The
sachem or chief was sent back, with the other
Jndian, and promised to return in 23 days, and
bring a deputation, to consist of several other
chiefs, with him, but Captain ifeath, having gone
out upon a march from Kennebeck, across the
country, to Penobscot, fell upon a deserted village
of about 50 Indian houses, which he burned, but
saw none of the inhabitants. ‘The Indians who
went from St. George’s knew nothing of this
action until they came home, and it seems to have
discouraged them from returning according to their
promise, and the treaty, by this means, was retard-
ed, But upon new intimations, in June following,
Jokn Stoddard and John Wainwright, Esqs. were
commissioned by the lieutenant-governor and sent |
#2
36 MASSACHUSETTS.
{down to St. George’s, to treat with such Indians
as should come in there, and settle preliminaries
of peace.
cessation of arms was agreed upon, and four
delegates came up soon after to Boston, and signed
a treaty of peace, and the next year, the lieutenant-
governor in person, attended by gentlemen of the
court and others, and the lieutenant-governor of
New Hampshire, with gentlemen from that pro-
vince, ratified the same at Falmouth in Casco bay.
This treaty has beenapplauded as the most judicious
which has ever been made with the Indians. A
Jong peace succeeded it.
The pacific temper of the Indians, for many
years after, cannot be attributed to any peculiar
excellency in this treaty, there being no articles
in it of any importance, differing from former
treaties. It was owing to the subsequent acts of
government in conformity to the treaty. The
Indians had long been extremely desirous of
trading houses to supply them with necessaries
and to take off their furs, skins, &c. ‘This was
promised by Governor Shute, at a conference, but
the general court, at that time, would make no
provision for the performance. Mr. Dummer
promised the same thing. The court then made
provision for trading houses at St. George’s, Kenne-
beck and Saco rivers, and the Indians soon found
that they were supplied with goods upon better
terms than they could have them from the French,
or even from private English traders, Acts or
laws were made, at the same time, for restraining
private trade with the Indians, but the supplies,
made by the province at a cheaper rate than
private traders could afford, would have broke up
their trade without any other provision, and laws
would have signified little without that. Mr.
Dummer engaged that the Indians should be sup-
plied with goods at as cheap rates as they were
sold at Boston. This was afterwards construed
favourably for the government. ‘The goods,
being bought by wholesale, were sold to the Indians
at the retail price in Boston, and a seeming profit,
by the commissary’s account, accrued to the
government; but, when the charge of trading
houses, truckmasters, garrisons, and a_ vessel
employed in transporting goods, was deducted, the
province was still a tributary to the Indians every
year, However, it was allowed to be a well
judged measure, tended to preserve peace, and was
more reputable than if a certain pension had been
every year paid for that purpose.
Delegates from all the tribes of Indians, parti-
cularly the Norridgewocks, not having been
present at this first treaty, another was thought
necessary the next year, wher the former was
renewed and ratified. It was most acceptable to
the Indians to hold their treaties near their own
settlements, and, in a proper season of the year, it
was an agreeable tour to the governors or com-
manders in chief and the gentlemen accompanying
them.
‘To bring this war to aclose, we have passed
over the other affairs of the government for a year
or two past. Soon after Mr. Cooke’s arrival in
London, Governor Shute exhibited a second
memorial against thé house of representatives, for
matters transacted after he left the province. The
principal articles of complaint were the several
orders relative to the forts atid forces, which, he
says, the house had taken out of the hands of the
lieutenant-governor, and the affront offered to the
lieutenant-governor in ordering his seal tu be effaced
upon the belt of wampum. Several other things
seem to be brought in to increase the resentment
against them, as their choosing Mr. Cooke, who
had been at the head cf all the measures complain-
ed of in the first memorial, for their agent; their
refusing to confer with the council upon a money
bill; their endeavouring by their votes to lessen
the members of the council in the esteem of the
people; their withholding his salary in his absence;
and their assuming more and more the authority
of government into their hands. ‘The council, in
this memorial, are also complained of, they having
put their negative to the vote for choosing Mr.
Cooke, and yet afterwards joined in election with
the house, when they had reason to suppose, by
the great superiority of the house in number, that
he would be the person.
Mr. agent Dummer, who was to act jointly with
Mr. Cooke, made an attempt to reconcile the
governor to him, but he refused to see him, and the
attempt offended Mr. Cooke also, and occasioned
warm discourse between him and Dummer, which
caused the latter to refuse to act in concert,
especially as Mr. Cooke had shewn him a private
instruction from the house, by which their detence
against the charge ot tuyading the royal prero-
gative was commitied io Mr. Cooke and Mr.
Sanderson, to the exclusion of Mr. Dummer.
After divers hearings upon the subject matter of
the complaints, the reports of the attorney and so«
licitor general, of the lords committee, and finally
the determination of his Majesty in council, were
all unfavourable to the house of representatives.
The several acts or votes of the house relative
to the king’s woods, and to the forts and forces, |
thought
‘mer was
ptable to
their own
e year, it
$ or com-
npanying
e passed
or a year
rival in
1 second
tives, for
ce. The
e several
vhich, he
ds of the
ed to the
re effaced
er things
ssentment
oke, who
omplaine
nt; their
a money
to lessen
2m of the
absence ;
authority
uncil, in
y having
sing Mr.
ion with
pose, by
ber, that
tly with
cile the
» and the
rcasioned
r, which
concert,
private
detence
I prero-
ind) My,
atter of
y and soe
d finally
il, were
ives,
relative
forces. |
MASSACHUSETTS. 37
seem to have been generally deemed indefensible,
the agents were advised to acknowledge them
to be so, and it was so far relied upon, that they
would be so acknowledged in the province, as
that no special provision was thought necessary
for the regulation of their future conduct, the char-
ter being express and clear. But the governor’s
power to negative the speaker, and the time for
which the house might adjourn, were points not
so certain. | What was called an explanator
charter was therefore thought necessary, and such
a charter accordingly ed the seals. By this
charter, the power of the governor to negative a
speaker is expressly declared, and the power of
the house to adjourn themselves is limited to two
days. With respect to the latter, periaps, this
new charter may properly enough be called
explanatory, the governor having the power, by
the principal charter, of adjourning the assembly,
and yet, from the nature of the thing, it was
necessary that the house, a part, of that assembly,
should have the power of adjourning themselves, for
a longer or shorter time; but the power of negativ-
ing a speaker seems to be a new article, wherein
the charter is silent; so that whatever right it
might be apprehended the king had to explain
his own patents, where there was ambiguity, yet
when an alteration is to be made in the charter, or
a new rule established in any point wherein the
charter is silent, the acceptance of the people,
perhaps, is necessary. This seems to have been
the reason of leaving it to the option of the
general court, either to accept or refuse the
explanatory charter. It was intimated at the same
time that, if the charter should be refused, the
whole controversy between the governor and the
house of representatives would be carried before
the parliament. Had the two points mentioned in
the explauatory charter, or the conduct of the
house relative to them, been all that was to be
carried into parliament, the general court, probably,
would not have accepted this charter. They
would have urged that it was not certain that a
house of commons would have determined that the
king, by his governor, had a right to negative
the speaker of a house of representatives in the
Colonies, especially as the attorney-general had
inferred this right trom the right of negativing the
speaker of the house of commons; but it was
their misfortune that in the other articles of com-
paint the house was generally condemned in
ngland, the ministry were highly incensed, and it
was feared the consequence of a parliamentary
inquiry would be an act to vacate the charter of
the province. The temper of the house was
much changed, and although there were several
members, who had been active in all the measures
which brought this difficulty upon the country,
still resolute to risk all, rather than, by their own
act give up any one privilege, yet a major vote
-was carried in the house for accepting the charter,
and in such terms as would induce one to imagine
it rather the grant of a favour than the deprivation
of a right. It has been said that the Engiish are
islanders, and therefore inconstant. ‘Transplanted
to the continent, they are nevertheless Englishmen.
When we reflect upon the many instances of
frequent sudden changes, and fro1a one extreme
to the other, in ancient times, in the parliament of
England, we may well enough expect, now and
then, to meet with the like instances in the assem-
blies of the English colonies. This was the issue
of the unfortunate controversy with Governor
Shute, unless we allow that it was the occasion also
of the controversy with his successor, which is not
improbable, ;
he governor was offended with Mr. Dummer,
for receiving grants from the court made to him
for his seryice as commander in chief, it bein
expected that when the governor is absent with
leave, his salary should be continued, one half of
which, by a royal. instruction, is to be allowed to
the lieutenant-governor; but the house took a
more frugal method, and made grants, of liltle more
than one half of the governor’s usual salary, to the
lieutenant-governor immediately, any part of
which he could very ill afford to spare from his
own support. His pacific measures and accom-
modation or suspension of some of the controverted
oints might be another cause of coldness, at least,
tween the governor and him.
Another affair occasioned a mark of royal dis-
pleasure upon the lieutenant-governor. Synods
had been frequent under the first charter, either
for suppressing errors in principles, or immoralities
in practice, or for establishing or reforming church
government and order, but under « new charter
no synod had ever been convened, A. convention
of ministers had been annually held at the time
for election of the council. This might have
been in many respects useful, but it was thought
could not have that weight for promoting any
of the forementioned purposes which a synod
convened, and perhaps their result ratified by
the government, would bave. There weve divers
ancient members in both houses who had not then
lost their affection for the platform, and an appli-
cation made by the ministers ior cailing a synod
was granted in council, but the house did not
concur. Afterwards, by a vote of both houses, it |
9 ’
38 MASSACHUSETTS.
ibe referred to the next session, to which the
eutenant-governor gaye his consent. Opposition
was made by the Episcopal ministers, but a doubt
of success, in the province, caused them to apply
in England, we suppose to the bishop of London.
The king being abroad, an instruction came from
the lords justices to cease all proceedings, and
the lieutenant-governor received a reprimand for
“¢ giving his consent to a vote of reference, and
neglecting to transmit an account of so remarkable
a transaction.” A stop was put to any further
proceeding in the affair, nor has any attempt for a
synod been made since.
(Anno 1726.)—The remainder of Mr. Dum-
mer’s short administration was easy to him. The
war being over, the principal ground of dispute,
the ordering the forces, ceased. Other affairs
relative tothe treasury, the passing upon accounts
and the form of supplies, he suffered to go on
according to the claim of the house. Mr. Cooke,
the first election after his return from England,
May 1726, was chosen of the council. This was a
mark of the house’s approbation of his conduct
in the agency, although it had not been attend-
ed with success. The lieutenant-governor did
not think it convenient to offend the house by a
negative. The small allowance made him as a
salary, about 250/. sterling per annum, he also
acquiesced in for the sake of peace. ‘The gover-
nor was expected by almost every ship for a
year or two together, but by some means or other
was delayed until the summer of 1727, when he
was upon the point of embarking, but the sudden
death of the king prevented. ‘The principal cause
of delay seems to have been the insufficiency of
the salary which had been granted for his support,
and the uncertainty whether the assembly would
make an acdition to it.
Upon the accession of King George iT. a gentle-
man who, it is said, was in particular esteem with
the king himself, was appointed governor of New
York and the Jerseys, in the room of Mr. Burnet,
whose administration had, in general, been very
acceptable to those colonies and approved in Eng-
land. ‘The bishop, his father, had likewise been
a most steady friend to the house of Hanover.
Governor Burnet’s fortune being reduced in the
general calamity of the year 1720, he parted with
a place in the revenue of 1200/. per annum, and
received commissions for these governments, with
a view to his retrieving his fortune in a course of
years. He thought it hard, in so short a time, to
be superseded, for although the Massachusetts and
New Hampshire were given to him, yet he was to
part with very profitable posts for such as, at best,
would afford him no more than a decent support,
an easy administration for one which he foresaw
would be extremely troublesome. He complained
of his hard fate, and it had a visible effect upon
his spirits. Colonel Shute was provided tor, more
to his satisfaction than if he had returned to his
government, a pension of 400/. sterling per annum
being settled upon him, to be paid out of the 44
per cent. duty raised in the W . India islands. The
W. Indians, who would perhaps have been content
if it had been applied to one of their own gover-
nors who had been superseded, had taken excep-
tion to the payment of it to a governor of the x.
colonies,
(Anno 1727.)—The earthquake on the 29th of
October 1727, although not confined to the Massa-
chusetts, was so remarkable an event in Providence
that we may be excused if we give a circumstantial
account of it. About 40 minutes after 10 at night,
when there was a serene sky and calm but sharp
alr, & most amazing noise was heard, like to the
roaring of a chimney when on fire, as some said,
only beyond comparison greater ; others compared
it to the noise of coaches upon pavements, and
thought that 10,000 coaches together would not
have exceeded it. The noise was judged by ‘some
to continue about half a minute before the shock
pager waiol increased gradually, and was thought
to have continued the space of a minute before it
was at the height, and, in about half a minute more,
to have been at an end by a gradual decrease.
When the terror is so great, no dependence can be
placed upon the admeasurement of time in any
person’s mind, and we always find very different
apprehensions of it. The noise and shock of this
and all earthquakes which preceded it in New Eng
land were observed to come from the w. or n. w.
and go off to the e. or s.e. At Newbury and
other towns upon Merrimack river the shock was
greater than in any other part of Massachusetts,
but no buildings were thrown down, part of the
walls of several cellars fell in, and the tops of many
chimneys were shook off. At New York it seems
to have been equal to what it was in the Massa-
chusetts, but at Philadelphia it was very sensibly
weaker, and in the colonies s. it grew less and
less until it had spent itself or become insensible,
The seamen upon the coast supposed their vessels
to have struck upon a shoal of loose ballast. More
gentle shocks were frequently felt in most parts of
New England for several months after. There
have seldom passed above 15 or 20 years without
an earthquake, but there had been none, very
violent, in the memory of any then living. There
was a gencral apprehension of danger of destruc- |
upport,
foresaw
plained
ct upon
ry more
i to his
‘annum
f the 44
s. The
content
n gover
1 excep
yf the 2.
29th of.
» Massae
»vidence
nstantial
it night,
ut sharp
ce to the
me said,
ompared
nts, and
ould not. .
by some
ie shock
thought
before it
te more,
lecrease,
can be
in any
ifferent
of this
pw Eng
or n. W.
iry and
ock was
Massa-
sensibly
ess and
sensible,
vessels
More
parts of
There
MASSACHUSETTS. 39
[tion and death, and many, who had very litile
sense of religion before, appeared to be very serious
and devout penitents, but, too generally, as the
fears of another carthquake went off, the religious
impressions went with them, and they, who had
been the greutest penitents, returned to their former
course of life.
The trade of the province being in a bad state,
and there being a general complaint of scarcity of
money, the old spirit revived for increasing the
currency by a further emission of bills of credit,
It would be just as rational, when the blood in the
human body is in a putrid corrupt state, to in-
crease the quantity by luxurious living, in order
to restore heolth. Some of the leading men among
the representatives were debtors, and a depreciat-
ing currency was convenient for them. A bill
was projected for fortifying the sea-ports. The
town of Boston was to expend 10,000/. in forts
and stores, and to enable them to do it, 30,000/.
was to be issued in bills, and lent to the town for
13 years: Salem, Plymouth, Marblehead, Charles-
town, Glocester, and even Truro, on the cape,
were all to be supplied-with bills of credit for the
like purposes. After repeated non-concurrence
and !ong altercation, the council were prevailed
upon to agree to the bill. When it came to the
lieutenant-governor, he laid the king’s instruction
before the council, and required their opinion,
upon their oaths, whether consistent with the in.
struction he could sign the bill, and they answered
he could not. Not only the lieutenant-governor,
but several of the council, were dependent upon
the house for the grant of their salaries, and this
dependence was improved, as in divers instances
it had been formerly. The house referred the con-
sideration of allowance to the next session, and
desired the court might rise. The licutenant-go-
vernor let them know, by a message, that he ap-
See: his small support was withheld from
im because he would not sign a bill contrary to
his instructions. They replied, that he had re-
commended to them the making provision for for-
tifying the province, and now they had passed a
bill for that purpose he refused to sign it, and
they were obliged, in prudence and faithfulness to
their principles, to come into a vote referring al-
Jowances and other matters to another session,
when away might be found to enable the inhabitants
to pay into the treasury again such sums as should
be drawn out for gratuities and allowances. After
arecess of about a fortnight an expedient was
found. Instead of a bill for fortifying, another
was prepared, with a specious title, ‘* An act for
raising and settling a public revenue for and
towards defraying the necessary charges of the
government by an emission of 60,000/, in bills of
credit.” ‘This was done to bring it within the
words of the instruction, which restrained the go-
vernor from consenting to the issuing bills of credit,
exccpt for charges of government. ‘The interest
of four per cent. or 2400/. was to be applicd an-
nually to the public charges, and gave colour for
issuing the principal sum of 60,000/. The lieu-
tenant-governor was prevailed upon to sign it,
and the same day the house made the grant of his
salary and the usual allowance to the judges, most
of whom were members of the council, and to the
other officers of the government. © This was afier-
wards alleged to be a compulsion of the lieute-
nant-governor and such of the members of coun-
cil as were salary men, to comply with the house
of representatives, by withholding from them their
subsistence. The eagerness of the body of the
people for paper bills, more easily acquired in this
way than the righteous way of industry and fru-
gays no doubt facilitated a compliance.
The council upon this occasion declined an-
swering upon their oath as counsellors, when the
lieutenant-governor asked their advice. They
swear, that to the best of their judgment they will
at all times freely give their advice to the gover-
nor for the good management of the public affairs
of the government. The lieutenant-governor pro-
posed the following question to them in writing,
*¢ Gentlemen, 1 find it necessary, in order to my
signing the bill entitled, ‘ An act for raising and set-
tling a revenue,’ &c. which has passed both houses,
to have your advice whether P can sign the said
bill without the breach of the instruction of the
lords justices of Great Britain, dated the 27th of
September 1720, and the order of the lords come
missioners of trade and plantations, dated the 8th
of February 1726-27. W. Dummer, February
17, 1727.” Upon which the council came to the
following vote, *‘ In council, February 19, 1727,
Read, and as the council have already, as they
are one part of the general court, passed a con-
currence with the honourable house of representa-
tives upon the said bill, they cannot think it pro-
per for them to give your honour any further ad-
vice thereupon, nor do they apprehend the oath
of a counsellor obliges them thereto. At the same
time they cannot but think it will be for the good
and welfare of the province, and the necessary
support of the government thereof, if the bill be
consented to by your honour.
J. Wittarp, Secretary.”
They had given their advice or opinion, the
same session, upon the bill for fortifying, after]
i
40
{they had passed it, that it was contrary to the in-
struction, and instances of the like kind have been
frequent before and since this time.
The lieutenant-governor had a further opportu-
nity, before Mr. Burnet’s arrival, ef meeting the
assembly in May for election of counsellors.
The house discovered, in one instance, this ses-
sion, a desire to amplify their jurisdiction. ‘I'he
council and house had made it a practice, ever
since the charter, to unite in the choice of the
treasurer, impost, officer, and other civil officers,
the appointment whereof is reserved to the gene-
ral assembly. The council, being in number less
than a third part of the house, had by this means
no weight in such elections except when there were
two or more candidates for an office, se: up by
the house, and then the balanee of power, if they
were united themselves, might be with them, ‘This
seems to have been an old charter practice, and
handed down. The two houses, when parties to
any petition or cause desire to be heard, often meet
in one house, which no doubt also came from the
old charter, but after they are separated, they vote
separately upon the subject matter of the hearing.
In this session, after a hearing of this sort, the
house passed a vote, ‘‘ that when a hearing shall
be had on any private cause before both houses to-
gether, the subject matter shall be determined
by both houses conjunctly.”” ‘They might as well
have voted, that atter a conference between the
two houses, the subject. matter should be deter-
mined conjunctly. ‘The council were sensible this
was taking from the little weight they had, and
unanimously non-concurred the vote.
The manner of choosing civil officers is a defect
in the constitution which does not seem to have
been considered at the framing the charter, and
as, by charter, officers must annually be elected,
it is a defect which must be submitted to. If
either house should elect by themselves and send
to the other for concurrence, the right of nomina-
tion would be such an advantage as neither would
be willing to concede to the other. In the early
days of the charter, it had been made a question,
whether in any acts of government the council had
a negative voice, and were not rather to vote in
conjunction with the house of representatives ?—
and Constantine Phips gave his opinion that they
had no negative. He seems not to have considered
that the charter and the commissions to gover-
nors of other colonies evidently intended a legis-
lature after the pattern of the legislature of Eng-
land, as far as the state and circumstances of the
colonies would admit.
The government, under the old charter and the
MASSACHUSETTS.
new, had been very prudent in the distribution of
the territory. Lands were granted for the sake of
settling them. Grants for any other purpose had
been very rare, and, ordinarily, a new settlement:
was contiguous to an old one. The settlers theme
selves, as well as the government, were inclined
to this for the sake of a social neighbourhood, as
well as mutual defence against an ae The
first settlers on Connecticut river, indeed, left a
great tract of wilderness between them and the rest
of the colony, but they went off ina body, and a
new colony, Connecticut, was settling near them
at the same time. Rivers were also an induce-
ment to settle, but very few had ventured above
Dunstable upon the fine river Merrimack, and the
rivers in the province of Maine had no towns at
any distance from the sea into which they empty.
But all on a sudden plans were laid for grants of
vast tracts of unimproved land, and the last ses-
sion of Mr. Dummer’s administration, a vote pass-
ed the two houses, appointing a committee to lay
out three lines of towns, each town of the contents
of six miles square, one line to extend from Con-
necticut river above Northfield to Merrimack
river above Dunstable, another line on each side
Merrimack as far as Penicook, and another from
Nichewanock river to Falmouth in Casco bay.
Pretences were encouraged, and even sought
after, to entitle persons to be grantees. The pos-
terity of all the officers and soldiers who served
in the famous Naraganset expedition in 1675,
were the first pitched upon, those who were in the
unfortunate attempt upon Canada in 1690, were
to come next. ‘The government of New Hamp-
shire supposed these grants were made in order to
secure the possession of a tract of country chal-
lenged by them as within their bounds. This
might have weight with some leading men who
were acquainted with the controversy, but there
was a fondness for granting land in any part of
the province. A condition of settling a certain
number of families in a few years, ordinarily,
was annexed to the grants, but the court, by mul-
tiplying their grants, rendered the performance of
the condition impracticable, there not being people
enough within the province willing to leave the
old settled towns, and the grantees not being able
to procure settlers from abroad.
The settlement of the province was retarded by
it; a trade of land-jobbing made many idle per-
sons, imaginary wealth was created, which was
attended with some of the mischievous effects of
the paper currency, viz. idlencss and bad econoe
my, a real expence was occasioned to many per-
sons, besides the purchase of. the grantees title, }
ution of
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MASSACHUSETTS, 4)
[for every township by law was made a proprietary,
and their frequent meetings, schemes for settle
ment, and other preparatory business, occasioned
many charges. In some few towns houses were
builé:and some part of the lands cleared. Ina
shart time, a new line being determined for the
n. boundary of the Massachusetts colony, many
of these townships were found to be without it.
The government of New Hampshire, for the
crown, laid claim to some of them; and certain
persons, calling themselves proprietors under Ma-
son, to others, and the Massachusetts people,
after a further expence in contesting their title,
either wholly lost the lands or made such compo-
sition as the new claimers thought fit to agree to.
(Anno 1728.) — Mr. Burnet was received with
unusual pomp. Besides a committee of the gene-
ral court, many private gentlemen went as far as
Bristol to wait upon him; and, besides the conti-
nual addition that was making in the journey,
there went out of Boston to meet him at a small
distance, such a multitude of horses and carriages
that he entered the town with a greater cavalcade
than had ever been seen before or since. Like one
of the predecessors, Lord Bellamont, he urged
this grand appearance, iv his first speech to the
assembly, as a proof of their ability very honour-
ably to support his Majesty’s government, and at
the same time acquainted them with the king’s
instruction to him to insist upon an established sa-
lary, and his intention firmly to adhere to it. He
had asked the opinion of a New England gentle-
man, who was then the minister of the presbyte-
rian church at New York, whether the assembly
would comply with his instruction, and reccived a
discouraging answer, which caused him to reply,
that he would not engage in a quarrel, or to that
eftect ; but he either received different advice upon
his arrival, or for some other reason altered his
mind. ‘The assembly seemed from the beginning
determined to withstand him. To do it with better
grace and a more reasonable prospect of success,
the quantum of the salary, it was agreed, was
not worth disputing. 1t bore no proportion to the
privilege and right of granting it for such time as
they thought proper. ‘Ihe same persons, there-
fore, who six or seven years before refused to
make Governor Shute, and, perhaps, the govern-
ment easy, by granting not more than 5004. ster-
ling a year, now readily voted for 1000/..or asum
which was intended to be equal to it. As soon-as
addresses from the council and house, the usual
compliments upon the first arrival of a governor,
had passed, the house made a grant of 1700,
towards his support and to defray the charge of
VOL. WI,
his journey, In a day or two the governor let
them know he was utterly unable to give his con-
sent to it, being inconsistent with his instruction,
After a week’s deliberation, a grant was made of
3007. for the charge of his journey, which he ac-
cepted, and another of 1400/7. towards his sup-
port, which was accompanied with a joint message
from the council and house, prepared by a com-
mittee, wherein they assert their undoubted right
as Englishmen, and their privilege by the charter,
to raise and apply moneys for the support of go-
vernment, and their readiness to give the governor
an ample and honourable support, but they ap-
prehended it would be most for his Majesty’s ser-
vice, &c. todo it without establishing a fixed sa-
lary. The governor was always very quick in his
replies, and once, when a committee came to him
with a message, having privately obtained a copy
of it, gave the same committee an answer, in writ.
ing, to carry back. The same day this message
was delivered he observed to them, in answer,
‘that the right of Englishmen could never en-
title them to do wrong, that their privilege of
raising money by charter was expressci to be ¢ by
wholesome and reasonable laws and directions,’
consequently not such as were hurtful to the con-
stitution and the ends of government; that their
way of giving a support to the governor could not
be honourable, for it deprived him of the right
of an Englishman, viz. to act according to his
judgment, or obliged him to remain without sup-
port, and he appealed to their own consciences,
whether they id not formerly kept back their
governor's allowance until other bills were passed,
and whether they had not sometimes made the sa-
lary depend upon the consent to such bills; that
if they really intended, from time to time, to grant
an honourable support, they could have no just
objection to making their purposes effectual by
fixing his salary, for he would never accept a grant
of the kind they had then made.” We shall be
convinced that Mr. Burnet was not a person who
could be easily moved from a resolution he had
once taken up.
Upon the receipt of this message and the per-
emptory declaration of the governor, the house
found this was like to be a serious affair, and that
they should not so easily get rid of it as they had
dene of the like demands made by Dudley and
Shute, and again appointed a committee to join
with a committee of council to consider of this
message. The exclusive right of the house in
originating grants, they have often so far given up
as to join with the council, by committees, to con-
sider and sepert the expediency of them, the re-]
G
433 MASSACHUSETTS.
| ports generally being sent (o the house, there to be
first acted upon, ‘The report of this committee
was accepted in council and sent to the house, but
there rejected, and not being able to unite in anan-
swer, the house tried the council witha resolve, and
sent to them for concurrence, the purport of which
was, that fixing a salary on the governor or com-
mander in chief for the Gime being would be dan-
gerous to the inhabitants, and contrary to the de-
sign of the charter in giving power to make whole-
some and reasonable orders and Jaws for the wel-
fare of the province. This vote, in so general
terms, the council did not think proper to concur,
and declared that, although they were of opinion
it might prove of ill consequence to settle a salary
upon the governor for the time being, yet they ap-
prehended a salary might be granted, for a certain
time, to the present governor, without danger to
the province, or being contrary to the design of
the charter, &c.
This occasioned a conference, without effect,
both houses adhering to their own votes, and from
this time the house were left to manage the con-
troversy themselves. ‘They sent a message to the
governor to desire the court might rise. He told
them, that if he should comply with their desire
he should put it out of their power to pay an im-
mediate regard to the king’s instruction, and he
would not grant them a recess until they had
finished the business for which the court was then
sitting. ‘They then, in a message to him, declared
that, in faithfulness to the people of the province,
they could not come into an act for establishing a
salary on the governor or commander in chief for
the time being, and therefore they renewed their
request that the court might rise,
Both the governor and the house seem to have had
some reserve in their declarations. Perhaps a sa-
lary during bis adminisiration would have satisfied
him, although he demanded it tor the commander
in chicf for the time being; and the house were
scrupulous of saying that they would not settle a
salary for a limited time. Lach desired that the
oiher would make some concessions. Both de-
clined, anc both by long altercation were irritated,
and at length, which is offen the case, instead of
closing, as seemed probable at first, widened the
breach until they fixed at the opposite extremes.
The major part of the council, and about a sixth part
of the house, were willing to settle a salary upon
Mr. Burnet for a term not exceeding three years ;
possibly even some who were finally the most zealous
Inthe opposition would havesubmitted to this if they
could! have been sure of iis being accepted, and had
been at liberty to act according to their judgment,
Mr. Cooke had experienced the ill success of the
controversy with Governor Shute, and seemed de-
sirous of being upon terms with his successor, who,
upon his first arrival and until the province house
could be repaired, lodged at Mr, Cooke’s house,
bat a friendship could not long continue between
two persons of so different opinions upon civil go-
vernment. ‘The language of the governor’s mes-
sages was thought too dictatorial by the people,
and particularly by the inhabitants of Boston, and
he had been somewhat free in his jokes upon some
of the shopkeepers and principal tradesmen, who
were then the dircetors of the councils of the town,
and very much influenced those of the house. An
intimation in the governor’s next message, that if
they did not comply with the instruction, the le-
gislature of Great Britain would take into con-
sideration the support of the government, and,
perhaps, something besides, meaning the charter,
increased the prejudices against him. ‘lhe house
now thought themselves obliged to be more par-
ticular than they had yet been, fully to assert their
rights. ‘This was what the governor desired, and
without any delay he sent them an answer. As
these two messages seemed to be much in earnest,
the argument on each side of the question afforded
a serious topic of conversation, Not long after, the
house, instead of any advances towards a compli-
ance, which the governor wished to obtain, came
to resolutions upon two questions, which shewed
still more fully their sense of the point in contro.
versy. The first question was, Whether the house
will take under consideration the settling a tempo-
rary salary upon the governor or commander in
chief for the time being ?--'This passed in the nega-
tive. ‘Then this question was put, Whether the
house can with satety to the people come into any
other method for supporting the governor or com-
mander in chief for the time being, than what has
been heretofore practised ?—'This also passed in the
negative, and was the first instance of the house’s
declaring they would make no advances; for in
their message last preceding, they only say they
do not think it advisable to pass an act for fixe
ing a salary as prescribed, ‘These votes caused the
governor to put them in mind of a letter from their
agent in the year 1722, wherein he mentions that
Lord Carteret, in conversation, desired him to
write lo the assembly not to provoke the governs
ment in England to bring their charter betore the
parliament ; jor it they did, it was his opinion, it
would be dissolyed without opposition, and the go-
vernor advised them to take care their proceedings
did not bring their charter into danger at. that
time. . ‘This caution did not prevent the house }
cess of the
remed de-
ssor, who,
nce house
v’s house,
y between
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ston, and
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th shewed
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¢ house }
MASSACHUSETTS. 43
[from preparing a state of the controversy between
the governor and them, concerning his salary, to
transmit to their several towns, in the conclusion
of which they say, that they dare neither come into
a fixed salary on the governor for ever nor for a
limited time, for the following reasons :
“ Ist, Because it is an untrodden path, which
neither they nor their predecessors have gone in,
and they cannot certainly foresee the many dan-
gers that may be in it, nor can they depart from
that way which has been found safe and com-
fortable,
Qdly, Because it is the undoubted right of all
Englishinen, by Magna Charta, to raise and dis-
pose of money for the public service, of their own
free accord, without compulsion.
6 3dly, Because it must necessarily lessen thy
dignity and freedom of the house of representatives
in making acts and raising and applying taxes, &c.
and, consequently, cannot be thought a proper
method to preserve that balance in the three bran-
ches of the legislature which scems necessary to
form, maintain, and uphold the constitution,
“ dthly, Because the charter fully empowers
the general assembly to make such laws and orders
as they shall judge tor the good and welfare of the
inhabitants, and if they or any part of them judge
this not to be for their good, they neither ought
nor could come into it; for, as to act beyond or
without the powers granted in the charter might
justly incur the king’s displeasure, so not to act
up and agrecable to these powers might justly be
deemed a betraying the rights and privileges
therein granted, and if they should give up this
right, they would open a door to many other in-
conveniences.
This representation was prepared to be carried
home by the several members, upon the rising of
the court, in oider to their towns giving their in«
structions, but the house being kept sitting, it was
printed and sent through the province. ‘The go-
vernor sent a message to the house, a few days
after, in which he takes their representation ‘to
pieces, and, in the close of his message, appeals to
them whether he had not answered all their ob-
jections, ‘except the anknown inconveniences to
which a door would be opened,” which could
not be answered until they could tell what they
were; and charges them with calling for help from
what they had not mentioned, froma. sense of the
imperfection of what they had, and with sending
to their several towns for advice, and declaring at
the same time they did not dare follow it.
Tt would be tedious to recite at length the seve-
ral messages which passed, during the remaiader
of the controversy, from the chair to the house,
and from the house to the chair, which followed
quick one upon the back of another, ‘Phe sum of
the argument, upon the part of the governor, was
as follows: That it was highly reasonable he should
enjoy the free exercise of his judgment in the ad-
ministration of government, but the grants, made
for a short time only by the house, were thus li-
mited for no other reason than to keep the governor
in a state of dependence, and with design to with-
hold from him the necessary means of subsistence,
unless he would comply with their acts and re-
solves, however unreasonable they might appear to
him; that, in fact, they had treated Governor Shute
in this manner, and no longer since than the last
year the house had refused to make the usual grants
and allowances, not only to the licutenant-governor
but to other officers, until they had compelled him
to give his consent to a loan of 60,000/. in bills of
credit ; that a constitution which, in name and aps
pearance, consisted of three branches, was_in fact
reduced to one; that it was a professed principle,
in the constitution of Great Britain, to preserve a
freedom in each of the three branches of the legis-
lature, and it was a great favour shewn the pro-
vince, when King William and Queen Mary esta.
blished, by the royal charter, a form of govern.
nent so analogous to the government of Great Bri-
tvin; a principle of gratitude and loyalty, there-
fore, ought to induce them to establish a salary for
the governor of this province, in order to his sup:
porting his dignity and freedom, in like manner as
the parliament always granted to the king what
was called the civil list, not once in six months or
from year to year, but for life; that this was no
more than other provinces which had no charters
had done for their governors ; that there was no-
thing in the province charter to exempt them from
the same obligation which other his Majesty’s colo-
nies were under to support the government ; to be
sure, they had no pretence to greater privileges by
charter than the people of England enjoyed from
Magna Charta, and yet no clause of that was ever
urged as an objection against granting to the king
a revenue for life; anda power by charter to grant
moneys could not be a reason against granting then
either for a limited or unlimited ume,
On the part of the house, the substance of their
defence against the governor’s demand and his rea-
sons in support of it was, that an obligation upon
an assembly in the plantations could not be infers
red from the practice of the house of commons in
Great Britain; the king was the common father of}
° a2
~
44
[all his subjects, and their interests were inseparably
united, whereas a plantation governor was affected
neither by the adversity nor prosperity of a colony
when he had once left it; no wonder then a colony
could not place the same confidence in the gover-
nor which the nation placed in the king ; however,
the grants to the governor always looked forward
and were made not for service done, but to be
done. It must be admitted the governor is in
some measure dependent upon the assembly for
his salary, but he is dependent in this instance
only, whereas he has a check and controul upon
every grant to any person in the government and
upon all laws and acts of government whatsoever ;
nor can an exact parallel be drawn between the
constitution of Britain and that of the province,
for the council are dependent upon the governor
for their very being, once every year, whereas the
house of lords cannot be displaced unless they
have criminally forfeited the rights of peers. The
house were not to be governed by the practice of
assemblies in some of the other colonies, nor were
they to be dictated to and required to raise a cer-
tain sum for a certain time and certain purposes ;
this would destroy the freedom which the house
apprehended they had a right to in all their acts
and resolves, and would deprive them of the
powers given to them by charter, to raise money
and apply it when and how they thought proper.
Different judgments will undoubtedly be formed
upon the weight of these reasons on the one side
and the other.
The messages of the house at first were short,
supposed to have been drawn by Mr. Cooke, who
never used many words in his speeches in_ the
house, which generally discovered something
manly and open, though sometimes severe and
bitter, and often inaccurate. In the latter part of
the controversy they were generally drawn by Mr.
Welles, another member from Boston, the second
year of his coming to the house. These were
generally more prolix, and necessarily so from the
length of the messages to which they were an
answer. ‘The house had justice done them by
their committees who managed this controversy,
and they were then willing to allow that the go-
vernor maintained a bad cause with as plausible
reasons as could be.
The contending parties, for a little while, en-
deavoured to be mederate and to preserve de-
corum, but it was impossible to continue this
temper.
On the 4th of September the house repeated to
the governor the request they had formerly made
MASSACHUSETTS,
to rise, but he refused to grant it, and told them
that unless his Majesty's pleasure had its due
weight with them, their desires should have very
little weight with him.
The council, who had been for some time out of
the question, now interposed, and passed a vote,
*¢ that it is expedient for the court to ascertain a
sum as a salary for his excellency’s support, as also
the term of time for its continuance.” This was
sent to the house tor concurrence. The council
seem to have gone a little out of their line, but the
house took vo other notice of the vote than to non-
concur it, The house being kept sitting against
their will, employed part of their time in draw.
ing up the state of the controversy, which we have
mentioned.
This was not occasioned by any doubt they had
themselves, but to convince the governor that the
people throughout the province were generally of
the same mind with the house, and for this pur.
pose they thought it necessary to obtain from their
towns an express approbation of their conduct.
It was well known that not a town in the province
would then have instructed their representatives
to fix a salary upon the governor for the time
being.
One of the king’s governments ( Barbadoes) was
at this time warmly contending with its governor
against fixing a salary. The assembly of that
island, some years before, had settled a very large
salary upon a governor, against whom they after.
wards made heavy complaints, charging him with
rapaciousness and grievous oppressions, and his
successor having demanded the like settlement
upon him, they resolved to withstand the demand,
and the spirit seemed to be as high there as in
Massachusetts bay.
This had no small tendency to strengthen and
confirm the resolution of the people here, who sup-
posed their charter rather an additional privilege and
security against this demand. There was a minor
part, however, very desirous of an accommoda.
tion. ‘The ill success of the controversy with Go-
vernor Shute was fresh in their minds. Many
amiable qualities in Mr. Burnet caused them to
wish he might continue their governor, and employ
those powers and that attention which were now
wholly engaged in this single point, in promoting
the general welfare and prosperity of the pro-
vince.
About a third part of the house of representa-
tives and a major part of the council would have
been content to have granted a salary for two, or
perhaps three years, If we are to judge by his]
told them
its due
have very
ime out of
ila vote,
scertain a
rt, as also
This was
e council
e, but the
in to none
gz against
in draw.
1 we have
they had
yr that the
nerally of
this pur.
from their
conduct.
: province
sentatives
the time
does) was
governor
y of that
ery large
hey after.
him with
and his
kettlement
demand,
ere as in
then and
who sup-
ilege and
sa minor
lommoda-
with Go-
Many
them to
id employ
cre now
romoting
the pro-
presenta.
ld) have
two, or
by his]
MASSACHUSETTS. 45
fdeclarations, this would not have satisfied him,
and it was far short of his instructions, but his
friends were of opinion, that such a partial com-
jliance would have produced a relaxation of the
instruction and issued in lasting agreement and
harmony.
The house made what they would have the go-
vernor think a small advance towards it, Instead
of a grant for the salary, supposed, though ‘hot
expressed, for half a year, they made a grant,
September 20th, of 3000, equal to 1000/. ster-
ling, in order to enable him to manage the affairs
of the province, and although it was notexpressly
mentioned, it was generally understood to be for a
year. This was concurred in by the council, but he
let it lie without signing his consent, which caused
the house to make at least a seeming farther ad-
vance, for on the 24th of October they, by a mes-
sage, entreated him to accept the grant,and added,
6 we cannot doubt but that succeeding assemblies,
according to the ability of the province, will be
very ready to grant as ample a support, and if
they should not, your excellency will then have
the opportunity of shewing your resentment.”
Still they had no effect, the governor knew how
natural it would be for a future assembly to refuse
being governed by the opinion of a former; be-
sides, the reserve, ‘according to the ability of the
province,” left sufficient room for a further reason
for reducing the sum whensoever a future assem-
bly should think it proper.
A little before this message from the house, the
governor had informed them that he was of opi-
nion the act, which passed the last year, issuing
60,000/. in bills of credit by way of lown, would
be disallowed, the lieutenant-governor having given
his consent to it directly contrary to a royal in-
struction, and recommended to them, as the most
likely way to obtain his Majesty’s approbation, to
apply the interest of the money arising from the
loan towards the governor’s salary. This was one
of those acts which have their operation so far,
before they are laid before his Majesty, that great
confusion may arise from their disallowance.
The house therefore had no great fears concerning
it, but it wouid have been a sufficient reason to
prevent their complying with the proposal, that it
would be a fixing the salary so long as the loans
continued, and for this reason they refused it.
The country in general, as we have observed,
was averse to a compliance with the king’s instruc.
tion, but no part more so than the town of Boston.
Generally in the colonies, where there is a trading
capital town, the. inhabitants of it are the most
zealous part of the colony in asserting their libers
: }
ties whenan opinion prevails that they are attacked.
They. follow the example of London, the capital
of the nation, ‘The governor had frequently said,
that the members of the house cohld not act with
freedom, being influenced by the inhabitants of
the town. Besides, the town, at a g neral meeting
of the inhabitants for that purpose, had passed a
vote, which was called the unanimous declaration
of the inhabitants of the town of Boston, against
fixing a salary upon the governor, and this vote
they ordered to be printed, ‘The governor was in
great wrath, and called it “ an unnecessary for-
wardness, an attempt to give law to the country.”
This seems to have determined him to remove the
court out of town, and on the 24th of October, he
caused it to be adjourned to the SlIst, then to
meet at Salem in the county of Essex, ‘ where
prejudice had not taken root, and where of conse.
quence his Majesty’s service would in all proha-
bility be better answered.” Jocosely, he said,
¢ there might be a charm in the names of places,
and that he was at a loss whether to carry them
there or to Concord.”
The house thought their being kept so long sit-
ting at Boston a great grievance. In one of their
messages they ask the governor, ‘* Whether it has
been customary that the knights, burgesses, and
other freemen of the land, should be told that they
are met to grant money in such a peculiar way and
manner, and so they should be kept till they had
done it, and this in order to gain their good will
andassent?” Inhisreply he tells them he would cons
sider their question in all its parts, Ist, * Whether
freemen, &c. should be told they are met to grant
money ?” ¢ I answer, the crown always tells them
so.” Qd, “In such a particular way and mane
ner?” ¢¢[ answer, if you mean the way and
means of raising money, the crown leaves that to
the commons; but if you mean the purpose tor
which it is to be granted, the crown always tells
them what that is, whether it is for an houourable
support, the defence of the kingdom, carrying on
a war, or the like.” Sdly, ‘* Andso they should
be kept till they had done it.” ‘* The crown
never tells the parliament so, that 1 know of, nor
have I told you any thing like this as an expedient
to get the thing done. F have given you a very
different reason for not agreeing to a recess, alto~
gether for your own sakes, lest I should thereby
make your immediate regard to his Majesty’s
pleasure impossible,” &c. —
The house could not easily be persuaded they
were kept so long together merely for their own
sakes, and thought this part of the governor’s answer
evasive of the true reason, and considered them-]
16
[selves as under duresse whilst at Boston, and their
removal to Salem to be a further hardship, and an
earnest of what was still farther to come, a removal
from place to place uutil they were harassed into
a compliance, The members of the general court
lamented the measures which had driven away
Governor Shute, who would have been easy with
a salary of about 500/, sterling, granted from: year
to year, ‘The same persons by whose influence
his salary was reduced, were now pressing Mr.
Burnet fo accept 1O00/ in the same way, and
could not prevail,
The house met, according to the adjournment,
bot immediately: complained of their removal from
Boston as illegal or unconstitutional and a great
grievance, ‘The same and the only reason which
was now given had been @iven before in the con-
troversy with Governor Shute. The form of the
writ for calling an assembly, directed by the pros
vince law, mentions its being to be held at the
town house in Boston, but this had been deter-
mined by the king in council to be, as no doubt it
was, mere matter of form or example only, and
that it did not limit the power which the crown
before had of summoning and holding assemblies
at any other place, ‘They prayed the governor,
however, to adjourn them = back to Boston, but
without success,
‘They endeavoured to prevail upon the council
to join with them, but the council declared they
were of a different opinion, and urged the house to
proceed upon business, which occasioned repeated
Messages upon the subject; but the whole stress
of the argument on the part of the house lay upon
the form of the writ for calling the assembly,
which the board answered by saying, the house
might as well insist that all precepts to the towns
should go from the sheriff of Suflolk, because the
form of the precept inthe law has Suffolk ss.
The alteration of place had no effect upon the
members of the house. Votes and messages prss-
ed, but no new arguinents, the subject had been
exhausted, nothing remained but a determined
resolution on both sides to abide by their principles,
and the house met and adjourned, day after day,
without doing eny business. ‘The eovernor was
the principal sufferer, not being allowed by the
king to receive any thing towards his support,
except ina way in which the assembly would not
give it. ‘The members of the court, in general,
were as well accommodated at Salem as Boston,
and the members of Boston, who had not been
used to the expence and other inconvenience of
absence from home, received a compensation from
their town, over and above the ordinary wages of
MASSACHUSETTS,
representatives, Tt was atime of peace without,
and a cessation of public business for that reason
was less felt.
The house, from an apprehension that their
wise was just,and therefore that they were entitled
to relief, resolved to make their humble applica.
tion fo his Majesty. Francis Wilks, a New Eng-
Jan! merchant in London, who had been friendly
to Mr. Cooke in his ageney, and who was univers
silly esteemed for his great probity as well as his
himsae obliging disposition, was pitehed upon
for theirawent,
Sir. Belcher, who had been several years of Ue
council, always closely attached to Governor
Shute, and in general, what was called a preroga-
tive man, by some accident or other becaine, ona
sudden; the fryourite of the howe, aad he was
thought the properest person to join with Mr,
Wilks, At the last election he had been left out
of the council, by what was called the country
party, but now declared against the governor's
measures, and became intimate with Mr. Cooke
and other leading members of the house, Such
instantaneous conversions are not uncommon, A
grant was made by the house to defray the charges
of the agency, but this was non-concurved by the
council, because it was for the use of agents in
whose appointment they had no voice. ‘Phe want
ofmor ~ threatened a stop to the proceeding, but
the} ‘spirit of he town of Boston was displayed
upo ceasion, and by a subscription of mers
chan and other principal inhabitants, a stim was
raised which was thought sufficient for Che pur-
pose, the house voting them thanks, and promising
their uttiost endeavours that the sums advanced
should be repaid in convenient time, ‘The gover-
nor desired a copy of their address to the king, but
they refused it.
The only argument or reason in the king’s in-
struction for fixing a salary is, *¢ that former as-
semblies have, from dime to time, made such
allowances and in such proportion as they them-
selves thought the governor deserved, in order to
make him more dependent upon them.” — The
house, inthe first part of their memorial or address,
declare they cannot in faithfulness settle or fix a
salary, because, after that is done, the governor's
particular interest: will be very Little affected) by
serving or deserving the interest of the people.
This was shewing that they apprehended the rea-
son given by his Majesty for settling a salary was
insufficient, and that the governor ongit ta be
paid, according to his services, in the judgment of
those who paid him; but in the close of the ad-
dress they say, * we donbt not sueceeding asseme |
without,
iit reason
hat thei
re entitled
applica.
New Nn
» friendly
Ws univers
ell as his
hed upon
vs of (he
Governor
| prerogie
une, ona
! he Wilos
with Mr.
n left out
b country
rovernor’s
Ir. Cooke
¢. Such
won, A
le charges
‘d by the
veents in
The want
ling, but
displayed
bn of mers
h stun was
the pur
romising
advanced
he govers
king, but
ing’s ine
yrmer as-
ade such
ry them-
order to
The
address,
or fix a
overnor’s
ected: by
» people,
the rea-
lary was
ac ta be
gment of
fthe ad-
le asseme |
MASSACHUSETTS. 47
|blies, according to the ability of the province,
will come into as ample and honourable support,
from time to time, and should they not, we ace
knowledge, your Majesty will have just reason to
shew your displeasure with them,” It was res
marked that, inorder to make the last clause con+
sist with the first, the ample and honourable sup-
port must be understood in_ proportion to the
services of the governor in the judgment of the
house, but in this sense, it was saying nothing and
trifling with Majesty; for no case could happen,
atany time, in which his Majesty would have
just reason to shew his displeasure, It would al-
ways be enough to say that the house, in faithful.
ness to the people, had withheld part of the go-
vernor’s support, because, in their judgment, he
had neglected their interest and his duty.
Whether this remark was just or not, the house
had great encouragement given them by Mr.
Wilks, that their address would obtain for them
the wished-for relief. He had been heard) by
counsel, Mr. Fazakerley and Dr. Sayes, before
the board of trade, Mr. Belcher not being then ar-
rived; ut soon after they received letters from
their joint agents, inclosing the report of the board
of trade, highly disapproving the conduct of the
house, and their agents let them know it was their
opinion that, ifthe house should persist in their re-
fusal to comply with the king’s instruction, the
aMfair might be carried before the parliament; but
if his should be the case, they thought it better a
salary should be fixed by the supreme legislature
than by the legislature of the province, better the
liberties of the people should be taken away from
them than given up by their own act. ‘The go-
vernor likewise communicated to the house his
letters from the lords of trade approving his con-
duct. All hopes of success fiom the agents seemed
to be over, and their business in’ England would
have been very short ifthe governor had not given
occasion for further application, Lis administra.
tion for many months, except in this affair of the
silary, hed been unexceptionable. Indeed the
members of the. ouse thought themselves aggrieved
that he would not sign a warrant upon the treasury
for their pay, and bis reason for refusing it, viz.
that one branch of the legislature might as well go
without their wages as another, they thought in-
suflicient. Being drove to straits, and obliged
to his friends to assist him in the support of his
family, he thought he might be justified in esta.
blishing a fee and perquisite which had never been
known in the province before. At New York, all
vessels (ook from the governor a let pass, for which
there was no law, but the owners of vessels sub-
mitted to it, and it was said, volenté non fit injuria,
Lord Coke perhaps would not have thought even
this a justification.
The governor required all masters to take the
same passes here, against their will, and demanded
Gs. or Qs, sterling for every vessel bound a foreign
voyage, and dy, for coasters, ‘The stated fee, by
law, for registers was Gs. but the bills having de-
yreciated more than one half in value since the
is was made, he required 12s. This was a very
different case from the other, and we do not know
(hat it was exceptiongble, but they were alike come
plained of as grievous and oppressive, and the go-
vernor’s cnhemies were not displeased with the ade
vantage he had given them against him; and upon
a representation made by the agents, notwitustand.
ing the hardship of being restrained from receiving
a salary in any way except such as the assembly
would not give it in, vet such was the regard to
law and justice, that bis conduct, so far as related
to the let passes, was immediately disapproved,
There were other matters besides Chat of the salary
to be settled before Mr, Burnet could be easy in
his government, but this grand affair caused the
lesser to be kept off as much as possible, One was
the appointment of an atiorney-general, By the
charter the election of the civil officers, except
such as belong to the council and courts of justice,
isin the general assembly. Until after Governor
Dudley’s time it had generally been allowed that
the attorney-general was an viticer of the courts of
justice and included in the exception, but Lieus
tenant-governor ‘Tailer, in the year 1716, cone
sented to an election made by the two houses, and
the choice had been annually made and approved
ever since, not without notice from Mr. Shute of
the irregularity of it, but he had so many other
affairs upon his hands that he waved this,
Mr. Burnet was determined not to part with the
right of nomination, and the council were of
(he opinion he ought not, and refused to join with
the house in the election, ‘Chere was some alters
cation between the two houses upon it, and both
adhered to their principles.
Another affair of more extensive influence
would have been more strenuously insisted upon.
In Governor Shute’s administration, the house,
after long disputes with the governor and with the
council, carried the point as to the form of supply
of the treasury, which differing, as we lave already
observed, from the former practice, and, as both
governor and council insisted, from the rale
prescribed by the charter, Mir, Buract had deter~
mined to return to the first practice. ‘the house
passed a vole for supplying the treasury with]
48 MASSACHUSETTS.
20,0007. which the council concurred, the prac-
tice having been the same for eight or nine years
together, but the governor refused his consent, and
assured them that he would agree to no supply ot
the treasury but such as was in practice before the
year 1721. This declaration was made not long
before his death. The settlement of the point in
controversy remained for his successor.
(Anno 172),)—The court was allowed a recess
from the 20th of December to the 2d of April, and
then sat until the 8th, at Salem again, without any
disposition to comply.
The newassembly for the election of counsellors
was held at the same place: ‘There was a general
expectation that a new set of counsellors would be
chosen. ‘The council of the last year had been of
very different opinion from the house in many
points. They had no doubt of the governor’s
power to call, adjourn, or prorogue the assembly
toany part of the province he thought proper,
and although they were not for a fixed salary ac-
cording to the instruction, yet they would have
willingly consented to setile i for longer term than
a year, and some of them, during Mr. Burnet’s
administration, but the house were most offended
with the non-concurrence of their grant of money
to their agents. Afterall, only four new coun-
sellors were elected. Immediately after the coun-
cil was settled, the court was prorogued to the
25th of June, and having sat unto the 10th of
July, he prorogued them again unto the 20th of
August, having male no speech at either of the
sessions, or taken a notice of any business he
thought proper for them to do. The reason of
this omission appeared at the session in August.
He had waited the final determination of his Ma-
jesty in council, upon the report of the lords com-
mittee. ‘This he now communicated to the house,
whereby they perceived that his conduct was ap-
roved, that of the house condemned, and _ his
ajesty advised to lay the case before the parlia-
ment. The house received a letter at the same
time from their agents, who, it seems, had altered
their opinions, and now intimated to the house, that
notwithstanding the determination or advice of the
privy council, it was not likely the affair would
ever be brought before the parliament. This
lettcr the house ordered to be printed. The go-
vernor, in one of his messages, calls it ‘¢ an unde-
niable proof of their endeavours to keep the peo-
ple in ignorance of the true state of their affairs.”
It scems to be preterring a present temporary con-
venience, in keeping up the spirit of the people
and diffusing a favourable opinion of their repre-
sentatives, to the future real advantage of the
cause, for such a measure must weaken the hands
of the agents in England, and tend to bring the
matter before the parliament, when otherwise it
might have been avoided.
The governor having held several sessions at
Salem without any success, he adjourned the
court, to meet the 2ist of August at Cambridge.
This widened the breach, and the house grew
warmer in their votes and messages, and com-
plained that they were to be compelled to measures
against their judgment, by being harassed and
drove from one part of the province to another,
The governor’s friends observed the effect the cone
troversy had upon his spirits. Ina few days he
fell sick of a fever and died at Boston the 7th of
September, Some attributed his illness to his tak-
ing cold, his carriage oversctting upon the cause-
way at Cambridge, the tide being high, and he
falling into the water. The resentinent which had
been raised ceased with the people in general upon
his death. Many amiable parts of his character
revived in their minds. He had been steady and
inflexible in his adherence to his instructions, but
discovered nothing of a grasping avaricious mind,
it was the mode more than the quantum of his sa-
lary upon which he insisted. ‘The naval office
had generally been a post for some relation or fas
vourite of the governor, but Colonel Tailer hay-
ing been lientenant-governor, and in circumstances
far from affluent, he generously gave the post to
him, without any reserve of the issues or profits.
The only instance of his undue exacting money,
by some was thought to be palliated by the esta-
blished custom of the government he had quitted.
This did not justify it. In his disposal of public
offices, he gave the preference to such as were
disposed to favour his cause, and displaced some
for not favouring it; and, in some instances, he
went further than good policy would allow. He
did not know the temper of the people of New
England. They have a strong sense of liberty,
and are more easily drawn than driven. He dis-
obliged many of his friends by removing from his
post Mr. Lynde, a gentleman of the house,
esteemed by both sides for his integrity and other
valuable qualities ; and he acknowledged that he
could assign no ether reason except that the gen-
tlema i. had not voted for a compliance with the
instruction. However, an immoral or unfair cha-
racter was a bar to office, and he gave his nega-
tive to an election of a counsellor, in one instance,
upon that principle only. His superior talents
and free and easy manner of communicating his
sentiments made him the delight of men of sense
and learning, His right ©* precedence in all com-]
Bie
1 the hands
bring the
therwise it
sessions at
ourned the
Jambridge.
louse grew
and com-
O measures
rassedl and
‘o another,
ct the cone
w days he
the 7th of
to his tak-
the cause-
h, and he
which had
neral upon
character
steady and
tions, but
ious mind,
of his sa-
val office
tion or fae
‘ailer hay-
umstances
le post to
r profits,
g money,
the esti-
id quitted.
f public
as were
ced some
nces, he
low. He
of New
f liberty,
He dis-
from his
the gen-
with the
fair cha-
his negae
instance,
r talents
MASSACHUSETTS. A9
ther proceedings expentetls he would wait for fur-
[panics facilitated the exercise of his natural dis-
position to a great share in the conversation, and
at ¢he same time ‘ caused it to appear more ex-
cusable.”” His own account of his genius was,
that it was late before it budded, and that until he
was near 20 years of age, his father despaired of
his ever making any figure in life. This, per-
haps, might proceed from the exact severe disci-
pline of the bishop's family, not calculated for
every temper alike, and might damp and discou-
rage his. ‘To long and frequent religious services
at home, in his youth, he would sometimes plea-
sanily attribute his indisposition to a very scrupu-
lous exact attendance upon public worship ; but
this might really be owing to an abhorrence of
ostentation and mere formality in religion, to avoid
which, as most of the grave serious people of the
province thought, he approached too near the
other extreme. A little more caution and con-
formity to the different ages, manners, customs,
and even prejudices of different companies, would
have becn more politic, but his open undisguised
mind could not submit to it. Being asked to dine
with an old charter senator who retained the cus-
tom of saying grace sitting, the grave gentleman
desired to know which would be more agreeable to
his excellency, that grace should be said standing
or sitting, the governor replied, standing or sit-
ting, any way or no way, justas you please. He
sometimes wore a cloth coat lined with velvet, It
was said to be expressive of his character, He
was a firm believer of the truth of revealed reli-
gion, but a bigot to no particular profession among
Christians, and laid little stress upon modes and
forms. By a clause in his last will, he ordered
his body to be buried, if he died at New York,
by his wife, if in any other part of the world, in
the nearest church-yard or burying-ground, all
places being alike to God’s al!-secing eye.
The assembly ordered a very honourable funeral
at the public charge. A motion, at another time,
was made in (he house for a grant to a governor
to bear the expence of his lady’s funeral, a dry
old representative objected to a grant for a gover-
nor’s lady, had a motion been for a grant to bury
the governor he should have thought the money
well laid out,
Mr. Dummer reassumed the aaministration, Tle
did not intend to cnter into the controversy about
the salary; no advantage could arise from it, no
new arguments could be used, the king’s instruc.
tions were to be his ruie, and he would not depart
from them by accepting any grant as licutenant-
governor; but the affair having been under consi-
deration before his Majesty in council, and fur-
VOL, III.
ther intelligence and directions. ‘The house were
not willing to admit that the instruction had any
respect to the salary of a lieutenant-governor, but
if it had they had given suflicient reasons against
it, and were determined to cone into no act for
fixing a salary. Having continued the session at
Cambridge until the 26th of September, he or-
dered an adjournment to the 29th of November,
at Boston, which was a further indication that he
did not intend to press the instruction; however,
at their first coming together he recommended to
them a compliance with it ; and upon their assur-
ing him, by a message, that although they could
not settle a salary, yet they were ready to give him
an ample and honourable support, he desired
them to lose no time about it, for he would accept
of no support unless it should be exactly conform-
able to his Majesty’s instruction. The house, not-
withstanding, made a grant of 750/. to enable
him to manage the affairs of government. The
council concurred with an amendment, adding
*¢ for the half year current ;” but this being fixing
asalary for half'a year the house refused it.
Upon the news of Mr, Burnet’s death Mr.
Belcher applied with all his powers to obtain the
commission for the government. Governor Shute
might have returned, but he declined it, and gee
nerously gave his interest to Mr. Belcher, who,
14 years before, had given 500/. sterling, which
was never repaid, to facilitate Colonel Shute’s ap-
pointment. The controversy, which it was sup-
posed a governor must be engaged in, caused
fewer competitors, and the ministry were the more
concerned to find a proper person. Lord Towns-
hend asked Mr. Wilks, who had much of his
confidence, whether he thought Mr. Belcher would
be able to influence the people to a compliance
with the king’s instructions, he replied that he
thought no man more likely. ‘Their choosing him
agent was a mark of their confidence in him, but
it seemed natural to expect that they would be
under stronger prejudices against him than against
# person who had never engaged in their fayour.
Mr. Belcher’s appointment occasioned the removal
of Mr. Dummer from the place of licutenant-go-
vernor. A young gentleman, with whose family
Mr. Wilks was connected, Mr. Thornton, Mr.
Belcher had engaged to provide for, and he had
no post in his gift worth accepting besides the nayal
office. To make a vacancy there, Colonel Tailer
was appointed lieutenant-governor. The plea-
sure, if there was any, in superseding Mr. Dum-
mer, who had superseded him before, could be
no equivalent for the difference between a post of |
u
50
[naked honour anda post of profit which gave him
a comfortable living. Mr. Dummer’s adniinistra-
tion has been justly well spoken of. His general
aim was to do public service. He was compelled
to some compliances which appeared to him the
least of two evils. It lessened him in Mr. Bur-
net’s esteem, who thought he should have shewn
more fortitude; but he retired with honour, and,
after some years, was clected into the council,
where, from respect to his former commission, he
took the place of president; but being thought
too favourable to the prerogative, after two or
three years he was left out. He seemed to lay this
slight more to heart than the loss of his commis-
sion, and aimed at nothing more the rest of his
life than otium cum dignitate, selecting for his
friends and acquaintance men of sense, virtue, and
religion, and enjoyed in life, for many years, that
fame, which, for infinitely wise reasons, the great
Creator has implanted in every generous breast a
desire cf, even after death.
Colone) Tailer’s commission was received and
published before Mr. Belcher’s arrival, and it
gave him an cpportunity of doing a generous
thing for Mr. Dummer. A vote had passed the
two houses granting him 900/. which, from a re-
ard to his instructions, he had not signed, nor
fad he expressly refused it, and the court having
been adjourned only, not prorogued, the next
meeting was considered as the same session, and
Colonel Tailer ventured to sign it, not being a
grant to himself and not against the letter of his
instructions, and it was really saving money to Mr.
Dummer; the grant being intended for services to
come as well as past, would not have been renewed,
or in part only.
Cuar. VII.
From the arrival of Governor Belcher in 1750,
to the reimbursement of the charge of the ex-
pedition against Cape Breton, and the abolition
of paper money, in 1749.
(Anno 1730.)—Mr. Belcher arrived the begin-
ning of August, in the Blandford man of war,
Captain Prothero.
No governor had been received with a shew of
greater joy. Both parties supposed they had an
interest in him. For men to alter their principles
and practice, according to their interest, was no
new thing. A sketch of Mr. Belcher’s lite and
character will in some measure account for his
obtaining the government, for the pone al events
in his administration, and for the loss of his com-
mission.
Being the only son of a wealthy father, he had
MASSACHUSETTS.
high views from the beginning of life, After an aca-
demical education in his own country he travelled
to Europe, was twice at Hanover, and was intro-
duced to the court there, at the time when the
Princess Sophia was the presumptive heiress to the
British crown, ‘The novelty of a British Ameri-
can, added to the gracefulness of his person,
caused distinguishing notice to be taken of ‘him,
which tended to increase that aspiring turn of
mind which was very natural tohim. Some years
aficr he made another voyage to England, being
then engaged in mercantile affairs, which, after
his return home, proved, in the general course of
them, rather unsuccessful, and seem to have sup-
pressed or abated the ruling passion; but bein.
chosen agent for the house of representatives, it
revived and was gratified to the utmost, by his
appointment to the government of Massachusetts
bay and New Hampshire, and discovered itself in
every part of his administration. Before he was
overnor, except in one instance, he had always
en a favourer of the prerogative, and after-
wards he did not fail of acting up to his principles.
A man of high principles cannot be too jealous of
himself, upon a sudden advancement to a place of
power. ‘The council never enjoyed less freedom
than in his time. He proposed matters for the
sake of their sanction rather than advice, rarel
failing of a majority to approve of his senti-
ments.
He lived eleganily in his family, was hospitable,
made great shew in dress, equipage, &c. and al-
though, by the depreciation of the currency, he
was curtailed of his salary, yet he disdained any
unwarrantable or mean ways of obtaining money
to supply his expences. By great freedom in con-
versation, and an unreserved censure of persons
whose principles or conduct be disapproved, he
made Himself many enemies. Ina private person
this may often pass with little notice, but from a
governor it is very hardly ve and some never
aa pursuing revenge until they saw him dis-
laced,
e The general court met the 9th of September.
The people waited with impatience the governor’s
first speech. Many flattered themselves that the
instruction for a fixed salary was withdrawn ;
others, that if it was continued, he would treat it
rather as Dudley and Shute had done than as his
immediate predecessor ; others, who did not ex-
pect a relaxation, were, from curiosity, wishing
to know how he would acquit himself with the
eople, who sent him to England to oppose the
instruction. After premising, that the honour of
the crown and interest of Great Britain are very |
ler an aca-
» travelled
was intro-
when the
ress to the
sh Ameri-
is person,
n of ‘him,
g turn of
ome years
nd, being
lich, after
| course of
have sup-
but bein
tatives, it
st, by his
sachusetts
ed itself in
ore he was
ad always
ind after-
principles.
jealous of
a place of
ss freedom
rs for the
ce, rarely
his senti-
hospitable,
c. and al-
rency, he
ained any
g money
bm in con-
pf persons
roved, he
late person
It from a
lome never
him dis-
eptember.
rovernor’s
s that the
thdrawn ;
Id treat it
1an_as his
not ex-
» wishing
with the
ppose the
honour of
are very |
MASSACHUSETTS. 51
fcom, “le with the privileges and liberties of the
plantar: .s, he tells the two houses, that he had it
in command from his royal master to communicate
to them his 27th instruction, respecting the gover-
nor’s support ; that whilst he was in England he
did every thing consistent with reason and justice
for preserving and lengthening out the peace and
welfare of the province ; that they were no strangers
to the steps taken by his Majesty with respect to
the tinhappy dispute between the late governor and
them, and he hoped, after such a struggle, they
would think it for the true interest of the province
to do what might be perfectly acceptable ; that
nothing prevented this controversy, and several
other suatters of dangerous consequence, being
laid before the parliament, but his Majesty’s great
lenity and Sootlhiaees which inclined him to give
them one opportunity more of paying a due regard
to what in his royal wisdom he thinks so just and
reasonable. Had he stopped here, perhaps less
could not have been expected from him; but he
unfortunately attempted to shew the similitude be-
tween the case of Cato shut up in Utica, and the
Massachusetts bay under the restraint of the royal
instruction, commended the wisdom of Cato in
making so brave a stand for the liberties of his
country, but condemned his putting an end to his
life, when affairs became desperate, rather than
submit to a power he could no longer resist ; which
instance he brought as some illustration of the late
controversy, though he would not allow it to run
parallel, Cesar being a tyrant, and the king the
protector of the liberties of his subjects.
It was said, upon this occasion, that the gover-
nor must allow that the Massachusetts assembly
had done wisely hitherto in defending their liber-
ties, for, otherwise, he had brought an instance of
a case in no one respect similar to theirs; and if
they had done so, it was because the instruction
was a mere exertion of power, and then the pa-
rallel would run farther than he was willing to
allow.
The instruction was conceived in much stronger
terms than that to Governor Burnet, and it is de-
clared that in case the assembly refuses to conform
to it, ‘* his Majesty will find himself under a ne-
cessity of laying the undutiful behaviour of the
province before the legislature of Great Britain not
only in this single instance but in many others of
the same nature and tendency, whereby it mani-
festly appears that this assembly, for some years
Jast past, have attempted by unwarrantable prac-
tices to weaken, if not cast off, the obedience the
owe to the crown, and the dependence which all
colonies ought to have on their mother country.”
And in the close of the instruction his Majesty ex-
pects, *¢ that they do forthwith comply with this
proposal as the last signification of our royal pleas
sure to them upon this subject, and if the said as-
sembly shall not think fit to comply therewith, it is
our will and pleasure ‘and you are required iinme-
diately to come over to this kingdom of Great
Britain, in order to give us an exact account of all
that shall have passed upon this subject, that we
may lay the same before our parliament.”
The house proceeded just as they had done with
Governor Burnet. ‘They made a grant to Mr, Bel-
cher of 1000/. currency for defraying the expence
of his voyage to New England and as a gratuity
for services whilein England ; and some time after,
they voted him a sum equat to 1000/. sterling, to
enable him to manage the public affairs, &c. but
would fix no time. ‘The council concurred it with
an amendment, viz. *¢ and that the same sum be
annually allowed for the governor’s support.’
This, without a fund for the payment of it, was
doing little more than the house had repeatedly
done by their declarations, that they doubted not
future assemblies would make the like honourable
provision for the governor's support according to-
the ability of the province; the amendment, not-
withstanding, was not agreed to, and the house
adhered to their own vote. This produced a se-
cond amendment, viz. ‘that the same sum should
be annually paid during his excellency’s continu.
ance in the government and residence here ;” but
this also wasnon-concurred. ‘The two houses then
conferred upon the subject, the governor being
present, and before they parted he made a long
speech, expressing the great pleasure the council
had given him in the part they had taken, and his
concern and surprise at the conduct of the house,.
in running the risk of the consequences of their
refusal to comply with the instruction, reminded
them of the vast expence which their former une
successful disputes with their governors had oc-
casioned to the province, but used no arguments
to convince them of the reasonableness of the des
mand and its compatibility with their rights and
privileges.
The small-pox being in the town-of Cambridge,
where the court sat, the house desired to rise, but
the governor let them know he would meet them
in any other town, and the same day ordered an
adjournment to Roxbury, where a bill passed both
houses for the support of the governor, but, not
coming up to the instruction, the governor could
not consent toit. ‘The country party in the house,
as much a solecism as it is, were the most zealous
for the prerogative, and except a few prerogative |
H 2
52
{men, who were always willing to fix the salary,
none went so great a length, at this time, towards
fixing it as those who opposed any one step to-
wards it under Mr. Burnet.
The people, in general, were well pleased with
the governor. It is not improbable that he would
have obtained the settlement of a salary during his
administration, if it had not been, in effect, a set-
tlement for his successors also, for such a precedent
could not easily have been resisted. ‘The two
parties which had long subsisted in the govern-
ment were vying, cach with the other, in measures
for an expedient or accommodation. The prero-
gative men were Mr. Belcher’s old friends, who
were pretty well satisfied that his going over to
the other side was not from any real affection tu
the cause, and that he must, sooner or later, differ
with those who adhered. to it, and for this event
they waited patiently. The other party, by whose
interest he had been sent to England, adhered to
him, expecting their reward. Accordingly, Mr.
Cooke was soon appointed a justice of the common
pleas for the county of Suffolk. ‘To make way
for him and another favourite, Colonel Byfield, to
whom Mr. Belcher was allied, two gentlemen,
Colonel Hutchinson and Culonel Dudley, were
displaced. They were both in principle steady
friends to government, and the first of them was a
fast friend to the governor. Mr. Belcher would
not have been able to advance so many of his
friends as he did, if he had not persuaded the
council, that upon the appointment of a new go-
vernor, it was necessary to renew all civil com-
missions. Having obtained this point, he took
the most convenient time to settle the several coun-
ties. Before he settled the county of York, he re-
commended to the judges a person for clerk of the
court. This officer the province law empowers
the judges to appoint. Some of them sent their
excuse, being well satisfied with the clerk they
had, wio was a faithful well-approved officer, but
the governor let the judges know, if he could not
appoint a clerk he could a judge, and accordingly
removed those who were not for his purpose and
appointed others in their stead, There was an in-
consistency, in delaying appointments, with the
principles he advanced. If new commissions
were necessary, they were necessary immediately,
and they might as well be delayed seven years as
one.
(Anno 1731.)—Two or threc sessions passed,
when little more was done, on the governor’s part,
than repeating his demand for a fixed salary, and
intimating that he should be obliged to go to Eng-
land and render an account of their behaviour to
MASSACHUSETTS.
the king. The major part of the house were very
desirous of giving satisfaction to the governor and
to their constituents both, but that could not be.
Mr. Cooke's friends in the town of Boston began to
be jealous of him, A bill was prepared, which sets
forth in the preamble, that settling a salary would
deprive the people of their rights as Englishmen.
In the purview, after granting 34002. which was
about equal to 1000/. sterling, itis further enacted,
that as his Majesty had been graciously pleased to
appoint J. B. Esq. to be the governor, who was a
native of the country, whose fortune was here,
who, when a member of the council, as well as
when in a private station, has always consulted the
true interest of his country as well as the honour
and dignity of the crown, therefore it is most so-
lemnly promised and engaged to his most excel-
lent Majesty that there shall be granted the like
sum for the like purpose at the beginning of the
sessions in May every year during the governor’s
continuance in the administration and residence
within the province, provided this act shall not be
pleaded as a precedent or binding on any future
assembly for fixing a salary on any succeeding go-
vernor, The bill is in Mr, Cooke’s hand-writing,
and it is minuted at the bottom that the governor
approved of it. ‘Ihe governor could not imagine
so evasive a thing could be approved in England.
He might hope to improve it as being a further ad-
vance than had been before made, and by using
this argument, that it would be much more ra-
tional for the house to do what they now had fully
in their power to do, than to make a solemn pro-
mise that another house should do the same thing,
the performance of which promise they would not
have in their own power. The. scheme failed, the
bill did not pass, and from that time Mr. Belcher,
despairing of carrying his point, turned his
thoughts to obtaining a relaxation of his instruc-
tion. Instead of applying himself, he advised to
an address from the house, not for the withdraw
of the instruction, but that the governor might have
leave to receive the sum granted. This was al-
lowed, but it was to be understood, that he was to
insist upon a compliance with his instruction as
much as ever. Leave for consent to particular
grants was obtained two or three years, and at
length, a general order of leave to receive such
suins as should be granted. ‘This was the issue of
the controversy about a fixed salary. Until Mr.
Belcher’s arrival, Mr. Cooke had differed from
most who, from time to time, have been recorded
in history for popular men, Generally, to pre-
serve the favour of the people, they must change
with the popular air, and when we survey a course}
2
vere very
rnor and
1 not be.
began to
yhich sets
ry would
plishmen,
hich was
‘enacted,
leased to
yho was a
vas here,
swell as
sulted the
e honour
$ most so-
ost excel-
d the like
ng of the
overnor’s
residence
all not be
ny future
eding go-
l-writing,
governor
t imagine
England.
irther ad.
by using
more ra-
had fully
ailed, the
Belcher,
ned his
Ss instruce
Ivised to
ithdraw
ight have
was al.
sy and at
ive such
ed from
recorded
to pre-
change
course |
fet action it will not appear altogether consistent.
He had the srt of keeping the people steady in the
applause of his measures. ‘To be careful never to
depart from the appearance of maintaining or en-
larging rights, liberties, and privileges, was all he
found necessary. As soon as he was defective in
this respect, and tried to secure his interest both
with the governor and town of Boston, he had like
to have lost both. In the election of representatives
for Boston, in 1733 or 1754, the governor’s party
appeared against him, he had ‘lost many of the
other party by what they called too great a com-
pliance, and he had a majority, after several trials,
of one or two votes only in 6 or 700.
The dispute about the manner of issuing money
out of the treasury was settled unfavourably for
the house. The charter provides, that all money
shall be issued by warrant from the governor with
advice and consent of the council. Until the year
1720 the money was brought into the treasury, by
a vote or act originating in the house, and destined
to certain purposes, and drawn out for those pur-
poses by warrant from the governor, with advice
&c. but after that, the house not only destined the
money when put into the treasury, but provided
that none of it, except some trifling sums for ex-
presses and the like, should be issued without a
vote of the whole court for payment. After such
a vote they were willing the governor should give
his warrant. This appeared to the king to render
his governor contemptible, and entirely to defeat
the provision in the oharten, and there was no pro-
spect of any relaxation of the instruction to the
overnor. When the servants of the government
iad suffered a long time for want of their money,
the house passed a bill which supplied the treasury
ina way not materially differing from what had
been in practice before 1720.
Mr. Belcher had another instruction not to con-
sent to the issuing any bills of credit for a longer
term than those were to remain current which had
before been issued, none of which extended beyond
the year 1741. It would have been but a small
burden upon the inhabitants to have paid the
charges of every year and the debt which lay upon
such year besides, but, instead of that wise meas
sure, they suffered one year after another to pass
with light taxes, and laid heavy burdens upon dis-
tant years, and the Jast year, 1741, had more laid
upon it than any four or five preceding years; and
although even this was far short of what has been
paid in some succeeding years, yet it was deemed
an insupportable burden, and it was generally sup-
pored the promises made by the acts of government
o draw in the bills in that year would by some
MASSACHUSETTS. 53
means or other be evaded or openly violated. Mr,
Belcher seemed determined to adhere to his in-
struction, and there was an expectation of some
great convulsion, which was prevented by his being
superseded before that period arrived.
The project, of which we have already taken no-
tice, for settling thee. country, Captain Coram pur-
sued until he procured an order or instruction to
Colonel Phillips, the governor of Nova Scotia, in
7130, totake possession ofthe land between St. Croix
and Kennebeck, and 30 men with an officer were
sent to the fort at Pemaquid, built by the Massachu-
setts. Colonel Dunbar, a gentleman out of em-
ploy, came over about the same time, took the
command of the fort, and assumed the government
of that part of the province. Mr. Belcher was ap-
plied to by the proprietors of the lands there, and
the house of representatives asserted the right of
the province. The governor, with advice of coun-
cil, issued a proclamation requiring the inhabitants
to remain in their obedience and due subjection to
the laws and government of the province. This
seems to have been all that in prudence he could
do. Some were for taking further measures to
remove Dunbar, which, as he had a royal commis-
sion, however liable to exceptions, Mr. Belcher
thought by no means warrantable. ‘The minds of
the people were inflamed, and when Dunbar came
up to Boston he persisted in his claim to the coun-
try, which, with reports of some not very decent
expressions of the governor, raiscd the resentment
of many. Persons of ill design perhaps might
have been able to have causeda tumult. ‘The
lands indeed were claimed by a few particular
persons, but it was spread abroad that when this
country should be detached from the rest of the
province the supplies of fuel to the sea-port towns
would cease, or be burdened with heavy duties,
and the poor oppressed.
(Anno 1732.)—It happened that Mr. Samuel
Waldo, a gentleman of good capacity and who
would not easily relinquish his right, undertook for
the proprietors of the principal tract of the country
claimed, and upon representation to his Majesty in
council, the order to Phillips and the authority to
Dunbar were revoked in 1732, and the govern-
ment of the province afterwards thought it proper
to place a garrison in their own pay at fort Fre-
derick, the name given by Dunbar to the fort at
Pemaquid.
Weshall take notice of twoor three only and those
the most remarkable events during the rest of Mr.
Belcher’s administration.
(Anno 1733.)—In 1733, there was a general com-
plaint throughout the four goveruments of New]
54 MASSACHUSETTS.
{England of the unusual scarcity of money. There
was as large a sum current in bills of credit as ever,
but the bills having depreciated they answered the
purposes of money so much less in proportion.
I'he Massachusetts and New Hampshire were
clogged with royal instructions. It was owing to
them that those governments had not issued bills to
as great an amount as Rhode Island. Connecti-
cut, although under no restraint, yet consisting of
more husbandmen and fewer traders than the rest,
did not so much feel the want of money. The
Massachusetts people were dissatisfied that Rhode
Island should send their bills among them, and take
away their substance and employ it in trade, and
many people -vished to sec the bills of each go-
vernment current within the limits of such govern-
mentonly. In the midst of this discontent, Rhode
Island passed an act for issuing 100,0002. upon loan,
for 20 years, to their own inhabitants, who would
immediately have it in their power to add 100,000/.
to their trading stock from the horses, sheep, lum-
ber, fish, &c. of the Massachusetts inhabitants.
The merchants of Boston therefore confederated,
and mutually promised and engaged not to receive
any bills of this new emission, but to provide a
currency. A large number formed themselves into a
company, entered into covenants, chose directors,
&c. ‘and issued 110,000/. redeemable in 10 years,
in silver at 19s. per ounce, the then current rate,
or gold in proportion, a tenth part annually,
About the same time the Massachusetts treasury,
which had been long shut, was opened, and the
debts of two or three years were all paid at one time
in bills of credit; to this was added the ordinary
emissions of bills from New Hampshire and Con-
necticut, and some of the Boston merchants,
tempted by an opportunity of selling their English
goods, having broke through their engagements
and received the Rhode Island bills, all the rest
soon followed the example. All these emissions
made a flood of money, silver rose from 19s. to 27s.
the ounce, and exchange with all other countries
consequently rose also, and every creditor was de-
frauded of about one third of his just dues. As
soon as silyer rose to 27s. the notes issued by the
merchants payable at 19s. were hoarded up and
no longer answered the purposes of money. Al-
thougb the currency was lessened by taking away
the notes, yet what remained never increased in
value, silver continuing several years about the
same rate, until it took another large jump. Thus
very great injustice was caused by this wretched
paper currency and no relief of any sort obtained ;
for, by this sinking in value, though the nominal
sum was higher than it bad ever been before, yet
the currency would produce no more sterling money
than it would have done before the late emissions
were made,
(Anno 1737.)—In 1737, a controversy which
had long subsisted between the two governments
of Massachusetts bay and New Hampshire was
heard by commissioners for that purpose appoint-
ed by the crown. Various attempts had been
made to settle this dispute, and it had been often
recommended by the crown to the assemblies of
the two provinces to agree upon arbiirators from
neighbouring governments, and to pass acts which
should bind each province to be subject to their
determinations. Several such acts passed, but they
were not exactly conformable one to the other, or
the operation of them was by some means or other
obstructed. ‘The Massachusetts refused terms
which afterwards they would gladly have accepte
ed. ‘They have done the like in other contro-
versies. Long possession caused them to be loth
to concede any part of the tervitory. New Hamp-
shire took its name from the grants made by the
council of Plymouth to Captain John Mason.
Of these there had been four or five, all containing
more or less of the same lands. Exceptions were
taken to all of them, and that which was the least
imperfect was dated after the grant of Massa-
chusetts bay, so that the whole controversy turned
upon the construction of the Massachusetts charters.
The first charter made the 2. boundary to be three
miles to the . of Merrimack river, or to the
n. of any and every part thereof. After running
w. about 30 miles from the sea the river alters its
course and tends to the z. ; or, to speak with more
propriety, having run from its crotch or the mcet-
ing of Pemigewasset river and Winnepissiauke
pond to the s. about 50 miles, it then tends to the
e. about 3U miles, until it empties into the sea.
It was urged by the advocates for Massachusetts
colony that their boundary was to be three miles
to the n. of the northernmost part of the river, and
to extend e. and w. from the Atlantic to the S, sea.
This swallowed all New Hampshire and the greatest
part of the province of Maine. At a hearing
hetore the king in council, in 1677, the agents for
Massachusetts, by advice, disclaimed all right of
jurisdiction beyond the three miles 2. of the river
according to the course, and it was determined
they had a right as far as the river extended, but
how far the river did extend was not then expressly
mentioned. It seems, however, not to have been
doubted, for although at the time of the grant of
the first charter it does not appear that the course
was known any great distance from the sea, yet
soon after the government was transferred from
ling money
€ emissions
‘rsy which
overnments.
pshire was
2 appointe
hall been
been often
semblies of
‘ators from
acts which
ect to their
d, but they
ec other, or
ns or other
sed terms
ave accepte
ier contro-
to be loth
ew Hamp-
ade by the
n Mason.
containing
itions were
as the least
of Massa-
rsy turned
's charters.
o be three
or to the
er running
alters its
with more
the mcet-
epissiauke
nds to the
o the sea.
sachusetts
hree miles
river, and
he S. sea.
he ereatest
hearing
gents for
I right of
the river
ded, but
expressly
ave been
MASSACHUSETTS. 5B
[Old England to New, it was 2s well known by the
name of Merrimack as far as Penicook as it is
at this day, and the tribe of Indians which dwelt
there had a correspondence with the English, and
in 1689 persons were employed by the government
of Massachusetts to explore that part of the coun-
try, and there are still preserved the testimonies of
divers persons, declaring that they before that time
always understood the river to be called by the
same name from the crotch to the mouth. If the
first charter of the Massachusetts had continued,
it is not probable any diferent construction would
ever have been started ; but in the new charter
the boundary is thus expressed, ‘* extending from
the great river commonly called Monomack alias
Merrimack on the 7. part, and from three miles 2. of
the said rivertothe Atlantic or W. sea or ocean on
the s. part, &c.” ‘The whole, however, of the old
colony being included in the new province, many
years passed without any thought of a different
construction of bounds in the two charters, and the
disputes between New Hampshire and the Massa-
chusetts have been, principally, concerning the
towns of Salisbury and Haverhill, which, when
first granted by the Massachusetts, were made to
extend more than three miles from the river, and
the part beyond the three miles remained under
the jurisdiction by which they had been granted,
which New Hampshire complained of. A new
line to begin three miles 2. of the mouth of Merri-
mack and so run w. to the S. sea, is a modern
construction. Some hints had been given of such
a line before or about the year 1796, and it was
supposed by New Hampshire that the Massa-
chusetts were induced thereby to make grants of
townships between Merrimack and Connecticut
river, in order to strengthen their title by possession.
Still there was a prospect of accommodation, and
in the year 1731, the committees from the assem-
blies of the two provinces differed only pon the
point of equivalents, the Massachusetts desiring to
retain under their jurisdiction the whole of those
towns which lay upon the river, and to give other
lands as an equivalent for the property; but
about the same time the gentlemen of New Hamp-
shire, who had for many years before been at the
helm, thinking, and perhaps justly, that they were
not well treated by Mr. Belcher, determined to
exert themselves to obtain a governor for that
province, and to remain no longer under the same
soretnce with the Massachusetts. They had
ut little chance for this unless they could enlarge
their bounds. The very proposal of a distinct
government, as it increased the number of officers
of the crown, they thought would be a favourable
citcumstance in setiling the controversy with
Massachusetts.
The house of representatives of, New Hamp-
shire, October 7, 1731, by a vote appointed John
Rindge, Esq. a merchant there who was bound to
England, their agent, to solicit the settlement of the
boundaries. But their main dependence was upon
Mr. 'Thomlinson, a gentleman who had been in
New Hampshire, and was then a merchant of note
in London, and perhaps was as capable of conduct-
ing their cause as any person they could have
vitched upon. He had the friendship of Colonel
laden, who at that day had great weight in the
board of trade, and had conceived very unfa-
vourable sentiments of the Massachusetts in general,
and did not like Mr. Belcher the governor. He
employed a solicitor, Ferdinando Paris, one of the
first rate, and who had a peculiar talent at slurring
the characters of his antagonists. Many of his
briefs have been snown to abound in this way.
The first step in consequence of Mr. Rindge’s
petition was a question sent by the lords of trade to
the attorney and solicitor general for their opinion,
“ From what part of Merrimack river the three
miles from whence the dividing line between the
province of New Hampshire and the province of
the Massachusetts bay is to begin, ought to be
taken, according to the intent of the charter of
William and Mary?” ‘This was a plain intimation
that if the point where to begin could be settled,
nothing more was necessary, the w. line claimed
by New Hampshire was to tollow of course, The
Massachusetts agent (Mr. Wilks), by his counsel,
would say nothing upon the question, because it
would not determine the matters in dispute.
Report was made, however, that it ought to segin
three miles n. of the mouth of Merrimack river.
It was then proposed that commissioners should be
appointed to settle this controversy. ‘lhis the
Massachusetts were averse to, unless they knew
who they were to be. ‘They were at the same
time afraid of its being determined in England
ev parte, if they should refuse to consent. A
committee of the general court reported, that the
agent should be instructed that the province would
agree to commissioners to be appointed to settle
the controversy here. This report was accepted,
the house intending the commissioners should be
agreed upon by the two governments, some of the
committee intending the agent should understand
his instructions, to consent to the appointment of
commissioners provided they sat here or in one of
the two governments. A comma after the word
appointed and after the word controversy would
give the sense of the house, the last comma left}
l
: 66
font, it might be taken in the sense of the committee ;
ut as it is most probable the letter had no. regular
pointing, their meaning was to be guessed at.
This was treating the agent ill, and he was
censured by the house for not observing his
instructions, ‘This account of the affair was col-
lected from some of the committee, who excused
themselves for this equivocal report as being
necessary for the public service, the house not
being willing to consent to an explicit submission.
It was made a condition of the submission that
private property: should not be affected. The
ministry in later instances have not waited for
an express submission, but have appointed com-
missionegs upon application from one party only.
The commissioners were all such as the New
Hampshire agent proposed, five counsellors from
each of the governments of New Y ork, Rhode Island,
and Nova Scotia, With the two former govern-
ments the Massachusetts were then in controversy
about lines. The latter, it was said, was disaffected
to charter government.’ Connecticut, proposed by
Massachusetts, was rejected because of a bias from
their trade, religion, &c. which New Hampshire
was afraid of. ‘The place for the meeting of com-
missisoners was Hampton in New Hampsire, the
first of August.
The commissioners from Nova Scotia, with some
of Rhode Island, met at the time appointed, and
were afterwards joined by Mr. Livingstone from
New York, who presided. After many weeks
spent in hearing the parties and examining their
evidence, the only Coubt in the commissioners
minds was, whether the Massachusetts new charter
comprehended the whole of the old colony,
Not being able to satisfy themselves, and perhaps
not being unwilling to avoid the determination,
they agreed to make a special judgment or decree,
the substance of which was, that, if the charter of
William and Mary grants to the Massachusetts
bay all the lands granted by the charter of Charles
I. they then adjudge a curve line to begin three
miles 2. of the mouth of the riversand to keep the
same distance from the river as far as the crotch
or parting at Pemigewasset and W innepissiauke,
and then to run w. towards the S, sea until it meets
with his Majesty’s other governments ; but if the
charter of William and Mary did not contain,
&c. then they adjudge aw. line to begin at the
same place three miles . of the mouth and to run
to the S. sea. This point in doubt they submitted
to his Majesty’s royal pleasure.
The Massachusetts were sure of their. cause. ,,It
was impossible, they thought, consistent with com-
mon sense, that the point indoubt shaould be deter-
MASSACHUSETTS.
mined against them. They thought it safest,
however, to send to England a special agent,
Edmund Quincy, Esq. one of the council, who
had been one of the court's agents before the com-
missioners. He.,was joined with Mr, Wilks, and
Mr.. Belcher by his. interest prevailed upon:the
assembly toadd a third, his'wife’s brother, Richard
Partridge. Exceptions, called an appeal, were
offered to the judgment, of the commissioners, Mr.
Quincy died of the small pox by inoculation, soon
after his arrival in London, the other two knew
little or nothing of the controversy. The com-
missioners, however, had rendered it as difficult
to. determine a line against the Massachusetts as if
they had givena general judgment in their favour.
The New Hampshire agent and solicitor thought
of no expedient. In their brief they pray the
lords committee to report, ‘ that all the lands | ying
to the n. of Merrimack river, which were grante
by the charter of King Charles I. to the late: colony
of the Massachusetts ¥ are not granted to the
present province of the Massachusetts bay by the
charter of King William and Queen Mary.”
This never could have'been done. At the hear-
ing, it was thought proper: to lay: aside all re-
gard. to ihe judgment of the commissioners, and
to proceed upon an entirely new plan. : No doubt
was made, that the old colony was all included in
the new province. ‘The question was, what were
the n. hounds of the colony of Massachusetts bay,
which the council of Plymouth when they sold the
territory to the patentees, and the king when he
ranted the jurisdiction, ‘had in contemplation ?
‘his, it was said, must be a line three miles x. of
a river not fully explored, but whose gencral
course was supposed to be e. and w. So far
therefore as it afterwards appeared that the river
kept this course, so far it was equitable the line
should continue ; but, as on the one hand, if the
river had altered its course and turned to thes.
it would have been inequitable to have reduced the
grant toa very small iract, so on the other hand,
when it appeared to turn to the x. it was incqui-
table to extend the grant and make a very large
territory, and therefore defeat other grants made
about the same time. 1t was therefore determined
that the 2. boundaries of Massachusetts bay should
be a line three miles from the river as far as
Pantucket falls, then run w, 10° 2. until it meets
New York line. :
The Massachusetts thought themselves aggriev-
ed. ‘They submitted the controversy to com-
missioners to be appointed by the crown,, and: had
been fully heard. ‘I'he whole proceedings of the
commissioners were set aside, and, without any}
it safest,
il agent,
cil, who
the com-
ilks, and
upon.the
Richard
val, were
ners, Mr.
ion, soon
two knew
‘he com-
3 difficult
setts as if
ir favour.
r thought
pray the
nds lying
ners, and
No doubt
cluded in
what were
setis bay,
y sold the
m when he
plation ?
iles n. of
gencral
. So far
the river
e the line
hd, if the
to thes.
duced the
her hand,
as inequi-
ery large
ints made
letermined
ay should
las far as
il it meets
aggtievs
to com-
; and: had
gs of the
out any }
MASSACHUSETTS. 57
[notice to the government, the controversy was
determined by a committee of council upon a new
point, on which their agent had never been instruct.
ed, And however there might be the appearance
of equity in the principle upon which their lord-
ships proceeded, yet the Massachusetts supposed,
if their possession for 100 years, together with the
determination of the hing in council in 1677, and
the acquiescence of all parties in this determination
for about 50 years, had been urged and duly
weighed, the balance, upon the sole principle of
equity, would have been in their favour. It increase
ed their mortification to find that they had lost by
this new line several hundred thousand acres more
than the utmost claim ever made by New Hamp-
shire; for Merrimack river, from the mouth to
Pantucket falls tending tothe s. it made a difference
of four or five miles in breadth, the whole length
of the line, between a line to run x. from Pantucket
falls and a line w. from the black rocks.
The dispute about the bounds of the province
of Maine, which lies on the other side New Hamp-
shire, was upon the construction of the word
northwestward. The Massachusetts urged that
it was the evident design of the granters of the pro-
vince of Maine to describe a territory about 120
miles square. At that day this was probably the
reputed distance trom Newichawannock or Pisca-
taqua river to Kennebeck, along the sea-coast, the
general course of which was 7. e. and s, w.; after
going upthe two rivers to the heads, the lines were
fo run north-westward until 120 miles were finished,
and then a line back parallel to the line upon the sea,
The agents for New Hampshire, at the court of
commissioners, insisted that every body understood
northwestward to be 7. a little, perhaps less than a
quarter ofa point w. It not being possible to think
of any reason for a line to run upon this course, the
Massachusetts could scarce suppose the New Hamp-
shire agents to be serious, and imagined the coms
missioners would need no other reply than that
every body understood a line running w. to be a
line trom e. to w. and by the same rule of construc-
tion they supposed north-westward to be from s. e.
ton, w.; that north-castward being explained in
the same grant tobe as the coast lay, proved in fact
tobe from s. w.to n. ¢. They were, however, sure
prised with the determination of the commissioners,
that north-westward intended x, 2° w. Why not 1°
or 3° as wellas 2°. I’rom this part of the judgment
the Massachusetts appealed. ‘The agents in Eng-
land obtained the celebrated Doctor Halley’s opi-
nion, in writing under his hand, that in the lan-
guage and understanding of mathematicians a line
fo run north-westward isa line to run n, w. but this
VOL. 111,
opinion did not prevail, and the judgment of the
commissioners upon this point was confirmed by
his Majesty in council.
It behoved Mr. Belcher, the governor of both
provinces, to carry an even hand. It happened,
that the general court of the Massachusetts, whilst
it sat at Salisbury on the occasion of this con-
troyersy, made hima grant of 800/. currency, in
consideration of the deficiency of their former
grants, for his salary and his extraordinary expence
and trouble in attending the court ata distance from
his house and family. Soon after this grant, he
adjourned the general courts of both provinces,
in order to their determining whether to abide
by the result of the commissioners or to appeal
from it, but the court of New Hampshire was
adjourned to a day or two after the Massachusetts
court, and it was said they were prevented entering
the appeal within the time limited. He did not
care that either assembly should do any business
when he was absent, and therefore intended first to
finish the Massachusetts business, and immediately
after proceed to New Hampshire.
This afforded matter of complaint from that
province, which Mr. Belcher was called upon to
answer, and it was determined the complaint was
well founded ; and it being urged that the 800/.
was intended as a bribe to influence him to this
measure, the Massachusetts thought their own
honour concerned, and joined with him in his
defence, which perhaps increased the suspicion of
guilt and hastened hisremoyal, 'That we may finish
what relates to the controversy between the two
provinces, we must take notice of the conduct
of the Massachusetts upon the receiving his Ma-
Jesty’s order in council. The lines, by the order,
were to be run by two surveyors, one on the part of
each province ; but if cither province refused, the
other was to proceed ex parte. New Hampshire,
whose highest expectations were exceeded, propos-
ed to join, but were refused by the Massachusetts,
and thereupon appointed surveyors to run the lines
of the Massachusetts and province of Maine ex
parte. Both lines were complained of as being run
favourably for New Hampshire : that of the pro-
vince of Maine became a subject of new controversy,
it having been suggested that the surveyor mistook
the main branch of the river Newichewannock,
which if he had pursued would have made five or
six miles in breadth to the advantage of Massa-
chusetts. This refusal to join proceeded from the
feeble irresolute state of the minds of the house of
representatives. Unwilling by any act of their
own to express their sibmission to what they call-
ed an unequal deer), they ran the risk of its]
1
e
58 MASSACHUSETTS.
[being carried into execution still more unequally,
and yet succeeding houses, by a subsequent long
continued passive submission, as effectually subject-
cd the province, as if the same had been explicitly
acknowledged at first.
(Anno 1738.)—After the controversy about the
governor’s salary and the supply of the treasury
was finished, there seemed to be a general dis-
position to rest, and we hear little of a party in
opposition to the governor for several years (ogether,
Whilst the controversy with New Hampshire was
depending, all of every party engaged in defence
of the right of the province. Besides, Mr. Cooke,
who had been many years at the head of the
papiiee party, was worn out with service, and
aving been some time in a declining state, died in
the fall of 1737; and the town of Boston were so
far from an apprehension of danger to their liberties
that they chose in his stead Mr, Wheelwright, the
commnissiary general, who depended upon the
governor every year for his approbation after
being elected by the council and house, and in
1738 three of the representatives of the town bad
the character of friends to government; but towards
the end of the year a great clamour arose against
the governor for adhering to his instruction about
paper money, and against the three representatives
for their pernicious principles upon the subject of
paper money; and at the town election for 1739
three others were chosen in their stead, two of
them professedly disaffected to the governor and
promoters of popular measures, the third, although
of great integrity, and for that reason desirous of
a fixed currency, yet in his judgment against
reducing the paper money, and a favourer of
schemes for preventing its depreciation,
(Anno 1759.)—Many country towns followed
the example of Boston, and it appeared that a
majority of the house were of the same principles
with the town members. After Mr, Belcher’s
arrival, the house, as we have observed, had passed
a vote for depositing 5002. sterling in the bank of
England, to be used as they or their successors
should think proper. ‘This was concurred in
council, and consented to by the governor. This
moncy it was said could not be better applied than
in soliciting a relaxation of the governor’s instruc:
tion concerning paper money, and Mr, Kilby, one
of the Boston representatives, was chosen agent for
the house, and a petition was by him presented
from the house to his Majesty in council, but it had
no effect.
A general dread of drawing in all the paper
money without a substitution of any other instru-
ment of trade in the plaice of it, disposed a great
part of the province to favour what was called the
ate bank or manufactory scheme, which was
begun or rather revived in this year 1759, and
produced such great and lasting mischiets that a
particular relation of the rise, progress, and overs
throw of it, may be of use to discourage and
prevent any attempts of the like nature in future
ages. By a strange conduct in the general court
they had been issuing bills of credit for 8 or 10
years annually for charges of .government, and
being willing to ease each present year, they had
put off the redemption of the bills as far as they
could, but the governor being restrained by his
instruction from going beyond the year 1741, that
year was unreasonably loaded with 20 or 40,0007,
sterling taxes, which, according to the general
opinion of the people, it was impossible to levy,
not only on account of the large sum, but because
all the bills in the province were but just sufficient
to pay it, and there was very little silver or gold,
which by an act of government was allowed to be
paid for taxes as equivalent to the bills, A scheme
was laid before the general court by a person of
eminence, and then one of the representatives of
soston, in which it was proposed to borrow in
England upon interest, and to import into the
province, a sum in silver equal to all the bills
then extant, and therewith to redeem them from the
possessors and furnish a currency for the inhabi-
tants. and to repay the silver at di ‘ant periods,
which would render the burden of taxes tolerable
by an equal division on a number of future years,
and would prevent the distress of trade by the loss
of the only instrument, the bills of credit, without
another provided in its place. But this proposal
was rejected, One great frailty of human nature,
an inability or indisposition to compare a distant,
though certain inconvenience or distress with a
present convenience or delight, was said by some
strangers, wii came hither from Europe, to be
prevalent in Americans, so as to make it one of
their distinguishing characteristics. Be that as
it may, it is certain that at this time a great num.
ber of private persons, alleging that the preceding
general court having suflered the province to be
brought into distress, from which it was not in the
power of their successors to aflord relief, the royal
instruction being a bar to any future emissions of
bills until all that were then extant should be
redeemed, resolved to interpose. Royal instrucs
tions were no bar to the proceedings of private
persons. ‘The project of a bank in the year 1714
was revived.
(Anno 1740.)—The projector of that bank now
put himself at the head of 7 of 800 persons, }
¢C
called the
vhich was
1759, and
iets that a
and overs
rage and
¢ in future
neral court
xr S$ or 10
nent, and
they had
far as they
ned by his
741, that
1 40,0002.
he general
© to levy,
ut because
t sufficient
ror gold,
wed to be
A scheme
| person of
itatives of
borrow in
rt into the
the bills
n from the
he inhabi-
it periods,
> tolerable
ure years,
»y the loss
(, without
s proposal
an nature,
a distant,
ss with a
by some
pe, to be
it one of
Be that as
rreat nume
preceding
nce to be
not in the
, the royal
nissions of
should be
L instruce
of private
year 1714
bank now
persons, ]
MASSACHUSETTS. 59
some few of rank and good estate, but generally of
condition among the plebeians and of small
estate, and many of them perhaps insolvent. ‘This
notable company were to give credit to 150,000/.
lawlul money, to be issued in bills, each person
being to mortgage a real estate in proportion to the
sums he subscribed and took out, or to give bond
with two sureties, but personal security was not to
be taken for more than 100/. from any one person,
Ten directors and a treasurer were to be chosen by
the company. Every subscriber or partner was
to pay three per cent. interest for the sum taken
out, and five per cent, of the principal, and he
that did not pay bills might pay the produce and
manufacture of the province at such rates as the
directors from time to time should set, and they
should commonly pass in lawful money, The
pretence was, that by thus furnishing a medium
and instrument of trade, not only the inhabitants
in general would be better able to procure the pro-
vince bills of credit for their taxes, but trade, fo-
reign and inland, would revive and flourish, ‘The
fate of the project was thought to depend upon the
opinion which the general court should form of it.
It was necessary therefore to have a house of res
presentatives well disposed. Besides the 800 per-
sons subscribers, the needy part of the province
in general favoured the scheme. One of their
votes will go as far in popular elections as one of
the most opulent. The former are most numerous,
and it appeared that by far the majority of the re-
presentatives for 1740 were subscribers to or fa-
vourers of the scheme, and they have ever since
been distinguished by the name of the Land Bank
House,
Men of estates, and the principal merchants in
the province, abhorred the project and refused to
receive the bills, but great numbers of shopkeepers
who had lived for a long time before upon the
fraud of a depreciating currency, and many small
traders, gave credit to the bills. ‘lhe directors, it
was said, by a vote of the company, became
traders, and issued just what bills they thought
proper, without any fund or security for their ever
being redeemed, They purchased every sort of
commodity, ever so much a drug, for the sake of
pushing off their bills, and by one means or other
a Jarge sum, perhaps 50 or 60,0007, was abroasl.
To lessen the temptation to receive the bills, a
company of merchants agreed to issue their notes
or bills, redeemable by silver and gold at distant
periods, much like the scheme in 1738, and at-
tended with no better effect. The governor ex-
erted himself to blast this fraudulent undertaking,
the land bank, Not only such civil and military
officers as were directors or partners, but all who
received or paid any of the bills, were displaced,
The governor negatived the person chosen speaker
of the house, being a director of the bank, and
afterwards negatived 13 of the neweclected coun-
sellors who were directors or partners in or res
puted favourers of the scheme. But all was ins
sufficient to suppress it, Perhaps the major part,
in number, of the inhabitants of the province,
openly or secretly, were well-wishers to it. Que of
the directors afterwards was said to ackaowledge,
that although he entered in the company with a
view to the public interest, yet when he found
what power and influence they had in all public
concerns, he was convinced it was more than be-
longed to them, more than they could make a good
use of, and therefore unwarrantable. Many of the
most sensible discreet persons in the province saw
a general confusion at hand, The authority of
parliament to controul all public and private per-
sons and proceedings in the colonies was, in that
day, questioned by nobody. Application was
therefore made to parliament for an act to sup-
press the company, which, notwithstanding the
opposition made by their agent, was very easily
obtained; and therein it was declared, that the act
of the sixth of King George I. chap. 18, did,
does, and shall extend to the colonies and plantas
tions in America. It was said the act of George 1,
when it passed, had no relation to America, but
another act 20 years after gave it a force even from
the passing it, which it never could have had
without. This was said to be an instance of the
transcendent power of parliament. Although the
company was dissolved, yet the act of parliament
gave the possessors of the bills a right of action
against every partner or director for the sums ex-
pressed, with interest. The company were in
amaze, At a gencral meeting some, it was said,
were for running all hazards, although the act sub-
jected them to a pramunire; but the directors had
more prudence, and advised them to declare that
they considered themselves dissolved, and met only
to consult upon some method of redeeming their
bills trom the possessors, which every man engaged
to endeavour tn proportion to his interest, and to
pay into the directors, or some of them, to burn or
destroy. Had the company issued their bills at
ihe value expressed in the face of them, they would
have had no reason to complain of being obliged
to redeem them at the same rate, bat as this: was
not the case in general, and many of the possessors
of the bills had acquired them for half their value, |
12
60 MASSACHUSETTS.
| as expressed, equity could not be done ; and so far
us respected the company perhaps the parliament
was not very anxious, the loss they sustained being
but a just penalty for their unwarrantable undere
taking, if it had been properly applied. Had not
the parliament interposed, the province would
have been in the utmost confusion, and the aus
thority of government entirely in the land bank
company.
Whilst Mr. Belcher, by his vigorous opposition
to the land bank, was rendering himself obnoxi-
ous te one half the people of the province, meas
sures were pursuing in’ England for his removal
from the government. Besides the attempts which
we have mentioned trom New Hampshire, which
had never been laid aside, there had always been
a disaflected party in Massachusetts, who had been
using what interest they had in England against
him. Lord Wilmington, president of the coun-
cil, the speaker of the house of commons, and Sir
Charles Wager, first lord of the admiralty, all had
a favourable opinion of Mr. Belcher, so had Mr.
ffolden, who was at the head of the dissenters in
England, aad all, upon one occasion or another,
had appeared for him,
‘The most unfair and indirect measures were used
with each of these persons to render Mr. Belcher
obnoxious and odious to them, ‘The first instance
was several years before this time. A letter was
sent to Sir Charles Wager in the name of five per-
sons, whose hands were counterfeited, with an in-
sinuation that Mr. Belcher encouraged the de-
struction of the pine-trees reserved for masts for
the navy, and suffered them to be cut into logs
for boards, Forgeries of this sort strike us with
more horror than false insinuations in conversation,
and perhaps are equally misehievous in their ef-
fects, The latter may appear the less criminal, be-
cause abundantly more common.
An anonymous letter was sent to Mr, Holden,
but the contents of it declared, that it was the let-
ter of many of the principal ministers of New
fngland, who were afraid to publish their nomes
lest Mr. Belcher should ruin them, The charge
against him was, a secret undermining the Congre-
gational interest, in concert with commissary Price
and Dr. Cutler, whilst at the same time he pretended
to Mr. Holden and the other dissenters in England
to have it much at heart. ‘To remove suspicion of
fraud, the letter was superscribed in writing either
in imitation of Dr. Colman’s hand, a correspon-
dent of Mr. Holden, or, which is more probable, a
cover of one of his genuine letters had been taken
off by a person of not an unblemished character,
to whose care it was committed, and made use of
to inclose the spurious one, ‘Truth and right are
more frequently, in a high degree, violated in poe
litical contests and animositics than upon any other
occasion, It was well known that nothing would
more readily induce a person of so great virtue as
the speaker to give up Mr. Belcher than an ine
stance of corruption and bribery, The New
Hampshire agents therefore furnished him with the
votes of the Massachusetts assembly, containing
the grant of 800/, and evidence of the adjourn.
ment of New Hampshire assembly, alleged to be
done in consequence; nor was he undeceived until
it was too late,
Mr. Wilks, the Massachusetts agent, who was
in great esteem with Lord Wilmington, and was
really a person of a fair upright mind, had pres
vented any impressions to Mr, Belcher's prejudice,
but it unluckily happened that the land) bank
company employed Ievchard Partridge, brother by
marriage to Mr, Belcher, as their agent. He had
been many years agent for his brother, which fact
was well ino to his lordship, but, from an exe
pectation of obtaining the sole agency of the pro-
vince by the interest of the prevailing party there,
engaged zealously in opposing the petitions to the
house of commons, and gave out bills at the door
of the house. It was said that all Mr. Belcher’s
opposition to the scheme, in the province, was
mere pretence ; had he been in earnest, his agent
in England would never venture to appear in sup-
port of it, and this was improved with Lord Wil-
mington to induce him to give up Mr, Belcher,
and it succeeded. Still the removal was delayed
one week after another, two gentlemen from the
Massachusetts contiaually soliciting, At length,
it being known that Lord Kuston’s election for
Coventry was dubious, one of these gentlemen
undertook to the Duke of Grafton to secure the
election, provided Mr, Belcher might immediately
be removed, and, to accomplish his design, he re-
presented to Mr. Maltby, a large dealer in Coven-
try stufls and a zealous dissenter, that Mr. Belcher
was, with the Episcopal clergy, conspiring the ruin
of the Congregational interest in New England, and
unless he was immediately removed it would be ir-
recoverably lost ; that the Duke of Grafton had
promised, if Lord Euston’s election could be se-
cured, it should be done ; that letters to his friends
in Coventry would infallibly secure it; that he
could not better employ his interest than in the
cause of God and of religion. Maltby swallowed
the bait, used all his interest for Lord Euston, the
two gentlemen spent three weeks at Coventry, and |
Saige
ude use of
right are
ted in poe
any other
ing would
L virtue as
an an ine
‘he New
n with the
ontaining
adjourn.
gel to be
ived until
who was
and was
, had pre
prejudice,
and) bank
brother by
He had
vhich fact
mM AN eXe
‘the pros
irty there,
ons to the
| the door
Belcher’s
ince, was
his agent
ar in sup.
ord Wile
. Belcher,
s delayed
from the
t length,
rction for
rentlemen
cure the
nediately
rn, he ree
n Coven-
» Belcher
the ruin
land, and
luld be irs
fton had
ld be see
is friends
that he
n in the
vallowed
ston, the
ry, and |
MASSACHUSETTS. 61
{having succeeded agreeable to the Duke’s promise,
r; Belcher was removed a day or two after their
return, ‘This account was received from Mr,
Maltby himself, who lamented that he had sut-
fered himself to be so easily imposed on,
A few weeks longer delay would have baffled all
the schemes. ‘The news arrived of his negativing
13 counsellors, and displacing a great number of
oflicers concerned in the land bank, and his zeal
and fortitude were highly applauded when it was
too late. An American who was in London at this
time, has given us some very full information con-
cerning these facts. Certainly, in public employ-
ments no man ought to be condemned from the re-
ports and accusations of a party, without suflicient
opportunity given him toexculpate himself; a plan-
tation governor especially, who, be he without guile,
or a consummate politician, will infallibly have ¢
greatcr or lesser number disaffected to him.
Mr. Shirley, successor to Mr. Belcher, was a
entleman of Sussex, bred in the Jaw, and had
een in oflice in the city, but having prospect of a
numerous offspring, was advised to remove to Bos-
ton in the Massachusetts, where he had resided six
or eight years and acquired a general esteem ; and
if there must be a change, it was said to be as ac-
ceptable to have it in his favour as any person
whosoever. His lady was then in London and
had obtained the promise of the collector's place
for the port of Boston, and would have preferred it
to the government, but a strong interest being made
for Mr. Frankland, since Sir Henry Frankland,
there was no way of providing for both, except by
giving the government to Mr. Shirley.
The news came to Boston the first week in July,
Mr. Shirley was at Providence in Rhode Island
government, counsel for the Massachusetts before
a court of commissioners appointed to settle the
line between the two governments. As most of the
public documents and records of that time are
burnt, we cannot give so particular an account of
the proceedings of those commissioners as other-
wise we should have done. It is certain that for
divers years past the only part in controversy be-
tween the two governments was a small gore of
land between Attleborough in the Massachusetts
and the old township of Providence. A great part
of the Massachusetts assembly wished it might be
ceded to Rhode Island, but a few tenacious men,
who do not always regard consequences, influenced
a majority against it. Besides a settlement made
by commissioners in 1664 or 1665, another settle-
ment had been made or the old one confirmed in
1708, but Rhode Island, encouraged by the ill
Success of the Massachusetts in the controversy
with New Hampshire, applicd to his Majesty to
appoint commissioners to settle the line between
the two governments. The consent or subinission
of the Massachusetts to such appointment was not
thought necessary, and, if they would not appear,
the commissioners were to proceed er parte. The
Massachusetts assembly thought proper to appear
by their committee, having no apprehensions the
controversy would turn, in the judgment of the
commissioners, upon a point never before relied
upon, viz. that the colony of New Plymouth have
ing no charter from the crown, Rhode Istand
charter must be the sole rule of determining the
boundary, although the patent from the council of
Plymouth to Bradford and associates was prior to it.
(Anno 1741,)—The colony of New Plymouth
was a government de facto, and considered by
King Charles as such in his letters and orders to
them before and after the grant of Rhode Island
charter, and when the incorporation was made of
New Plymouth with Massachusetts, &c. the natue
ral and 1 gal construction of the province chiwter
seems to be, that it should have velafion to the time
when the several governments incorporated respece
tively, in fact, became governments, A gentle-
man of the council of New York had great influ-
ence at the board of commissioners. ‘The argu-
ment which had been made use of in former con-
troversies, that Massachusetts was too extensive,
and the other governments they were contending
with, of which New York was one, were too con-
tracted, was now revived. To the surprise of Mas-
sachusetts, a line was determined, which not only
took from them the gore formerly in dispute, but
the towns of Bristol, Tiverton, and Little Comp-
ton, and great part of Swansey and Barrington.
An appeal was claimed, and allowed to his Ma-
jesty in council, where, after lying four or five
years, the decree of the court of commissioners
was confirmed. In the prosecution and detence
of this title it has been said, that some material evi-
dence was never produced which would have sup-
ported the Massachusetis claim.
Mr. Shirley found the affairs of the province in
a perplexed state. The treasury was shut, and
could not be opened without some deviation from
the royal instructions, the bills of credit were re-
duced, and nothing substituted as a currency in
their stead, the land bank party carried every
point in the house, there seemed to be a necessity
of securing them, the great art was to bring them
over to his measures, and yet not give in to their
measures so as to lose his interest with the rest of
the province and with the ministry in England.
Some of the principal of them, who knew their own |
62 MASSACHUSETTS.
[importance, were willing to have some assurance
of favour from him, at the same time they en-
gaged to do every thing to serve him. The first
step, on their part, was the advancement of the
governor’s salary to the full value of L000/. ster-
ling per annum. This had been most unjustifiably
evaded all the latter part of Mr. Belcher’s admi-
nistration, by granting a sum in bills of credit
without a dne regard to their depreciation. Mr.
Kilby, who had been very active tor Mr. Shirley’s
interest and against Mr. Belcher, in England, was
chosen agent for the province in England, and
Mr. Wilks, who had been agent the whole of the
last administration, was laid aside. Mr. Auch-
muty, who had been one of the land bank di-
rectors, was joined with Mr. Kilby in the affair of
the Rhode Island line. A grant of about 2002.
sterling was made to John Sharpe, Esq. for
his account of charge in defending Mr, Belcher
against New Hampshire’s complaint to the king
in council. This had been repeatedly refused in
Mr. Belcher’s time, which gave great offence to
Mr. Sharpe. It was thought extraordinary that
Mr. Shirley should make it a point with the land
bankers that this debt for his predecessor should
be paid; but to take Mr. Sharpe off trom Mr,
Selcher and engage him for Mr. Shirley, the
friends and solicitors for the latter in England had
engaged that if he was appointed governor Mr.
Sharpe's account should be paid.
But the grand affair to settle was that of the
bills of credit. ‘The instruction was express, not
to consent to any act which should continue the
bills beyond the time fixed for their being brought
in. If this was complied with, a tax must have
been made for the whole sum extant in that year,
WA4l. This it was said would be a burden that
the people would never bear, Mr. Shirley was
sensible that the intent of his instruction was the
prevention of a depreciating currency. No mat
ter how large a sum in bills was current if their
value could be secured, Tf the spirit of the in-
struction could be preserved, an exact conformity
to the letter would) not be required. — Every
scheme for fixing the value of the bills had failed.
A new project was reported by a committee of the
house and accepted, and afterwards concarred by
the council and consented to by the governor,
This was a scheme io establish an ideal measure in
all trade and dealings, let the instrament be what
it would, The act which passed the court de-
clared, that all contracts should be understood pay-
able in silver at 6s. Sd. the ounce, or gold in pros
portion. — Bills of a new form were issued, 90s, of
which expressed in the face of the bill three ounces
of silver, and they were to be received accordingly
in all public and private payments, with this sav-
ing, that if they should depreciate in their value,
an addition should be made to all debts, as much
as the depreciation from the time of contract to the
time of payment. How to ascertain the deprecia-
tion from time to time was the great difficulty in
framing the act. ‘To leave it to a common Jury
would never do. ‘There was some doubt whether
a house of representatives would be wholly un-
biassed. at length it was agreed that the eldest
council in each county should meet once a year
and ascertain the depreciation, This is said to
have been the scheme of Colonel Stoddard of
Northampton, a gentleman of good sense and
great virtue, who probably saw the defects, but
hoped to substitute a lesser evil in the place of a
greater,
This at best must have been a very partial cure,
It did not prevent the loss from the depreciation of
the bills in those persons hands through which
they were continually passing. All debts which
were contracted and paid between the periods when
the value of the bills were fixed annually, could
not be affected by such fixing, and unless in debts
of long standing, which the debtor could not pay
without an action at law, demand was not ordi-
narily made for depreciation, and what rendered
it of little effect in all other cases, the counsellors
appointed to estimate the depreciation never had
firmness enough in any instance to make the full
allowance, but when silver and exchange had rose
20 per cent. or more, an addition was made of
four or five only. ‘Lhe popular ery was against
it, and one year, when Nathaniel Hubbard, Esq.
the eldest counsellor for the county of Bristol, a
gentleman of amiable character and who filled
the several posts he sustained with applause, en-
deavoured (o approach nearer to a just allowance
than had been made in former years, he felt the
resentment of the house, who lett him out of the
council the next election, In short, the act neither
prevented the depreciation of the bills nor afforded
relict in case of it, and was of no other service than
to serve as a warning, when an act passed for the
establishing a fixed currency a few years after, to
leave nothing to be done by any person or bodies
of men, or even future legislatures, to give the act
its designed effect, but iv the act itself to make full
provision for ifs execution in every part,
Even this act which, with its fair appearance,
justified Mr. Shirley in departing from his instruc.
tion, and aforded a supply of the treasury for the
payment of debts and future support of govern.
ment, could not have been obtained it be had |
cordingly
1 this save
eir value,
as much
ract to the
depreciae
ifliculty in
mon jury
bt whether
yholly un
the eldest
ice a year
is said to
oddard of
sense and
lefects, but
place of a
artial cure.
yreciation of
ugh which
lebts which
eriods when
rally, could
less in debts
ild not pay
yas not ordis
rat rendered
> counsellors
n never had
mike the full
ige had rose
vas made of
was against
bbard, Esq.
of Bristol, a
who filled
pplause, en-
st allowance
he felt the
rout of the
»act neither
nor aflorded
service than
issed for the
ears after, to
on or bodies
give the act
“to make full
rt.
appearance,
rhis instruc
usury for the
it of govern
Lit be had|
*
MASSACHUSETTS. 63
[not prevailed with the land bank party, con-
trary to the inclinations of many of them, to join
in promoting it.
le made them return, by consenting to any new
elections that were made of any of them into the
council, by restoring now and then one end another
to the posts they had been deprived of, which, '
though it was done by degrees, caused many who
condemned the land bank and all who were con-
cerned in it, to be very tree in their censures
upon it,
But the great favour they expected was’ re-
lief from the severity of the act of parliament.
This was to be touched with great tenderness and
delicacy, Every person concerned was hable to
the demands of the possessors of the bills. If large
demands should be made upon any particular pers
sons, itseened but just that the rest should cons
tribute their proportion ; but no demand was given
by the act to one partver against another in’ such
case. A bill was therefore prepared with a pro-
fessed design to carry the act of parliament equi-
tably into exeeution, ‘Three commissioners were
appointed by the bill, with power to tax all who
had been concerned in the scheme in) proportion
to their interest in it, and with the moneys thus
raised to redeem the company’s hills trom the pose
sessors, and after the redemption of the bills to
make an equitable adjus ment between the meme
bers and the company, Great care was taken to
avoid all opposition to the act of parliament ; Mr.
Shirley however did net think proper to sign the
bill until he had sent a copy of it to England, and
received directions concerning it. After it had
passed both houses, to oblige the principal land
bankers, he continued: the session of the court by
Jong repeated adjournments many months, and be-
fore the expiration of the year gave his consent to
the bill. Having thus secured a considerable
pany in the government without losing those who
iad been in opposition to them, he rendered his
administration casy, a. generally obtained from
the assembly such matters as he recommended to
them
From the Spanish war in 1740, a French war
was expected every year to follow. Castle Wil-
liam, the key of the province, was not only effec-
tually repaired, but a new battery of 20 forty-two
pounders, which takes the name of Shirley bat-
tery, was added to the works, with a larger maga.
zine than any before, and a large supply of
powder, all at the expence of the province, |The
cannon, mortars, shot, and other stores, were the
bounty of the crown. The forts upon the fron.
tiers were also put into good order, and upon a re-
presentation from Mr, Mascarene, commandcr-in-
chief at Annapolis in Nova Scotia, of the defences
less state of that province and the danger they were
in from the enemy, Mr. Shirley, in 17!1, pre-
yailed upon the Massachusetts assembly to vote,
pay, &e. for 200 men which were seatabere, and
who were the probable means of saving that coun-
try from falling into the enemy’s hands.
(Anno 1744.)--But the great event in this ad-
ministration was the siege and reduction of Louts-
burgh. Canso had been surprised and taken by
900 men under Duvivier from Louisburgh, betore
the war with France was known at Boston. With
another purty, Duvivier made an attempt the same
suminer upon Annapolis, but was disappointed.
Many govud vesseis hac been taken by the French
men of war and privateers, and carried into Louis-
burgh. ‘The fishermen bad no intention to ga
upon their voyages the next summer, and every
branch of trade, it was supposed, must be carried
on by vessels under convoy. It was the general
voice, in the fall of the year, that Louisburgh
must be taken, but nobody supposed that the
united force of the colonies could take it; applica-
tion must be made to his Majesty for sea and land
forces, sullicient for the purpose. As winter ape
roached, it began to be suggested that it was not
Improbable the place might be surprised or taken
by a coup de main, the inhabitants and garrison
being shut up within the walls. Some of the gar-
rison at Canso, who had been prisoners and who
professed to be well acquainted with the fortifica-
tions and garrison at Louisburgh, favoured this
opinion, and declared that in winter the snow often
lay in drifts or banks against a particular part of
the wall, where there were no embrasures nor any
cannon mounted; that the crust would bear a
man’s weight, and in that part at least, the walls
might be scaled, and perhaps by the help of lad-
ders it would not be difficult in other parts ; that
the grand battery, intended for defence in case of
an attick by sea, would not be capable of long
resisting if attacked by land, Mr. Vaughan, who
had beena trader at Louisburgh, was yery sanguine
iso that the place might be taken by surprise,
and it was generally agreed that if they should be
mistaken, yet it would not be possible for the
enemy, who were scant of provisions, to stand a
siege until the time the supplies usually arrive to
them from France; and to prevent any chance
vessels from entering, asuflicient naval force might
be provided to cruise before the harbour,
Whilst this was the conversation abroad, Mr,
Shirley was diligently inquiring of those persons
who had been traders, and of others who had]
64 MASSACHUSETTS.
[been prisoners there, into the condition of the
place, the usual time for the arrival of supplies
from Europe, the practicability of cruising off
the harbour, &c. He had before wrote to the
ministry and gepresented the necessity of a naval
force early in the spring for the preservation of
Annapolis. If this should arrive, he might be
able to prevail with the commander to cover our
forces with it, Commodore Warren was with
several ships at the Leeward islands. It was pose
sible, when he was acquainted with the expedition,
he would. come with or send part of his force to
strengthen it. These were the only chances for a
naval strength sufficient to cope with a single ca-
pital French ‘ship that might be bound to Louis-
burgh in the spring. The ministry indeed would,
by express, be immediately acquainted with the
expedition, if engaged in, but Kurope was at too
great distance to expect timely aid from thence.
The plan of the expedition was, a land force of
4000 men in small transports to proceed to Canso,
and the first favourable opportunity to land at
Chapeaurouge bay, with cannon, mortars, amm1-
nition, and warlike stores, and all other necessarics
for carrying on a siege ; and to prevent a supoly of
provision and stores to the enemy, several . essels
were to cruise off the harbour of Louisburgh, as
soon as the season of the year would permit... An
estimate was made of all the naval force which
could be procured in this and the neighbouring
colonies, the largest vessel not exceeding 20 guns.
With this land and sea force, it was said there was
good chance for success, and if the men of war
should arrive, which there was good reason to
hope for, there was all imaginable grounds to de-
pend upon the reduction of the place.
(Anno 1745.)—The general court being sitting the
beginning of January, the governor sent a message
to the two houses to let them know he had something
to communicate to them of very great importance,
but of such a nature that the Paid it, before
they should come to any resolution upon it, might
wholly defeat the design ; he therefore desired they
would lay themselves under an oath of secrecy for
such time as each house should think proper.
This they did, although it was the first instance in
the house of representatives, without any scruple,
and then he communicated to them his proposed
plan of the expedition, Many of the members,
who had heard little or nothing of the conversation
upon the subject, were struck with amazement at
the proposal. The undertaking was thought to
be vastly too great, if there was a rational prospect
of success. However, in deference to the recom-
mendation of the governor, a committee of the two
J
houses was appointed to consider the proposal.
Here the Proposal was for several days deliberated
and weighed. Louisburgh, if left in the hands of
the French, would infallibly prove the Dunkirk of
New England ; their trade had always been incon
siderable, their fishery was upon.the decline, and
for several years past they had bought fish of the
English at Canso cheaper than they could catch
and cure it themselves, both trade and fishery they
might, well lay aside, and by privateering enrich
themselves with the spoils of New England ; and
to all. these dangers was added that of losing Nova
Scotia, which would cause an increase of 6 or
8000 enemies in an instant. The garrison of
Louisburgh was disaffected, provisions were scant,
the works mouldering and decayed, the governor
an old man unskilled in the art of war; this there-
fore was the only time for success, another year the
place would be impregnable. There was nothing
to fear from the forces at Louisburgh, before addi-
tional strength could arrive from France. they
would be forced to surrender.. There were, it must
be owned, no. ships of strength suflicient. to match
the I’rench men. of war, unless perhaps a single
ship should fall in by herself, and in that, case five
or six of the state might: be a match for her; but.
there was_ no probability. of men, of war so carly,:
and it was very probable English men of,war from
Europe or the W. Indies would arrive before them.
There was always uncertainty in war, a risk must
be run, if the state failed it might be able to grap-
ple with the disappointment, although it should.
bear the whole expence ; hut if it succeeded, not
only the coasis of New J’ngland would be free from
molestation, but so glorious an acquisition would
be of the greatest importance to Great Britain, and
might give peace to Europe, and it might depend
upon a reimbursement of the whole charge it had
been at.
Ona the other hand it was replied, that the state
had better suffer in its trade, than by so expensive
a measure deprive itself of all means of carrying
on any future trade; that it was capable of an-
noying them in their fishery, as much as they
could annoy it in its own, and ina short time, voth
sides would be willing to leave the fishery un-
molested ; that the accounts given of the works and
the garrison at Louisburgh could not be depended
upon, and it was not credible that any part of the
walls should be unguarded and exposed to sur-
prise; that instances of disaffection rising to.mutiny
were rare, and but few instances were to be met
with in history where such expectation has not
failed. The garrton at Louisburgh consisted of
regular experienced troops, who, though unequal}
Bee kena
roposal,
liberated
hands of
nkirk of
n incon
ine, and
h of the
ld catch
ery they
zy enrich
id ; and
ng Nova
of 6 or
rison of
re scant,
rovernor
iis there-
year the
nothing
pre addi-
re. they.
2, it must
lo match
a single
case five.
her; but.
so. early,:
war from
re them.
tisk must
to grap-
it should:
ded, not
free from
n would
ain, and
depend
re it had
the state
D pensive
arrying
> of ane
as they
ne, voth
ery un
rks and
epended
rt of the
to sur-
mutiny
be met
has not
isted of
nequal }
MASSACHUSETTS. 65
in number, would be more than a match in open
td for all the raw unexperienced militia which
could be sent from New England ; that 20 cruizers
at that season of the year would not prevent sup-
plies going into the haibous it being impossible
to keep any station for any length of time, and the
weather being frequently so thick, that a vessel
was not to be discovered at a quarter of a mile’s
distance ; that there was no room to expect any
men of war for the cover of the troops ; that if only
one 60-zun ship should arrive from France, or the
French islands, she would be more than-a match
for all the armed vessels that could be provided, the
transports at Chapcaurouge bay would be every
one destroyed, and the army upon Cape Breton
obliged to submit to the mercy of the French ; that
the state would be condemned in England for en-
gaging in such an affair without their direction or
approbation, and that it would be nowhere pitied,
its misfortunes proceeding from its own rash and
wild measures. To these arguments were added the
uncertainty of raising a suflicient number of men,
or of being able to procure provisions, warlike
stores, and transports, discouragement from the
season of the year, when frequently, for many days
together, no business could be done out of doors.
Money indeed could be furnished, or bills of credit
in lieu of it, but the infallible consequence would
be the sinking the value of the whole currency, to
what degree no man could determine, but probably
in proportion to the sum issued ; and finally, if the
lan should succeed, a general national benefit would
¢ the consequence, in which the state would be but
sinall sharers, and far short of the vast expence of
treasure and perhaps of lives in obteining it, and if
it failed, such a shock would be given to the pro-
vince that half a century would not recover it to
its former state. After mature deliberation, a
majority of the committee disapproved the pro-
posal, and their report was accepted, and for a few
days all thoughts of the expedition with the meme
bers of the court were laid aside. Inthe mean
time, the governor, who wished his proposal had
been agreed to, but did not think it proper to press
it any further by message or by privately urging
the members, either directed or encouraged the
carrying about a petition which was signed by
many of the merchants in the town of Boston, but
principally by those of Salem and Marblehead,
directed to the house of representatives, or to the
two houses, praying for reasons set forth, among
others the saving the fishery from ruin, they would
re-consider their vote and agree to the governor’s
proposal of an expedition against Louisburgh. A
second committee, appointed upon this petition, re-
VOL, 111,
ported in favour of it, and the 26th of January,
their report came before the house, who spent the
day in debating it, and at night a vote was carried
in favour of it by a majority of one voice only,
Never was any affair deliberated upon with greater
calmness and moderation, the governor indeed
laid the affair before the court, hut left. the mem-
bers free to use their judement without any solici-
tation, and there appeared no other division than
what was caused by areal difference in opinion
consulting the true interest of the province.
The point once settled, there was immediately a
union of both parties in the necessary measures for
carrying the design into execution, those who liad
opposed it before being employed upon committees,
and exerting themselves with zeal equal to that of
the principal promoters, An embargo was laid
upon every harbour in the province, and messen-
gers were immediately dispitched to the several
governments, as far as Pennsy!vania, to entreat an
embargo on their ports, and that they would join in
the expedition. All excused themselves from any
share in the adventure, except Connecticut, who
agreed to raise 500 men, New Hampshire 300, and
Rhode Island 800. Connecticut and Rhode
Island also consented their colony sloops should
be employed as cruisers. A small privateer ship,
about 200 tons, and a snow of less burden, belong-
ing to Newport, were hired there by the Massa-
chusetis; a new snow, Captain Rouse, aship, Cap-
tain Snelling, were taken into the service at Boston,
which, with a snow, Captain Smethurst, and a brig,
Captain Fletcher, three sloops, Captains Sanders,
Donahew, and Bosch, and a ship of 20 guns, pure
chased on the stocks, Captain Tyng the commo-
dore, made the whole naval force.
From the day the vote passed until the place was
reduced, a series of favourable incidents contrie
buted tothe general success. They will be obvious
enough in the course of the narrative, and will not
require being specially remarked. ‘The time for
preparing was short. ‘The winter proved so fa-
vourable that all sorts of out-door business was
carried on as well and with as great dispatch as at
any other season of the year, In the appointment
of a general officer one qualification was considered
as essential, that he should be acceptable to the
body of the people, the enlistment depended upon
this circumstance. It was not easy to find a per-
son, thus qualified, willing to accept the trust.
Colonel Pepperell, having the offer from the go-
vernor, was rather pressed into the service than vyoe
luntarily engaged. Besides a very great landed
interest, he was largely concerned in mercantile af-
fairs, which must necessarily suffer by his absence ; |
K
66 MASSACHUSETTS.
pend this being generally known had no small in-
uence, from the example, with inferior officers
and even private soldiers, to quit their lesser af-
fairs for a season, for the service of their country.
Many of the private soldiers were freeholders, and
many more sons of wealthy farmers, who could
have no other views in consenting to the enlistment
of their children than the public interest.
Mr. Shirley had set his heart so much upon the
expedition, that many points were conceded by him
which he would not have given up at any other
time, and the people of the province submitted to
compulsory measures from the government, which
at another time would have been grievous and not
very patiently borne. Such officers were nomi-
nated by the governor as the people proposed or
called for, because they were most likely to enlist
men. Instead of a commissary-general, an officer
ne by the governor, a committee of war was
chosen by the two houses out of their own mem-
bers. Nothing further was heard of the royal in-
struction against bills of credit. Such sums as the
service called for, and to be redeemed at such pe-
riods as the house thought proper, were consented
to by the governor. It soon appeared that these
sums would vastly exceed what had been com-
puted, and many declared that had a right estimate
been made they should never have voted for the
expedition, but it was now too late to go back. It
was found also, that transports and vessels of war
could not be engaged unless the government would
become insurers, which, although it occasioned no
additional ex pence at first, yet, in case of ill success,
would greatly increase the public debt and dis-
tress. The committee of war were likewise con-
vinced that a sufficiency of provisions, clothing,
and warlike stores, could not be procured within
the province. Whosoever was possessed of any
of these articles, by an act or order of government,
his property was subjected to the committee, who
set such price as they judged equitable, and upon
refusal to deliver, entered warehouses, cellars, &c.
by a warrant for that purpose to the sheriff, and
{ook possession. Inthe course of the preparation,
many vessels: unexpectedly arrived with more or
less of each of these articles, and after all, the army
was poorly enough provided. Ten cannon, 18
pounders, were obtained upon Joan, not without
difficulty, from New York, otherwise Mr. Shirley
himself seemed to doubt if the plan could proceed.
Some dependence was placed upon cannon from
the grand battery, but this was too manifest a dis-
posal of the skin before the bear was caught. By
force of a general exertion in all orders of men, the
armament was ready, and the general, on board the
Shirley snow, Captain Rouse, with the transports
under her convoy, sailed from Nantasket the 24th
of March, and arrived at Canso the 4th of April.
The Massachusetts land forces consisted of 3250
men, exclusive of commission officers. The New
Hampshire forces, 304, including officers, arrived
four days before. Those of Connecticut, being
516, inclasive, did not arrive until the 25th. ‘The
deputy governor of the colony, Roger Walcot,
Esq. had the command, and was the second officer in
the army. Rhode Island waited until a better judg-
ment could be made of the event, their 300 not
arriving until afier the place had surrendered.
The 23d of March, an express hoat, sent to Com-
modore ‘Warren, in the W. Indies, returned to
Boston.
As this was a provincial expedition, without
orders from England, and as his small squadron
had becn weakened by the loss of the Weymouth,
Mr. Warren excused himself from any conceia in
the affair. ‘This answer must necessarily strike a
damp into the governor as well as the general and
Brigadier Waldo, then next in command, who
were the only persons in the army made privy to
it before the flcet sailed. Several of the cruising
vessels had sailed the middle of March, but they
could be no protection to the army against two ca-
pital ships; if they intercepted small vessels, it was
the most that was expected. A blockhouse, with
cight cannon, was built at Canso. Whether some
good reason would not have been given for pro-
ceeding no further than Canso, if there had becn
a disappointment in the expected junction of men
of war from the several quarters to which notice of
the expedition had been sent, may well enough be
made a question. Mr. Shirley hoped, if the re-
duction of Louisburgh was not effected, at least
Canso would be regained, Nova Scotia preserved,
the French fishery broke up, and the New Eng-
land and Newfoundland fisheries restored. But
on the 25d of April, to the great joy of the army,
arrived at Canso, the Eltham, of 40 guns, from
New England, by order from Mr. Warren ; and
on the 23d the commodore himself, in the Superb,
of 60 guns, with the Launceston and Mermaid of
AO each, arrived also. This gave great spirits to
all who had the success of the expedition at heart,
for although this was not a naval force to enter the
harbour or annoy the forts, yet it was a cover to
the army, and equal to any expected force from
France. It seems that in two or three days after
the express sailed from the W. Indies for Boston,
the Hind sloop brought orders to Mr. Warren to
repair to Boston with what ships could be spared,
and to concert measures with Mr. Shirley for his
ie transports
ket the 24th
th of April.
ted of 3250
The New
ers, arrived
ticut, being
25th. The
‘er Walcot,
ond officer in
better judg-
eir 300 not
surrendered.
ent to Com.
returned to
ion, without
I squadron
Weymouth,
y conceia in
irily strike a
general and
wmand, who
ude privy to
the cruising
sh, but they
rinst two ca-
essels, it was
house, with
‘hether some
en for pro-
re had been
tion of men
ch notice of
| enough be
, if the re-
ed, at least
preserved,
New Eng-
tored. But
f the army,
guns, from
arren; and
the Superb,
Mermaid of
t spirits to
on at heart,
to enter the
a coyer to
force from
days after
for Boston,
. Warren to
be spared,
ley for his |
ae
[Majesty's geueral service in N. America. Upon
the passage to Boston the commodore received in-
telligence that the fleet had sailed for Canso, and
meeting with a schooner at sea he sent her to Bos-
ton to acquaint Mr. Shirley that he would proceed
to Canso, and at the same time sent orders to any
ships which might be in these seas to join him.
The Eltham was actually under sail with the mast
fleet when an express sent from Boston with the
commodore’s orders arrived at, Portsmouth in
New Hampshire, but being followed and over-
taken by a boat, the captain ordered his convoy
into port again, and sailed for Canso. After a short
Consultation with the general the men of war sailed
tocruise before Louisburgh. The cruizers, before
this, had intercepted several small vessels bound in
there with W. India goods and provisions, and had
engaged the Renommee, a Freach ship of 36 guns,
sent from France with dispatches, and who kept a
Jong running fight with the Massachusetts vessels,
being able with ease to outsail them, and, after two
or three attempts to enter the harbour, went back
to France to give an account of what she had met
with, She fell in with the Connecticut troops,
under convoy of their own and the Rhode Island
colony sloops, both which she had strength enough
to have carried, but, after some damage to the
Rhode Island sloop, she went her way. ‘The forces
Janded at Chapeaurouge bay the 30th of April.
The transports were discovered early in the morn-
ing from the town, which was the first knowledge
of any design against them. ‘The cruisers had
been seen every fair day before the harbour, but
these were supposed to be privateers in search after
their trading and fishing vessels. ‘I'he night before,
it is said, there was a grand ball at the fort, and
the company had scarce fallen asleep when they
were called up by an alarm. Bouladrie, a French
officer, was sent with 150 men to oppose the
landing, but the general making a feint of landing
at one place, drew the detachment there, and
this opportunity was taken for landing 100 men at
another place without opposition, although they
were soon after attacked by the detachment, six of
which were killed on the spot, and about as many
more, with Bouladrie their leader, were taken pri-
soners: the rest fled to the town, or they would
svou have fallen into the hands of the Massachusetts,
who were landing fist one upon the back of another,
The next morning after they landed, 400 men
marched round to the 2. e. harbour, behind the
hills, setting fire to all the houses and store-houses,
until they came within a mile of the grand battery.
Some of the storeshouses having in them pitch, tar,
and other combustible stuff, caused such a thick
MASSACHUSETTS. 67
smoke, that the garrison were unable to discover
an enemy, though but a few rods distant, and,
expecting the hoo oi the army upon them, they
deserted the fort, haying thrown their powder into
a well, but leaving the cannon and shot for the ser-
vice of the English. A small party of less than 20
English first came up to the battery, and discover-
ing nosigns of men, suspected a plot, and wereatraid
to enter; at length, itis said, a Cape Cod Indian
went in alone and discovered the state of it to the
rest of the party, just as some of the French were
relanding in order to regain the possession of it.
The army found they had near two miles to
transport their cannon, mortars, shot, &c. through
a morass. ‘This must be done by mere dint of
labour. Such of the men as had been used to
drawing pine-trees for masts, and those who had
the hardiest and strongest bodies, were employct
in this service. Horses and oxen weuld have been
buried in mud and were of no use. Brigadier
Waldo had the command of the grand hattery.
The Frencl. kept firing upon the hatter y from the
town as well as from the island battery, but to little
purpose, the town being near 2000 yards distant,
and the island about 1600. A constant fire was
kept from the grand battery upon the town with
the 42 pounders. . This greatiy damaged the
houses, but caused so great an expence of powder
that it was thought advisable to stop and reserve
it for the fascine batteries. Five of these were
erected, the last the 20th of May, called Tid-
comb’s battery, with five 42 pounders, which did
as great execution asany. The Massachusetts knew
nothing of regular approaches, they took the advan-
tage of the night, and when they heard Mr. Bastide’s
proposals for zigzags and epaulements, they made
merry with the terms, and went on, void of art, in
their own natural way. Captain Pierce, a brave
officer, standing at one of these batteries, had his
bowels shot away by a cannon ball, and lived just
long enough to say, “¢ it is hard to die.”
Whilst the people of Massachusetts were thus
busy ashore, the men of war and other vessels were
cruising off the harbour whenever the weather
would permit, and the 18th of May the Vigilant,
a French man of war of 64 guns, having 560
men on board, and stores of all sorts for the gar-
rison, was met with by the Mermaid, whom she
attacked, but Captain Douglass, the commander,
being of unequal force, suffered himself to be
chased by her until he drew her under the com-
mand of the commodore and the other ships cruise
ing with him, to whom, or, as some say, to the
Mermaid, she struck, because she had first met
with her. This capture gave great joy to the]
k 2
|
{
68 MASSACHUSETTS.
[army, not so much for the addition made to the
naval force, as for the disappointment to the enemy.
A proposal had been made a few days before, that
the men of war should anchor in Chapeaurouge
bay, and that the marines, and as many sailors as
could be spared, should land and join thearmy.
The Vigilant would then have got in, and the siege
would then have been given over, Affairs were
now in such a state that the anxiety at Boston was
much lessened. It was hoped the army might re-
ireat with safety whenever it should be determined
to give over the siege, for Bouladrie, who belonged
to the town of Louisburgh, and the Marquis de la
Maison Forte, commander of the Vigilant, who
was well acquainted with the state of the place, when
they came to Boston, were sanguine that it would
hold out longer than the Massachusetts ; and soon
after we find the news of a fruitless, and perhaps a
rash attempt upon the island battery by 400 men,
GO of whom were killed, and 116 taken prisoners.
The Casar, Snelling, one of the ships in the pro-
vincial service, arrived. at Boston with letters trom
the general, and an application for more men and a
further supply of powder. ‘The Massachusetts
agreed, and actually did raise 400 men, and sent
all the powder that could be purchased, and Con-
necticut raised 200 men, but there were neither
men nor powder arrived when the siege was
finished,
‘Lhe Princess Mary, of 60, and the Hector, of
40 guns, unexpectedly had atrived at Boston from
England, and were immediately sent to join the
commodore, pursuant to his general. orders, and
arrived before Louisburgh the 22d of May. This
increase of naval force occasioned conjectures,
some being of opinion, that rather than the siege
should be raised the ships would attempt to go in,
but it was generally supposed the hazard would be
too great. It was commonly reported that Colonel
More, of the New Hampshire regiment, offered
to go on board the Vigilant. with his whole regi-
ment and to lead the van, if, in case of success,
he might be confirmed in the command of the
ship. Ile had been an experienced sea captain,
and had a very good character. It is certain, an
attempt with the ships was not then thought ad-
visable. A new battery, about this time, was
crected upon the light-house point, which being
well attended by Lieutenant-colonel Gridley, of
the artillery, did great execution upon the island
battery, silenced many of the guns, and it was
expected it would not be long tenable. Soon after,
viz. June 10th, arrived before Louisburgh the
Chester, a 50-gun ship, in consequence of the
dispatches from Mr. Shirley with an account of
theexpedition. ‘The Canterbury and Sunderland,
two 60-gun ships, sailed with her, and arrived the
12th, Flere was now a fleet of 11 ships, and it
is said to have been determined the ships should
make an attack by sea the 18th, while the army
did the same by land. I is not certain that when
the day should come some sutticient reason would
not have been found for a further delay. Those
who give the most favourable accounts of the
siege say, ‘* the w. gate was entirely beat down,
the wall adjoining very much battered, and a
breach made ten feet from the bottom, the circus
lar battery of 16 cannon, and the principal one
against ships almost ruined, the n, e. battery of
17 cannon damaged, and the men drove from the
guns, and the w. flank of the king’s bastion almost
demolished.” Others say, ‘the w. gate was de-
faced, and the adjoining curtain, with the flank of
the king's bastion, were much hurt, but no practi-
cable breach.” Whether a general storm was
really intended upon the 18th or not, it seems the
French expected it from the preparations on board
the men of war, and did not incline to stand it ;
and on the 15th sent a flag of truce to the general,
desiring a cessation that they might consider of
articles to be proposed for a capitulation. Time
was allowed for this purpose until the next morn
ing, when such articles were offered as were re-
jected by the general and commodore, and others
offered to the enemy in their stead, which they
accepted of, and hostages were exchanged, and
the next day, the 17th, the city was delivered up.
Many of the Massachusetts had taken colds and
many fallen into dysentcries, so that 1500 were taken
off from their duty atone time, but the weather prove
ing remarkably fine during the 49 days siege they
generally recovered, ‘The day atter the surrender
the rains began, and continued ten days incessantly,
which must have been fatal to many, they having
nothing better than the wet ground to lodge on;
and their tents, in general, being insufficient to ses
cure them against a single shower, bat in the city
they found barracks to shelter them, Captain
Bennet, in a schooner, was sent immediately to
Boston, and arrived with the great news the 3d of
July, about one in the morning. ‘The bells of the
town were ringing by break of day, and the day
and night following were spent in rejoicing. The
news flew through the continent, ‘The colonies
which declined any share in the expence and ha-
zard were sensible they were greatly interested in
the success. It was allowed every where, that if
there had been no signal proof of bravery and cou-
rage in time of action, there having been only one
sally from the town and a few skirmishes with the]
nderland,
rrived the
s, and it
8 should
the army ?
that when
on would
. Those
its of the
at down,
d, and a
he circus
cipal one
uttery of
from the
on almost
e was des
e flank of
10 practi-
form was
seems the
on board
stand it 3
e general,
nsider of
n. Time
xt morne
were ree
nd others
ich the
ged, did
ered’ up.
solds aud
ere taken
her prove
lieve the
Martenddy
essantly,
having
dge on;
int to ses
the cit
Captain
iately to
he 3d cf
lsof the
the da
VW
colonies
and ha-
sted in
that if ie
nd cous i
bnly one
ith the]
MASSACHUSETTS.
'French and Indians from the woods, in all which
the men behaved well; yet here was the strongest
evidence of a gencrous noble public spirit, which
first induced to the undertaking, and of steadiness
and firmness of mind in the prosecution of it, the
labour, fatigue, and other hardships of the siege
being without parallel in all preceding American
affairs. A shade was thrown over the imprudence
at first charged upon the New Englanders. Cone
siderate persons among themselves could not, how-
ever, avoid gratefully admiring the favour of Di-
vine Providence in so great a number of remark
able incidents which contributed to this success.
The best use to be made by posterity seems tu be,
not to depend upon special interpositions of Pro-
vidence, because their ancestors have experienced
them, but toavoid the like imminent dangers, and
to weigh the probability and improbability of suc-
ceeding in the ordinary course of events.
The commodore was willing to carry away a full
share of the glory of this action. It was made a
uestion whether the keys of the town should be
delivered to him or to the general, and whether
the sea or land forces should first enter, ‘The of-
ficers of the army say they prevailed. The ma-
rines took possession of one or more of the batte-
ries, and sometimes the commodore took the keys
of the city gates. The command, however, until
orders should arrive from England, was to be joint,
and a dispute about precedence to be avoided as
much as could be. , The commodore dispatched
Mr. Montague, in the Mermaid, to England, with
intelligence, and the general, the day after, sent
the Shirley galley, Captain Rouse. The Mer-
maid arrived first.
It was very happy that disputes arose to no
height between the sea and land forces during the
sicge. ‘This has often proved fatal. ‘This expe-
dition, having been begun and carried on under a
commission from a provincial governor, seems to
be distinguished from ordinary cases, and to leave
less room for dispute. Whether the land or sea
force had the greatest share in the acquisition may
be judged from the relation of facts. Neither
would have succeeded alone. The army, with
infinite labour and fatigue to themselves, harasse
ed and distressed the enemy, and, with perseve-
rance a few weeks or days longer, must have com-
pelled a surrender, It is very doubtfal whether
the ships could have lain long enough before the
walls to have carried the place by storm, or whes
ther, notwithstanding the appearance of a design
to do it, they would have thought it advisable to
attempt it; it is certain they prevented the arrival
69
of the Vigilant, thus taking away all hopes of further
supply and succour, and it is very probable the
fears af a storm might accelerate the capitulation.
The loss by the enemy and sickness did not exceed
101 men. ‘The loss of the snow, Prince of Orange,
belonging to the province, and supposed’ ta be
overset, was a heavy blow upon the town of
Marblehead, the captain and most of the crew be-
longing to that town; and it is a rare thing for a
Marblehead man to die without leaving a widow
and a number of children surviving.
As it wasa time of year to expect French vessels
from all parts to Louisburgh, the French flag was
kept flying to decoy them in.) ‘Two E. India and one
S. sea ship, supposed to be all together of the value’
of 600,000/. sterling, were taken by the squadron
atthe mouth of the harbour, into which they would
undoubtedly have entered.’ The arniy, at first,
supposed they lad acquired a right to the island of
Cape Breton and its dependencies, and, until they
were undeceived by Mr. Shirley, were for dividin
the territory among the officers and men, With
greater colour they might have claimed a@ ‘share
with the men of war in these rich prizes. Some
of the officers expected a claim would have been
laid in, but means were found to divert it; nor was
any part decreed to the vessels of ‘war in the pro-
vince service, »except asmall sum to thy brig Bose
ton Packet, Captain Fletcher, who bei.ug chased by
the S. seaship, led her directly under the command
of the guns of one of the men of war. * It seemed
to be conceded, that as this acquisition was made
under the commission of the governor of Missa-
chusetts bay, the exercise of government there
appertained to him until his Majesty’s ‘pleasure
should beknown. We know of no precedent in the
colonies except that of the conquest of Nova
Scotia, in 1690. It was necessary then to'admit
this principle: the acquisition could not otherwise
have been retained. Mr. Shirley made a’ voyage to
Louisburgh, took the government -wpon him, pre-
vailed upon a great part of the army to consent
to remain in garrison over the winter, ‘or until
regiments which were: expected arrived, engaged
that their pay should be increased and clothing
provided, and settled other matters to general sa-
tisfaction.
Duvivier had been sent to France the wititer of
174A, to solicit a force, not to defend Cape Breton,
but ito. conquer Nova Scotia, and’ accordingly
sailed the beginning of July with seven ships. of
war for that purpose, who were to stop at’ Louis-
burgh. . This fleet took ‘ prize bound from’ Bos-
ton to London, on board which wasdieutenant-}
ane
Vw
70 MASSACHUSETTS.
[ governor Clark, of New York, and by this means
they were informed of the conquest of Louisburgh,
and the strong squadron there ; otherwise some or
all of them would also have probably fallen into
the hands of the English. Upon this intelligence
they went back to France. ‘Thus Nova Scotia no
doubt was saved by the Massachusetts expedition.
There would not have been men of war in these
seas sufficient to match this squadron,
(Anno 1746.)—The reduction of Louisburgh
by a British colony must have been a surprise to
Great Britain and to France. It caused very
grand plans of American measures for the next
yeae with both powers, Great Britain had in
view the reduction of Cavada, and the extirpa-
tion of the French from the 2. continent. France
intended the recovery of Louisburgh, the conquest
of Nova Scotia, and the destruction of the Kng-
lish sea-coast from Nova Scotiato Georgia. Upon
the English plan, eight battalions of regular troops,
with the provincial forces to be raised in the four
New England governments, were to rendezvous
at Louisburgh, and, with a squadron under Ad-
miral Warren, were to go up the river Saint Law-
rence to Quebec ; other provincials from Virginia
and the colonies x. toting New York, were to
rendezyous at Albany, and go across the country
to Montreal ; the land forces to be under General
St. Clair, No province iad a certain number as-
signed, but it was expected there should be at least
5000 in the whole. ‘The Massachusetts forces
were ready to embark by the middle of July,
about six weeks after the first notice. ‘The prepa-
rations making at Brest for America were well
known in England, and a squadron was ordered
to block up that harbour. Notwithstanding all
the caution used, the Brest squadron slipped out,
and sailed to the w. and it is certain no English
squadron followed. Whilst all were impatiently
waiting for news of the arrival of the flect at Louis-
burgh, a fisherman comes in some time in August,
with an account of his being brought to by four
French capital ships not far from Chibucto ; that
he was required to pilot them there; that as he
lay under the stern. of one of them he read the
word Le Terrible, but a fog suddenly rising he
made his escape. After thatsome days had pass-
ed without any further account, the fisherman’s
news was generally discredited. it appeared some
months after that these were four ships under M.
Conflans, who had escaped an English squadron
from Jamaica, and were bound to Chibucto in
order to join the Brest fleet; but after cruising
some time, and meeting with storms and fogs upon
a coast they were unacquainted with, they returned
to France.
The beginning of September, vessels arrived at
Boston from Hull and Liverpool, with advice that
the Brest fleet had sailed, and. it was supposed for
N. America, and from the middle tothe latter end
of the month frequeat accounts were brought of a
great fleet seen to the w. of Newfoundland, which
was supposed might be English as likely as
French; but on the 28th, an express arrived from
Louisburgh with certain advice that these ships
were the French fleet, which it was affirmed con-
sisted of 70 sail, 14 of which were capital ships,
and that there were 20 smaller men of war, and
the rest fire-ships, bombs, tenders, and transports
for 8000 troops. ‘he same day a vessel from
Jamaica arrived, with advice that the four men of
war who had engaged with Commodore Mitchell
were intended to join the fleet, and it was now no
longer doubted that these were the ships seen by
the fishermen, and it was supposed soon after got
into Chibucto. England was not more alarmed
with the Spanish armada in 1588, than Boston and
the other N, American sea-ports were with the
arrival of this flect in their neighbourhood. The
firmest mind will bend upon the first advice of im-
minent danger to its country. Iven the great De
Witt swooned when he first opened a letter giving
intelligence of England’s confederating with
France to enslave the Dutch, though the next
moment he recovered his natural courage and
vivacily,
Every practicable measure for defence was im-
mediately pursued by the authority of the Massa-
chusetts province, but the main dependence was
upon a squadron from England sufficient, in con-
junction with the ships then at Louisburgh, to
overcome the French. It was impossible the mi-
nistry should be ignorant of the sailing of this fleet,
and unless they were willing the colonies should
be exposed to the ravages of the enemy, it was
impossible an English squadron should not be
soon after them. This was the general voice.
But this dependence failed. However, as the
probability of the arrival of the squadron was
from day to day lessened, the apprehensions of
danger trom the enemy lessened in some propor-
tion. At length was received such authentic ac-
count of the distresses of the French, that it was ge-
nerally agreed that Admiral 'Townsend’s ships at
Louisburgh were more than a match for them, and
it was every day expected tobe heard they had sailed
for Chibucto ; but if that should prove otherwise,
the utmost they would be able to effect by their}
ey returned
; arrived at
advice that
ipposed for
e latter end
rought of a
ind, which
| likely as
rived from
these ships
irmed con-
pital ships,
f war, and
1 transports
vesscl from
four men of
re Mitchell
was how no
ips seen by
om after got
we alarmed
Boston and
re with the
wod, The
lvice of im-
he great De
etter giving
ating «with
h the next
urage and
nce was ims
‘the Massa-
ndence was
nt, in con-
isburgh, to
ble the mi-
my, it was
uld not be
eral voice.
er, asthe
hadron was
hensions of
ne propor-
thentic ac-
tit was ge-
’s ships at
them, and
#
MASSACHUSETTS. 7
[grand plan would be the conquest of Annapolis,
and the whole province of Nova Scotia, If the
winter didnot prevent a farther progress, it was
agreed their strength was not sufficient for an at-
tempt upon Boston.
The misfortunes of this grand armament are
really very remarkable, ‘The loss of Cape Breton
filled the French with a spirit of revenge against
the British colonies. The Duke D’Anvyille, a
French nobleman, in whose courage and conduct
great confidence was placed, was appointed to the
command of the expedition. As early as the be-
ginning of May the fleet was ready to sail, but was
detained by contrary winds until the 22d of June,
when it left Rochelle, and then consisted of 11 ships
of the line, 30 smaller vessels from 10 to 30 guns,
and transport ships with 3130 land forces, com-
manded by Monsieur Pommerit, a brigadier-gene-
ral. ‘The French of Nova Scotia, it was expected,
would join them, and Ramsay, a French officer,
with 1700 Canadians and Indians, were ‘actually in
arms there ready for their arrival. To this force
Conflans, with four ships from the W. Indies,
was to be added. It was the 3d of August be-
fore the fleet had passed the W. islands. The 24th,
they were S00 leagues distant from Nova Scotia,
and one of their ‘ie complained so much that
they burnt her. The Ist of September, in a vio-
lent storm, the Mars, 2. 64-gun ship, was so da-
maged in her masts and so leaky that she bore
away for the W. Indies, and the Alcide, of 64
guns, which had also lost her topmast, was sent
to accompany her, The 15th, the Argent, of 64
guns, most of her crew being sick, put back for
rest. f
The Duke D’Anville, in the Northumberland,
arrived at Chibucto the 12th of September, with
only one ship of the line, the Renommee, and
three or four of the transports. There he found
only one of the fleet, which had been in three
days, and after waiting three days and finding
that only three more, and those transports, had ar-
rived, the d6th in'the morning he died, the French
said of an apoplexy, the English that he poisoned
himself. «In the afternoon the vice-admiral, D’Es-
tournelle, with three or four more of the line, came
in. Monsieur de la Jonquicre, governor of Ca-
nada, was aboard the Northumberland, and had
heen declared a chef d’escadre after the fleet lett
France, and by this means was next in command
to the vicesadmiral. In a council of war, the 18th,
the vice-admiral proposed returning to France,
Four of the capital dips; the Ardent, Caribou,
Mars, and Alcide, and the Argonaute fire-ship, they
were deprived of; there was no news of Conflans
and his ships, so that only seven ships of impor-
tance remained, more or less of the land forces
were on board each of the missing ships, and what
remained were in a very sickly condition, ‘This
motion was opposed for seven or eight hours by
Jonquiere and others of the council, who sup-
posed that at least they were in a condition to re-
cover Annapolis and Nova Scotia, after which
they might either winter securely at Casco bay,
or at worst then retutn to France: The sick men,
by the constant supply of fresh provisions from the
Acadians, were daily recovering, and would be
soon fit for service. ‘Ihe motion ‘not prevailing,
the vice-ndmiral’s spirits were agitated to such a
degree as to throw him into a fever attended witha
delirium, in which he imagined himself among the
English, and ran himself through the body. Jon-
quiere succeeded, who was a man experienced in
war, and, although aboveG60, still more active than
either of his predecessors, and the expectations of
the fleet and army were much raised. From this
time Annapolis seems to have been their chief
object. An, account, ih, irate to be authentic,
having been received at Boston of the sailing of
Admiral Lestock, Mr. Shirley sent an express
to Louisburgh to carry the intelligence. The
packwt-boat was taken and carried into Chibucto,
which accelerated the sailing of the fleet. Most
of the sick had died at Chibucto, and but about one
half their: number remained alive. They sailed
the 13th of October, and the 15th, ‘being near cape
Sables, they met with a violent cold storm, which,
after some intermission, increased the 16th and
17th and separated the fleet, two of which only,
a 50 and a 36 gun ship, were discovered from the
fort at Annapolis, where the Chester man of war,
Captain Spry, then lay with the Shirley frigate and
asmall vessel in the service of the board of ordnance,
who being discovered by the French to be under
snil they made off, and this was tlie last of the ex-
pedition. The news of the beginning of the mis-
fortunes of the French having reached France by
some of the returned vessels, two men of war were
sent immediately, with orders, at all events, to take
Annapolis, but the fleet had sailed three or four
days before they arrived,
Pious men saw the immediate hand of Divine
Providence in the protection or rather rescue of
the British colonies this year, as they had done in
the miraculous success of the Cape Breton expedi-
tion the former year.
W ben the summer had so far passed as to ren-
der it too late to prosecute the expedition against |
72 MASSACHUSETTS.
[Canada, if the flect had arrived, Mr. Shirley’s
enterprising genius led him to project an attempt
upon the French fort at Crown point, with part of
the Massachusetts forces in conjunction with those
of the other colonies, but the alarm of the French
fleet prevented until it was judged, by some con-
cerned, to be too late. Fitteen hundred of the
Massachusetts men were intended for Nova Scotia,
upon the news of Ramsay’s appearing there, and
400 actually went there, convoyed by the Chester,
and, late in the fall, an additional number were sent
thither. Those posted at Minas were surprised,
the Ist day of January, by a body of French and
Indians commanded by L.¢ Corne, a French officer,
and afier having 160 of their number killed,
wounded, and taken prisoners, the rest capitulated,
engaging not to bear arms against the French in
Nova Scotia for the term of one year. De Ram-
say with his troops soon after returned to Canada,
The troops raised for the Canada expedition
continued in pay until September the next year,
1747. Some of them served for defence of the
frontiers, the rest were inactive. The inactive
prosecution of the war in Kurope on both sides in-
dicated peace to be near, which the next year was
etlected,
War had been declared in 1744 against the
Cape Sable and St. John’s Indians, and in 1745
against the Penobscots and Norridgewocks. The
trontiers did not escape molestation. They sufs
fered less than in any former wars. The Indians
were lessened in number, and having withdrawn
to the French frontiers were sometimes detained
for their defence upon an apprehended invasion,
and at other times engaged to be in readiness to
join in the great designs against the English.
(Anno 1747.)—In 1747 (November 17th) hap-
pened a tumult in the town of Boston, equal to any
which had preceded it, although far short of some
that have happened since. Mr. Knowles was com-
modore of a number of men of war then in the har-
bour of Nantasket. Some of the sailors had desert-
ed. ‘These deserters generally fled to some of the
neighbouring ports, where they were out of danger
of discovery. The commodore thought it reason.
able that Boston should supply him with as many
men as he had lost, and sent his boats up to town
early in the morning, and surprised not only as
many seamen as could be found on board any of
the ships, outward bound as well as others, but
swept the wharfs also, taking some ship-carpen-
ters apprentices and labouring land-men. How-
ever tolerable such a surprise might have been in
London, it could not be borne here. ‘The people
2
had not been used to it, and men of all orders re.
sented it, but the lower class were beyond measure
enraged, and soon assembled with sticks, clubs,
itchemops, &¢e. ‘They first seized an innocent
ientenant who happened to be ashore upon other
business. ‘They had then formed no scheme, and
the speaker of the house passing by and_assurin
them that he knew that the lieutenant had no han
in the press, they suffered him to be led of toa
place of safety. ‘The mob increasing, and having
received intelligence that several of the come
manders were at the governor’s house, it was
agreed to go and demand satisfaction. ‘The house
was soon surrounded, and the court or yard before
the house filled, but many persons of discretion
intruded themselves and prevailed so far as to pre-
vent the mob from entering. Several of the officers
had planted themselves at the head of the stair-way
with loaded carbines, and seemed determined to
preserve their liberty or lose their lives. A deputy
sheriff attempting to exercise his authority, was
seized by the mob and carried away in triumph,
and set in the stocks, which afforded them divers
sion and tended to abate their rage, and disposed
them to separate and go to dinner.
As soon as it was dusk, several thousand people
assembled in King-street, below the town-house.
where the general court was sitting. Stones an
brickbats were thrown through the glass into the
council chamber, The governor, however, with
several gentlemen of the council and house, venture
ed into the balcony, and after silence was obtained,
the governor, in a well-judged speech, expressed
his great disapprob., tion of the impress, and pros
mised his utmost endeavours to obtain the dise
charge of every one of the inhabitants, and at the
same time gently reproved the irregular proceed.
ings both of the forenoon and evening. Other
gentlemen also attempted to persuade the people to
disperse, and wait to see what steps the general
court would take, All was to no purpose. ‘The
seizure and restraint of the commanders and other
officers who were in town was insisted upon as the
only effectual method to procure the release of the
inhabitants aboard the ships.
It was thought advisable for the governor to
withdraw to his house, many of the ofticers of the
militia and other gentlemen attending him, A ree
port was raised that a barge from one of the ships
was come to a wharfin the town. ‘The mob flew
to seize it, but by mistake took a boat belonging
toa Scotch ship, and dragged it with as much
seeming ease through the streets as if it had been
in the water, to the governor’s house, and prepared }
orders re-
il measure
tks, clubs,
1 innocent
upon other
heme, and
1 assurin
id no han
ed of toa
ind having
the com-
se, it was
The house
yard before
discretion
as to pre-e
the officers
e stairway
rmined to
A deputy
ority, was
| triumph,
em divers
d disposed
ind people
wn-house,
tones an
ss into the
ever, with
se, venture
s obtained,
expressed
) and pros
) the dise
and at the
proceed.
x, Other
people to
e general
se. ‘The
and other
on as the
ase of the
vernor to
ers of the
n, <A ree
the ships
mob flew
longing
as much
had been
prepared |
MASSACHUSETTS. 13
[to burn it before the house, but from a considera.
tion of the danger of setting the town on fire, were
diverted, and the boat was burnt in a place of less
hazard, ‘The nex day the governor ordered that
the military officers of Boston should cause their
companies to be mustered and to appear in arms,
and that a military watch should be kept the suc-
ceeding night, but the drummers were interrupted
and the militia refused to appear. ‘The governor
did not think it for his honour to remain in town
another night, and privately withdrew to the
castle, A number of gentlemen who had some in-
timation of his design, sent a message to him by
Colonel Hutchinson, assuring him they, would
stand by him in maintaining the authority of go-
vernment and restoring peace and order, but he
did not think this suflicient.
The governor wrote to Mr. Knowles represent-
ing the confusions occasioned by this extravagant
act of his officers, but he refused all terms of ac-
commodation until the commanders and other
officers on shore were suffered to go on board their
ships, and he threatened to bring up his ships and
bombard the town, and some of them being seen to
weigh, caused different conjectures of his real inten-
tion. Captain Erskine of the Canterbury had
been scized at the house of Colonel Brinley, in
Roxbury, and given his parole not to go abroad,
and divers inferior officers had been secured.
The 17th, 18th, and part of the 19th, the coun-
cil and house of representatives, sitting in the
town, went on with their ordinary business, not
willing to interpose, lest they should encourage
other commanders of the navy to future acts of the
like nature, but towards noon of the 19th, some of
the principal members of the house began to think
more seriously of the dangerous consequence of
leaving the governor without support when thcre
was not the least ground of exception to his con-
duct. Some high spirits in the town began to
question whether his retiring should be deemed a
desertion or abdication, It was moved to appoint
2 committee of the two houses to consider what was
proper to be done. This would take time and
Was excepted to, and the speaker was desired to
draw up such resolves as it was thought necessary
the house should immediately agree to, and they
ve passed by a considerable majority and made
public.
‘¢ In the hous of representatives, November
19th, 1747.
_ © Resolved, that there has been and still con-
tinues a tumultuous riotous assembling of armed
seamen, servants, Negroes, and others, in the
VOL. U1.
town of Boston, tending to the’ destruction of all
government and order,
Resolved, that it is incumbent on the civil
and military oflicers in the province to exert them-
selyes to the utmost, to discourage and suppress
allsuch tumultuous riotous proceedings whienso-
ever they may happen.
¢ Resolved, that this honse wiil stand by and
support, with their lives and estates, bis excci-
lency the governor, and the executive part of the
government, in all endeavours for this purpose.
¢ Resolved, that this house will exert them-
selves by all ways and means possible in redress-
ing such grievances as his ‘Majesty’s subjects are
and have been under, which may have been the
cause of the aforesaid tumultuous disorderly as-
sembling together. ,
“ T, Hurcatnson, Speaker.”
The council passed a vote orderin that Captain
Erskine and all other officers belonging to his Ma-
jesty’s Hs should be forthwith set at liberty and
protected by the government, which was concur-
red in by the house. As soon as these votes were
known, the tumultuous spirit began to subside.
The inhabitants of the town of Boston assembled
in town meeting in the afternoon, having been
notified to consider, in general, what was proper
for them to do upon this occasion, and notwith-
standing it was urged by many, that all measures
to suppress the present spirit in the people would
tend to encourage the like oppressive acts for the
future, yet the contrary party prevailed, and the
town, although they expressed their sense of the
great insult and injury by the impress, condemned
the tumultuous riotous acts of such as had insulted
the governor and the other parts of the legislature,
and committed many other heinous offences.
‘The governor, not expecting so favourable a
turn, had wrote to the secretary to prepare orders
for the colonels of the regiments of Cambridge,
Roxbury, and Milton, and the regiment of horse,
to have their of*cers and men ready to march at an
hour’s warning, to such place of rendezvous as he
should direct, but the next day there was an nn-
common appearance of the militia of the town of
Boston, many persons taking their muskets who
never carried one upon any other occasion, and
the governor was conducted to his house with
as great parade as when he first assumed the go-
vernment.
The commodore dismissed most, if not all, of
the inhabitants who had been impressed, and the
squadron sailed to the joy of the rest of the town.
By the expedition to Louisburgh, the prepara-]
I.
74 MASSACHUSETTS.
[tions for the reduction of Canada, and the several
supplies of men for Nova Scotia, the province had
issued an immense sum in bills of credit, between
two and three millions, according to their deno-
mination in the currency. ‘The greatest part of
this sum had been issued when between 500/, and
6007, was equal to 100/, sterling, and perhaps the
real consideration the government received frem
the inhabitants who gave credit to them, was near
A00,000/, sterling, but by thus multiplying the
bills they had so much depreciated, ihne at the
end of the war, 10002. or 1200/. was not equal to
more thar 100/, sterling, and the whole debt of
the province did not much exceed 200,000/. ster-
ling. ‘Thus the people had paid 200,000/. sterling
in two or three years, besides a large sum raised by
taxes each year, as much as it was supposed they
were able to pay; but the vfect was almost insen-
sible, for however great and unequal might be the
depreciation of the bills, yet as they were shifting
hands every day, a possessor of a large sum for a
few days could not perceive the difference in their
value between the time when he received them,
and the time when he parted with them, ‘The ap-
prehension of their depreciation tended to increase
it, and occasioned a quick circulation, and for
some time, even for English goods, which ordi-
narily sell forthe longest credit, nobody pretended
to ask credit. ‘They were constantly, however, dy-
ing in somebody’s hand, though nobody kept
them long by them. Business was brisk, men in
trade increased their figures, but were sinking the
real value of their stock ; and what is worse, by
endeavours to shift the loss attending such a per-
nicious currency from one to another, fraudulent
dispositions and habits are acquired, and the
morals of the people depreciate with the currency.
The government wassoliciting for the reimburse-
ment of the charge in taking and securing Cape
Breton, and by the address, assiduity, and fidelity
of William Bollan, Esq. who was one of the
agents of the prevince for that purpose, there
was a hopeful pro.pect that the full sum, about
180,000/. sterling, would be obtained.
Some of the ministry thought it sufficient to
erant such sum as would redeem the bills issued
for the expedition, &c. at their depreciated value,
and Mr, Kilby, the other agent, seemed to despair
of obtaining more, but Mr. Bollan, who had an
intimate knowledge of the public affairs, set the
injustice of this proposal in a clear light, and made
it evident that the depreciation of the bills was as
effectually a charge borne by the people as if the
same proportion of bills had been drawn in by
taxes, and refused all proposals of accommodation,
insisting upon the full value of the bills when
issued. He certainly has great merit for this and
other services,
Mr. Hutchinson, who was then speaker of the
house of representatives, imagined this to be a
most favourable opportunity for abolishing bills of
credit, the source of so much iniquity, and for
establishing a stable currency of silver and gold
for the future. About 2,200,000/, would be
outstanding in bills in the year 1749, One
hundred and eighty thousand pounds sterling at
eleven for one, which was the lowest rate of exchange
with London for a year or two before, and perhaps
the difference was really twelve for one, woul
redeem 1,980,000/. which would leave but 2290,000/,
outstanding: it was therefore proposed that the
sum granted by parliament should be shipped to
the province in Spanish milled dollars, and applied
for the redemption of the bills as far it would
serve for that purpose, and that the remainder of
the bills should be drawn in by a tax on the year
1749, This would finish the bills, It was also
proposed, silver of sterling alloy at Gs, 8d. the ounce,
if payment should be made in bullion, or otherwise
milled dollars at Gs. each, should be the lawful
money of the province, and no person should
receive or pay within the province, bills of credit
of any of the other governments of New England.
This proposal being made to the governor he
approved of it, as founded in justice and tending
to promote the real interest of the province, but he
knew the attachment of the people to paper money
and supposed it impracticable. ‘The speaker,
however, laid the proposal before the house,
where it was received with a smile and generally
thought to be an Utopian project, and, rather out
of deference to the speaker, than from an appre-
hension of any eflect, the house appointed a com-
mittee to consider of it. The committee treated it
in the same manner, but reported that the speaker
should be desired to bring in a bill for the
consideration of the house. When this came
to be known abroad, exceptions were taken and a
clamour was ‘raised from every quarter. The
major part of the people, in number, were no
sullerers by a depreciating currency, the number
of debtors is always more than the number of
creditors, and although debts on specialties had
allowance made in judgments of court for depre-
ciation of the bills, yet on simple contracts, of
which there were ten to one specialty, no allowance
was made. ‘Those who were for a fixcd currency
were divided. Some supposed the bills might be |
mmodation,
» bills when
for this and
~aker of thie
his to be a
hing bills of
ity, and for
er and gold
» would be
749. One
Is sterling at
of exchange
and perhaps
one, would
ut 290,000/,
ed that the
2 shipped to
and applied
ar it would
remainder of
on the year
It was also
d. the ounce,
or otherwise
» the lawful
rson should
ills of credit
ew England.
rovernor he
and tending
ince, but he
bhaper money
¢ speaker,
the house,
hd generally
» rather out
m an appre-
nted a com-
ee treated it
the speaker
ill for the
this came
taken and a
rter, The
r, were no
the number
number of
cialties had
for depre-
ontracts, of
10 allowance
ed currency
Is might be |
MASSACHUSETTS, 75
reduced to so small a quantily as to be fixed and
stable, and therefore were for redeeming as many
bills of exchange as should be thought super-
uous; others were for putting an end to the bills,
but in a gradual way, otherwise it was siid a
fatal shock would be given to trade. ‘This last
was the objection of many men of: good sense.
Douglass, who had wrote well upon paper cur-
rency ‘and had been the oracle of the anti-paper
‘party, was among them, and, as his manner was
with all’ who differed from him, discovered as
much rancour against the author and promoters of
this new project as he had done against the frau-
dulent contrivers of paper money emissions.
The bills it was sald had sunk gradually in their
value from 6s. 10}d. to GOs. the ounce; by this
means creditors had been defrauded, and it was but
reasonable they should rise gradually that justice
might be done. But the creditors and debtors
would not bethe same in one instance in a thousand,
and where this was not the case the injury was the
same, to oblige any one to pay more as to receive
less than was justly due. Others were for exchang-
ing the bills at. lower rate than the then current
price of silver. ‘I'he inhabitants had given credit
to the government when silver was at 30s. the
ounce, and ought to be paid accordingly, ‘I'wo
of the representatives of Boston urged their being
exchanged at 30s. which would have given a most
unreasonable profit to the present possessors,; who
had taken them at 55s. of 60s, To draw over some
of this party, concessions were made and the
bills were exchanged at 50s. the ounce instead of
55s. as wus at first poposed.
Some of the directors and*principal promoters
of the land bank scheme, being at this time
members of the general court, unexpectedly joined
with the party who were for finishing paper money,
but the opposition was so great, that after many
weeks spent in debating and settling the several
parts of the bill, and a whole day’s debate at last ina
committee of the whole house upon the expediency
of passing the bill, as thus settled, it was rejected
and the report of the committee accepted.
The house, although upon some occasions
exceptions are taken to motions and proceedings
which come before them as not being in parlia-
mentary form, yet are not strict in conforming to
some of the most useful rules of parliament. A
bill or motion is not only referred from one session
to another, but a bill, after rejecting upon a second
or third reading, is sometimes taken up and passed
suddenly the same session. ‘hey have an order of
the house, that when any affair has been consider-
ed, it shall not be brought before the house again
the same session unless there be as full a house as
when it was passed upon, This, if observed,
would still be liable to inconvenience, as any
designing person might take an opportunity upon
i change of faces, the number being as great as
before, suddenly to carry any point, but even this
rule, like many other of what are called standing
orders, is too frequently by votes, on particular
occasions, dispensed with, which lessens the dignity
of the house,
(Anno 1749,)—It may be perhaps of no consce
quence to the prerogative whether the currency ofa
colony be silver or paper, but the royal instructions
from time to time for preventing a depreciating
currency, caused merely by a gracious regard to
the interest of the people, had generally engaged
what was called the country part in opposition to
them and in favour of paper. It was the case at
this time. Ilowever, the next morning, two of
the members of the house, zealous adherers to this
party and who had been strong opposers of the
ill, came early to the house to wait the coming
of the speaker, and in the lobby let him know,
that although they were not satisfied with several
parts of the bill, yet they were alarmed with the
danger to the province trom the schemes of those
a wio were for a gradual reduction of the
ills, and by that means for raising the value of
the currency without any provision for the relief
of debtors; and therefore they bad changed their
minds, and ifthe bill could be brought forward
again, they would give their voice for it, and others
who had opposed it would do the same, The
speaker, who had looked upon any further attempt
to be to no purpose, acquainted them that he did
not think it proper to desire any of the fayourers
of the bill to move for a reconsideration of it,
inasmuch as it had been understood and agreed in
the house the day before, that if upon a full debate
had, the bill should be rejected, no further motion
should be made about it. As soon as the house
met, upon a motion by one of these members,
seconded by the other, the bill was again brought
under consideration and passed the house, as it
afterwards did the council, and had the governor's
consent.
The provision made by this act for the exchange
of the bills and for establishing a silver currency
was altogether conditional, and depended upon a
grant of parliament for reimbursement of the
charge of the Cape Breton expedition. ‘This
being at a distance and not absolutely certain, the
act had no sudden effect upon the minds of the
people ; but when the news of the grant arrived,
the discontent appeared more yisible, and upon}
L 2
76 MASSACHUSETTS.
[the arrival of the money thore were some begin-
nings of tumults, and the authors and promoters of
the measure were threatened. The government
passed an act with a severe penalty against riots,
and appeared determined to carry the other act
for exchanging the bills into execution. The
apprehension of a shock to trade proved groundless ;
the bills being dispersed through every part of the
province, the silver took place instead of them, a
good currency was insensibly substituted in the
room of a bad one, and every branch of business
was carried on to greater advantage than before.
The other governments, especially Connecticut
and Rhode Island, who refused, upon being invited,
to conform their currency to the Massachusetts,
felt a shock in their trade which they did not for a
long while recover. The latter had been the impor-
ters, for the Massachusetts, of W. India goods for
many years, which ceased at once. New Hamp-
shire, after some years, revived its business and
increased their trade in English goods, which
formerly they had been supplied with from the
Massachusetts ; and in this channel their successes
have been considerable.
We shali finish this part of our history with a
few reraarks upon the trade of the province at this
day, (1760), compared with its trade in 1699,
The other governments of New England, 60
or 70 years before this period, imported no Eng-
lish goods, or next to none, directly from England,
they were supplicd by the Massachusetts trader.
Now, although the trade with Great Britain, upon
the whole, was supposed to cause no addition to
the wealth of Massachusetts, yet, at least so far as
it was the channel for conveying supplies of goods
to the other colonies for their consumption, a benefit
undoubtedly accrued. New Hampshire, by their
convenient situation, were induced to become their
own importers ina great measure some years before
the alteration of the currency. ‘They made their
returns by shipping lumber, &c. easier than Massa-
chusetts. At this time they probably imported Eng-
lish goods equal to their consumption. Connecticut,
until the state abolished its bills of credit and theirs
with them, continued their trade with it for Eng-
lish goods, but soon after turned great part of their
trade to New York, and some persons became
importers from England. ‘They soon discovered
their error. The produce of New York was so
much the same with that of Connecticut that the
Massachusetts market was always the best. The
importer found it more difficult to make his returns
to England from Connecticut than from the Massa-
chusetts. Connecticut trade therefore soon return-
ed to the state it had formerly been in.
Rhode Island, in part, became their own impors
ters also, which they still continue.
As to the other colonies on the continent: between
S. Carolina and the Massachusetts, there never has
been any considerable trade. The chiet benefit
from that colony has been the affording freights
for the Massachusetts ships in the European trade.
N. Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, the Jerseys,
and Pennsylvania, until within 20 or 30: years, used
to furnish Massachusetts with provisions, for which®
it paid them in W. India pa sometimes English
goods, and with its own produce and manufactures:
Philadelphia has since become the mart for the
grain of great part of Maryland, which they
manufacture into flour and supply the Massa-
chusetts, Khode Island, and New Hampshire, and
take little or no pay in return but money and bills
of exchange. it seems agreed that the s. colonies
as far as Virginia are designed by nature for grain
countries.
The trade with the W. India islands was much
more Fal to Massachusetts, from the begin-
ning o sing William’s to the end of Queen Anne’s
war with France, than at any time to this period.
Long since the peace of Utrecht it was continually
growing worse, Barbadocs required then more
n. produce than it does now. The other
islands, except Jamaica, had very little increased
their demand. From the growth of the n.
colonies and the new methods of living, the pro-
duce of the islands was more than double the price
it used to be. Perhaps tea and coffee, alone,
caused as great consumption of sugar as all other
uscs to which it was applied did formerly. ‘The
produce of the n. colonies was as low in the islands
as ever it was. Formerly their demand tor n.
produce not only afforded this state in return, ram,
sugar, and molasses sufficient for the consumption
of the state, but left a surplus which, in war
time especially, every year gave freight to ships
from Boston to England, and paid its debts there,
or procured a supply of goods ‘rom thence,
whereas, at this day, the whole supply of 2.
produce to the British islands would not pay for
one half of the W. India goods consumed or used
in the n. colonies. ‘The trade to the Dutch colo-
nies, it is true, had since increased, and Massa-
chusetts goods from time to time have found their
way into the French islands, sometimes through the
Dutch, at othertimes, when French necessity called
for them, by permission or other contn .ances, and
by this means was the state able to procure the W.
India goods it wanted for its consumption over and
above what it could obtain in pay for its produce
from the British islands. |
wn impore
1: between
never has
icf benefit
ig freights
yean trace.
e Jerseys,
ears, used
for which*
s English
ufactures:
rt for the
hich they
1¢ Massa-
shire, and
y and bills
s. colonies
for grain
was much
the begin-
en Anne’s
Lis period.
ontinually
then more
‘he. other
increased
of the n.
the pro-
> the price
e, alone,
s all other
ly. ‘The
the islands
nd for n.
urn, ram,
hsumption
» in war
to ships
bts there,
in thence,
ly of n.
bt pay for
cl or used
ntch colos .
d Massa-
bund their
rough the
ity called
neces, and
le the W.
over and
produce
MAS
[As to what relates to the subsequent history of
Massachusetts, we refer our readers to the article
Unitep States; wherein a full and circumstan-
iial detail of the revolution, and other interesting
matter, relative alike to this as to the other states,
will be found inserted.
[Massacnusetts Fort stands on the 2x. zw.
corner of the state of its name, in lat. 49° 41/30" n.
19 miles n. e. by n. of Pittsfield, and 22 due ec. of
Lansinburgh city, in New York state. ]
[Massacuusetts Sound, on the 2. w. cost of
N. America, is situated on the s. side of the Qna-
dras isles, and leads from the w. into Nuotka
sound along the n. side of Kenrick’s island, and
whose e. side forms, with point Breakfast, the
mouth of Nootka sound. ]
(MASSACRE River passes out of the straits of
Magellan s. w. into the ae channel of St.
Berbara, which cuts through the island of Tierra
del Fuego, through which, we are informed,
Captain Mareanille of Marseilles passed in 1713
into the S, Pacific ocean.
[Massacre River, on the ~. side of the island of
St. Domingo, falls into the Bay of ManceNiLa ;
which see.
(Massacre, a small island on the const of W.
Florida, two miles to the ¢. of Horn island, 10
miles from the mainland : all the way across there
is from two to three fathoms, except the shoal
called La Grand Bature, which stretches a league
from the mainland, with two or three fect water
on it, and in some places not so much. Behind it
is a large bay called L’Ance de la Grand Bature,
ph miles e. of Pascagoula bluff. See Daupnin
sland.
MASSAFUERO, an island in the S. Pacific
ocean, called by the Spaniards the Lesser Juan
Fernandes, 22 leagues w. by s. of the Greater Juan
Fernandes. It has always been represented by the
Spaniards as a barren rock, without wood, water,
or provisions ; but Lord Anson found this to be
a political falsity, asserted to prevent hostile ves-
sels from touching there. There is anchorage on
the n. side in deep water, where a single ship may
be sheltered close under the shore, but is exposed
to all winds except the s, According to Captain
Magee, of the ship Jefferson, it is 78 miles to the
w. of Juan Fernandes, and in about lat. 33° 47!
30” s. and long. 80° 41 w. from bape
[MASSANUTEN’S River, a w. branch of the
Shenandoah. |
MASSEDAN Bay, in the N. Pacific ocean,
and w. coast of Mexico, is situated between Aca-
pulco and Aquacara, a port near the cape of Cali-
MAT 77
fornia, where Sir Thomas Cavendish lay after he
had passed the straits of Magellan. ] :
[MASSEY'S Town, in the N.W. Territory,
stands on the ». bank of Ohio river, between the
rivers Little Miami and Sciota. }
[MASSY’S Cross Roans, in Kent county,
Maryland, is n.e. of Newmarket, s.c. of George
town, and s. by w. of Sassafras town, a little more
than five miles from each. |
[MAST Bay, on the x. side of the island of Ja-
maica, in the 2. w. part. It is e. of Montego bay,
and near the shelf of rocks that lies from the shore,
called Catlin’s aad
MASTELES, a barbarous and ancient nation
of Indians of the province of Popaydn, towards
the w. They were warlike, cruel, and cannibals,
and lived in continual warfare with their neighbours
the Abades ; by whom they were at last extirpated.
MASTERKOUT, a small city of the county
of Prince George, in the w. division of the pro-
vince of Maryland.
MASTES, a barbarous and warlike nation of
Indians, of the province and government of Santa
Marta, to the s.s.w. and confederates of the Tai-
ronas,
[MASTIC Gut, on the s. w, side of the island
of St. Christopher’s in the W. Indies, is between
Moline’s gut on the x. w. and Godwin’s gut on
the s.e.
[MASTIGON, a river which runs w. into lake
Michigan, about 11 miles x. of La Grande Ri-
viere, It is 150 yards wide at its mouth. ]
MASTON, a setilement of the island of Barba-
does ; situate in the s. part.
MATA, a large settlement of the province and
captainship of Pernambuco in Brazil. It is well
peopled through its commerce in Brazil-wood,
which is cut in the neighbourhood in abundance.
It has two convents of monks, and a very good
parish; upon which is dependent another small
settlement annexed to it. It is 11 leagues s. of its
capital.
Mata, CieneGa ne, a settlement of the head
settlement and alcaldia mayor of Sierra de Pinos in
Nueva Espafia. Five leagues to the s. of Ojo
Caliente,
Mara, Point, on the the 2, side of the island
of Cuba, and nine leagues n, w. of cape Maisy. ]
MATACHIQUI, a settlement of the missions
that were held by the regulars of the company, in
the province of 'Taraumara, and kingdom of Nueva
Vizcaya. It is 31 leagues from the town and real
of the mines of San Felipe de Chiguagua.
MATA-FUEGO, some isles of the N. sea, near
{
i
|
78 MAT
the coast of the province and capfainship of Rey
in Brazil; situate 2. of the island of Santa Cata-
lina.
MATAGALPA, a province and alcaldia mayor
of the kingdom of Guatemala in N. America.
MATAGEROS, some small islands of the N.
sea, near the coast of the province and govern-
ment of Honduras; opposite the entrance or mouth
of the river Comecueros. They are many and
desert.
MATAGORDA, or Pescaprro, a port of the
coast of the province and corregimiento uf Quil-
lota in the kingdom of Chile, between the que-
brada of Choapa and the river Quilimari.
MATAGUAYOS, or Matacuayes, a nation
of barbarous Indians of the province of Chaco in
Peru, who dwell in the Manos of Mauso near the
river Pilcomayo. The Fathers Ignacio de Medina
and Andres de Lujan of the abolished order ot Je-
suits, endeavoured to reduce them to the Catholic
faith in 1653, and entered their country, being
conducted by the Cacique Nao, their chief, whom
they had gained over by bribes and_ persuasions ;
but just as they had collected together a certain
number of the Mataguayos, and were beginning to
establish a settlement, these infidels rose of a sud-
den and retired to the mountains, determining (o
put to death the fathers; who, however, escaped
their fury by the precaution of an Indian, their
friend, In the following year they sent deputies
to manifest their cont:iion for what had pazsed,
and requesting that missionarics would again come
amongst them to instruct them in the faith, and
although their wishes were acceded to by the go-
vernor of Tucuman, and the provincial, a body of
troops being also sent to secure the peace, yet did,
at the same moment, one of the most ferribie in-
surrections happen, which soon spread _ itself
throughout the whole province, thereby putting
aside all hope of reducing this nation to the bosom
of the church.
MATAILUASI, a settlement of the province
and corregimiento of Xauja in Peru.
MATAJES, a large river of the province and
government of Esmeraldas in the kingdom of
Quito. It rus from s.e. tom. w. in the country
and territory of the Malaguas Indians, and enters
the Pacific, in the bay of Sardinas, in latitude
1° Q9' n.
MATATARON, a small island of the N. sea ;
one cf the Lesser or Windward Antilles, It is
desert.
MATAMEREQUE, a river of the province
and corregimiento of Caxamarquilla in Peru.
MAT
MATAMUSKET, « settlement of Indians of
N. Carolina and district of Hyde; situate on. the
coast.
[MATANCA, or Marrances, a sort and broad
river of Ic. Flora, which falls into the ocean s. of
St. aie ban
MA'TANCHEL, a town and port of the S. sea,
on the coast of Nueva Espaiia, belonging to the
jurisdiction and district of the alcaldia mayor of
Tepic. It is on the w. part, and lying e. w. with
the Marias isles. It is tolerably convenient and
secure, and in 1745, a China ship anchored in it,
having sufered much by a storm; also in 1746,
a Dutch vessel which had been navigating those
seas put in here, It is 65 miles from the capital,
in lat. 20° 45/ n. and Jong. 105° 24’ w.
Marancuen, a settlement of the head settle-
ment and alcaldta n:iyor of Compostela in Nueva
Espaiia ; situate on the coast of the S.sea, near
the former port.
MATANKE, a river of New France or Canada,
the mouth of which is capable of receiving vessels
of 200 tons. The whole of the sides of the river
St. Lawrence, especially of that part of which we
treat, abounds for more than 20 leagues in cod
fish ; and is capable of employing 500 fishing
smacks at the same time. ‘This fish is of an excel-
lent quality, and much esteemed in Espaiia and in
the ¢. parts. Ilere baye also been seen many
whales, which may be killed by the harpoon, and
would bring ample profit.
MATANILLAS, a settlement of the island of
Cuba; situate on the x. coast, between the settle.
ment of Guanaja and Alivitas.
MATANZA, a settlement of the province and
government of Buenos Ayres in Peru.
Marayza, a river of the same province and
government, which runs 2.7. ¢. and enters the Pa-
rand, between the Remallos and that of Dos Her-
manos,
MA'TANZAS, a city of the island of Cuba ;
situate on the 2, coast, on the shcre of a bay or
port of the same name, and which is one of the
most convenient, safest, and largest of any in Ame-
rica, having a good castle for its defence. The
city is small, of poor commerce, and thinly inhas
bited. Formerly its commerce was great, since
all the vessels that were going to Europe used to
enter it. ‘The Dutch admiral Pedro Hein routed
and burnt in this bay the flect of Nueva Espaiia
in 1628; and in 1638, the admiral of the galleons,
Don Carlos de Ibarra, had two smart combats with
the Dutch privateer Pie de Palo. It is 30 leagues
from the Cabeza de los Martires on the coast of
Indians of
ate on. the
t and broad
ocean s. of
the S. sea,
ging to the
a mayor of
e. w. with
enient and
hored in it,
o in 1746,
rating those
the capital,
head settie-
a in Nueva
S. sea, near
or Canada,
ving vessels
of the river
of which we
rues in cod
500 fishing
of an excel-
pata and in
seen many
rpoon, and
e island of
in the settle
ovince and
lovince and
ers the Pa-
' Dos Her-
of Cuba ;
a bay or
one of the
ny in Ame-
nee, The
linly inhas
reat, since
e used to
ein routed
va Espaiia
e galleons,.
mbats with
50 leagues
he coast of
*
Sane
MAT
Florida, and 20 from the Havana, in lat. 25° 3’ n.
and long.’81° 80! w. te
Matanzas, Pan pe, a very lofty mountain in
the shape of a sugar-loaf; situate at the back of
the former port, and serving as a land-mark or di-
rection for entering the nouth of the canai of Ba-
hama, putting the prow to the 2, and leaving the
mountain a-stern, in order to bear right a-head of
the said entrance or mouth.
Matanzas, Pan pt, an istand of the N. sea, near
the coast of Florida, beyond the canal of Bahama,
MA'TAOUACHIE, a river of the province and
country of the lroquees Indians in New France or
Canada. It runs 2. e. and enters the Otaivas.
MATS PL, a settlement of the province and
government of Ostimuri in N. America.
MATAPI, a river of the province and govern-
ment of La Guayana, in the part which was pos-
sessed by the Portuguese, according to the de-
scription and chart of the engincer Bellin ; but not
being able to find it in other charts, we may infer
that he has mistaken the name for Matari.
MATAPONI, a river of the province and co-
lony of Virginia in N. America. It runs s.e. and
enters the river York.
MATAQUINO, or Maraautiro, as others will
have it, a large river of the province and district
of Chanco in the kingdom of Chile. It rans many
leagues to the w. and enters the sea between the
rivers Maule and Boyeruca, On its shore by the
n. side are two large estates, called 'Tilicura and
Peralvillo, Near to this spot the Spaniards were
engaged with the Araucanos Indians in a battle,
called the battle of Mataquino, in which the brave
Lautaro fell. On the s. side are two other estates,
with the names of Huaquen and Naicuda.
MATARA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Caxatambo in Peru, where there
is a spring of dark-coloured water, which flows
into a river called De la Barranca, and which
passing through the settlement acquires a deeper
tint in proportion to its stagnation. ‘This settle.
ment is annexed to the curacy of Chiquian.
Marana, another settlement, in the province
and corregimiento of Aimaraez in Peru.
Marara, another, in ¢he province and corregi-
miento of Guarochiri in the same kingdom ; an-
nexed to the curacy of the settlement of Olleros.
Marana, another, in the province and corregi«
miento of Lucanas in the same kingdom ; annexed
to the curacy of the settlement of Paico.
Marana, another, called also Mora, in the
province and government of 'Tucumin in the
same kingdom, of the district and jurisdiction of
MAT 79
the city of Santiago del Estero, to the curacy of
which it belongs. .
MA'TARAS, or Matananes, a nation of Indians
of the province of Chaco in Peru. It is one of those
which was happy enough to have employed in its
conversion to the faith San Francisco Solano; but
reverting, however, to its idolatrous state, it had
lost nearly every trait of yeligion at the time
that its conversion was again attempted by the fa-
thers Juan de Fonte, Juan Baptista Anasco, Fran-
cisco de Angulo, and Alonso de Barcena, of the
abolished order of Jesuits. ‘These succeeded in
reducing the greater part of these Indians, who,
having for many years been without any regular
curate, again revolted to their pristine idolatry,
when, in 1641, the true faith was again preached
to them by the Fathers Pedro Pastor and Gaspar
Cerqueira ; and it was then that, becoming strict
proselytes, they united together in a settlement of
their name.
In the time of their gentilism these Indians had
the custom of celebrating the anniversary of their
relations death, A dead ostrich was brought in
honour of each of the defunct, together with some
articles-of furniture, a ceremony with which even
the guests were obliged to comply ; and in the
same manner all heirs, in refusing to keep up this
practice, were considered as giving ample cause
for open enmity. ‘This festival used to last four
days; at the end of these they would lament over
the dead for one hour, and after this would suc-
ceed dances, convivialities, and the most excessive
symptoms of mirth, so that they had the appear-
ance of bacchanalians, in whom was a complica-
tion of all the disorderly habits, of which it was
possible to conceive creatures, who had nothing
but the form of rational beings, to be guilty.
[MATAVIA Bay, or Pont Roya Bay, is
situated within point Venus, near the #. part of
the island of Otaheite, but open to the n.w. and in
the S. Pacific ocean. ‘The e. side of the bay has
good anchorage in 14 and 16 fathoms, Lat. 17°
40's. Long. 149° 30’ w. andthe variation of the
compass 3° 34! e.
ee ep CK Bay, inthe casternmost part
of lake Huron,”
[MATHANON Port, in the s.e. part of the
island of Cuba, is one of those ports on that coast
which afford good anchorage for ships, but with-
out any use for want of them. It is between cape
Cruz and cape Maizi, at the e. end of the island. ]
| MATHEO River, in E. Florida, or St.Jonn’s;
which see,
[MATHEWS Fort stands on the ¢, side of
§0 MAT
Oconee river, in the s.w. part of Franklin county,
Georgia. ]
[Mariews, a county of Virginia; bcunded w.
by Gloucester, from which it was taken since 1790;
lying on the w. shore of the bay of Chesapeak.
t is about 18 miles in iength, and six in breadth.
MATIARE, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Nicaragua.and kingdom of Guatemala,
in the time of the gentii.sm of the Indians; but at
prmecht not existing. It was near the city of
eon.
MATIAS, S.. a settlement of the head settle.
ment of Tepalcaltepec, and alcaldia mayor of Ne-
japa, in Nueva Espaiia ; situate on a-mountain, the
ascent to it being more than a league. It is ofa
cold temperature, and inhabited by 72 families of
Indians,
Marttias, S. a bay, also called Sin Fonno, on
the coast which lies between the river La Plata and
the straits of Magellan, to the s. between the bay
Anegada and the port of Los Leones.
ATIAS, S. an island, the most ¢. of the two
that were discovered by William Dampierre on
the coast of New Britain of N. America. It is
nine or 10 leagues long, is mountainous and full of
woods, although not without certain spots and val-
leys with the appearance of cultivation.
{MAT ICALOC River, on the w. coast of New
Mexico, is seven leagues from Catalta strand, or
the port of Sansonate. It is much exposed to 2.
winds, and is known by some small but high hills
that are opposite to it. There is another large
river to the w. of it about four leagues, which has
two fathoms upon the bar; and from thence to the
bar of Estapa it is 15 leagues.
(MATILDA, a village of Virginia ; situated on
the s.w, bank of Patowmac river, above Wash-
ington city, and near the great falls. ]
ATI LA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Arica in Peru; annexed to the
curacy of Pica.
MATINA, a district cf the government and
province of Costarica in the kingdom of Guate-
mala ; situate between the district of Las Tala-
mancas to the e. and the river San Juan to the w.
on the coast of the N.sea. It has by the other
part of the aforesaid river the coast of the Mosqui-
tos Indians, who continually infest the same with
their canoes 5 so that this spot is peopled only very
thinly by Spaniards, who dwell in certain ranche-
rias or temporary habitations, for the purpose of
labourers, and who cultivate cacao, which both in
and out of the kingdom is as highly esteemed as
that of Soconusco: its crops are, however, much
MAT
fallen off, and the produce is scarcely sufficient for
the inhabitants of KR icaraua, who are eager in its
monopoly, There was in this district a castle,
eee demolished by the English in the war
o j
Martina, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Veragua in the Kingdass of Tierra Firme,
which serves as a limit, and divides this province
from that of Costarica in Guatemala. It runs
into the N. sea, cad on its shores stood a castle,
which was demolished by the English in 1744,
wi MATINICUS Islands, on the coast of Maine.
hen you pass on the w. of these islands, the
main passage from the sea to Penobscot bay lies
about n. by w. They lie in lat. 48° 50 n.
Long. 68° 47! w.
MATITUI, a settlement of the province and
le) of Popayan in thé Nuevo Reyno de
ranada
MATLACUCUEYE, a name which the In-
dians, in their idiom, gave to the sierra of Tlax-
exla, and which served as a place of safety-for
their wives and children when Hernan Cortes en-
tered that province with the Spaniards.
MATLAHUACALLAN, the spot where. the
Tultecas Indians setiled for three years, the same
being the first who peopled th; Mexican empire,
according to Fr, Juan de ‘Torquemada.
MATLALCINCO, a large and rich province
of the Mexican empire, in the time of the Indians,
and conquered and united to it by.the Emperor
Axayacatl. It was in the valley of Tolucan, nine
leagues from the city of this name. Its natives
were of the most faithful of the allics of Hernan
Cortes, and of the Spaniards; and on this account
did the Otomies declare war against then, ravag-
ing and destroying the whole of their territory.
This oppressed people complaining to Cortes, had
sent to their relief Gonzalo de Sondoval with 100
infantry and 18 cavalry, who chastised and re-
duced the Otomies to obedience. In gratitude for
this succour, the natives, of whom we treat, assist-
ed the Spaniards in a great measure in the siege
and conquest of Mexico. They were extremely
barbarous, superstitious, and vicious; but were
greatly improved by Fr. Andres de Castro, of the
order of San Francisco, who dedicated himself to
their conversion and instruction for nearly 40 years,
in which time he succeeded in reducing them to
the Catholic faith, in which they have persisted,
looking hack upon his conduct as though he were
an apostle of the most heroic virtues,
ATLALLAN, a settlement of the province
and alcaldia mayor of Tlaxcala in Nueya Es-
1
sufficient for
eager in its
ct a castle,
1 in the war
and govern-
ierra Firme,
his province
a. It runs
od a castle,
in 1744,
st of Maine.
islands, the
sot bay lies
43° 50' n.
‘ovince and
» Reyno de
ich the In-
ra of Tlax-
of safety for
Cortes en-
h province
the Indians,
se Emperor
lucan, nine
Its natives
of Hernan
his account
1en, ravag-
r tetritory.
Cortes, had
1 with 100
ed and re-
atitude for
reat, assist-
n the siege
extremely
; but were
stro, of the
himself to
ly 40 years,
ng them to
© rsisted,
gh he were
e province
Nueva Es-
MAT
paiia, in the time of the gentilism of the In-
dians,
MATIAPA, a setilement of the head settle-
ment of Tames anchale, and annexed to its curacy,
in the alcaldia mayor of Valles and kingdom of
Nueva Espaiia ; situate on the bank of a beautiful
stream, by which it is provided with water, It is
of a hot and moist temperature, abounding in
maize, French beans, seeds, and cotton, It con-
tains 3C families of Indians, and is five leagues to
the z. of its head settlement.
MATLATEPEC, a thinly peopled settlement
of the head settlement of the district of Santa Ana,
and a/caldia mayor of Zultepec, in Nueva Espaiia ;
united to the settlement of Hueetatiualog, and be-
ing distant from it a short league.
MATLAZINCO, a large river of Nueva Es-
pata. It rises near the settlement of Santiago, in
the jurisdiction and alcaldia mayor ot Lerma, from
a small stream; and traversing various provinces
for more than 500 leagues, in which it collects the
waters of various other rivers, it takes the name
of RioGrande, and empties itself into the S, sea, op-
posite the island of California, In many parts its
streain is so large as not to admit of being forded,
especially after that it enters the sea Chapalico or
like of Chapala, ‘lo pass it near the city of Gua-
dalajara, it has a singular bridge.
MATLICA, a settlement of the head settlement
of Yautepec, and alealdia mayor of Cuernavaca,
in Nueva Espaiia.
MATO, «settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Xauxa in Peru.
Maro, a river of the province and government
of Moxos in the kingdom of Quits. It is also
ealled Conrru ; see this article,
Maro Denrno, a settlement or village of the
Portuguese, in the province and eaptainship of
Espiritu Santo, and kingdom of Brazil; situate
near the settlement of Castas Altas, close to the
river Doce or Dulce.
Mato Groso, a province and government of
the Portuguese, in the country of Las Amazonas ;
bounded n. by the caplainship of Para, w. by the
viceroyalty of La Plata, s. by the captainship of
S. Paul’s, and e. by the captainship of Goias. It
abounds in mines of the richest gold. It was de-
sert, and the Portuguese, excited by its riches,
made themselves masters of and established them-
selves in it, in 1761, placing in it a governor ; his
residence, which is also the capital, bearing the
same name as the province. Its principal com-
merce is reduced to the working of the gold mines,
which render well, It is of an hot and moist tem-
VOL, U1,
MAT SI
perature, and scantily supplied with eatables, and
these are consequently very dear. In 1765, it was
attacked by the President Don Joseph Pestatia,
by order of the viceroy of Peru, on Manuel
Amat, but he was obliged to desist from his enter-
prise, and to retire with his troops in 1766,
owing to the valour manifested by the Portuguese,
and the roughness of the territory.
MATOS, a small river of the province and go-
vernment of Guayana or Nueva Andalucia. It
runs #. and enters the Caura by the w. side, oppo-
site the Yuruani.
MATOURI, Quartet ve, a settlement and
parish of the English, in the island of Cayenne ;
situate in the vicinity of a mountainous tract of
the same name, in ihe w. part of the island,
(MATTA pe Brazit, a town in the cap-
tuinship of Pernambuco in Brazil, about nine
leagues from Olinda. It is very populous, and
quantities of Brazil-wood are sent from this coun-
try to Europe. |
[MA'T'TAPONY, a navigable river of Vir-
ginia, which rises in Spottsylvania county, and
running as, e. course, joins Pamunky river below
the town of De la War, and together form York
river. ‘his river will admit loaded floats to
Downer’s bridge, 70 miles above its mouth. |
[MATTES, or Matracinanes, a point on the
e. coast of S, America, in the S. Atlantic ocean;
is in lat. 45° 23's. and long, 67° 9 oi
[MA THEO Island, St. or St. Matruew's
Island, in the S. Atlantic ocean. Lat. 1° 24' s.4
(MATTHEW'S Bay, Sr. in the gulf of Mex-
ico, on the w. shore of Campeachy gult, is more
than 100 leagues to the x. of ‘Tumbez, |
(Marraew’s, St. or Marttiuro Bay, on
the coast of Pern, on the N. Pacific ocean, is six
leagues to the n. e, by ¢. from point Galera, and
five or six leagues s, s. w. from the river St. Jago,
between which there is anchorage all the way, if
ships keep at least in six fathoms water. It is all
high land with hollow red crags, and several points
run out, forming good retreats for ships driven in
by hard squails and flaws from the hills, and by
the seas running high, which often happen. |
MA'TUCANA, Saw Juan ve, a settlement of
oe province and corregimiento of Guarochiri in
eru.
MATUMAGANTI, a river of the province
and government of Darien, and kingdom of ‘Tierra
Firme. It rises in the mountains of the n. coast,
and enters the Bayano,.
MATUNA, Boca pe, the entrance into the
sea of the dike which communicates this river
M
82 MAU
with that of the Magdalena, in the province and
government of Cartagena, between the point of
Barbacoa and that of San Bernardo.
MATURU, a settlement of the province and
caplainsh'p of Pard in Brazil; situate on the shore
of the river of Las Amazonas, near the town of Cue
rupa,
[MAUGERVILLE, a township in Sunbury
county, province of New Brunswick, situated on
St. John’s river, opposite St. Ann’s, and 30 miles
above Bellisle. ]
MAULAS, Arroyo pe, asmall river of the
rovince and government of Buenos Ayres in Peru.
truns w. and enters the Rio Negro, just before
the mouth by which it enters the Uruguay. f
MAULE, a province and corregimiento of the
kingdom of Chile; bounded e. by the cordillera,
s. by the province of Chillan, the river Maule
serving as the limits, w. by the sea, and n, by the
province of Colchagua. It is from e. to w. 150
miles, and about 60 from 7. to s. It abounds in
mines and in davaderos or washing places of gold,
and in the district of the curacy of the capital,
near the ferry where the river Maule is crossed, is
a mountain called Chivato, where there is a fa-
mous gold mine, which was formerly worked, and
afterwards abandoned until the year 1767, when
it was again worked: it always afforded a metal
of very good quality.
In this province are cultivated all kinds of
grain: there are good breeds of cattle of every
species, especially goats, which are highly prized
for their hides to make leather, Here are alsu
vines more esteemed and of a better quality than are
those of Peru, and some tobacco, the cultivation
of which has ceased since that it became monopo-
lized by the crown, and its sowing prohibited.
In it also, as well as in the provinces of Quillota
and Calchagua, are large forests of the coco nut
tree. The rivers which water and fertilize this
rovince, are Maule, Claro, and Lontue; this
atter joins the ‘Teno, divides this jurisdiction from
that of Colchagua, and after its union is known
by the name ot Mataquito. Here is alsoa mine of
brea or tar, which isa kind of bituminous mud,
and which, although it has been frequently clari-
fied by fire and boiling, yet does it always retain
a mixture of earth, so that its use will remain small
until that a better means of preparing it be dis-
covered,
Through some parts of this province passes the
cordillera by the e. and in it are many muleteers,
who carry on a traffic by carrying salt, which is
found in small pieces of a very white quality in
MAU
certain lakes. The inhabitants amount to 12,000,
and the capital is Talca.
The cheese made in this province is the best in
Chile, and in no way inferior to that of Placentia
or Holland. Its inhabitants, who are mostly the
descendants of the anvient Promaucians, are cou-
rageous, robust, anil warlike. The capital, Talca
or St. Augustin, was built in the year 1742: it is
situated among hills on the river Hioclaro, in lati-
(ude 35° 15’, and 71° 1” of longitude. Its. po-
pulation is very considerable, owing, not only to
rich mines of gold that are found in its mountains,
but to the plentifulness of provisions, which are
cheaper than in any other part of Chile. This
latter circumstance has induced several noble fae
milies from St. Jago and Concepcion, whose
finances had become diminished, to retire thither,
an emigration which has been denominated, in
derision, the bankrupt colony. In this province
are also the towns of Curico, Cangucnes, St. Sa-
verio di Bella-isla, St. Antonio della Florida,
Lora, and three or four other Indian villages,
Curico, or St. Joseph of Buena Vista, was built in
the year 1742, and is situated on a pleasant plain
at the foot of a beautiful hill, in 34° 14’ of latitude.
It contains a parish church, a convent of Mere-
darii, and another of strict Franciscans which is
very large. Canguenas was built the same year,
and lies in 35° 40! of latitude, between the two
small rivers Tutuben and Canguencs. Besides
the parish church it has a convent of Franciscans.
St. Saverio di Bella-isla and St. Antonio della
Florida were founded in the year 1755; the first
is in 35° 4’ of latitude, and the second in 35° 20/
of latitude. Loro, situate near the disembogue-
ment of the river Mataquito, isa populoussettlement
of Promaucian Indians, and is governed by a
cacique or ulmen. |
Mauve, a river of which we have before
spoken, in the former province, to the s. of the
city of Santiago, and in the jurisdiction of La
Concepcion, It rises in the mountains of the core
dillera, and runs from e. tow. collecting the waters
of several other rivers, of which are the Caue
chenes, the Claro, and others of less note. As far
as the last mentioned extended the conquests of
the Inca Yupangqui, eleventh emperor of Peru,
This river runs to empty itself into the Pacific
ocean, forming a very convenient bay, in lat. 34°
50’ s. on the borders of the jurisdiction and
bishopric of Santiago. ‘The Indians called this
part Promocaces, which in their language signi-
fies a place of dancing and delights, to denote the
pleasantness of this territory. Before it enters the
int to 12,000,
is the best in
of Placentia
fe mostly tlie
ANS, are cous
apital, ‘Talca
r 1742: it is
slaro, in lati-
de. Its po-
_ not only to
s mountains,
3 Which are
Chile. This
ral noble fae
cion, whose
ctire thither,
pminated, in
his province
cnes, St. Sa-
‘la Florida,
ian villages,
_ was built in
leasant plain
’ of latitude,
nt of Mere-
ns which is
e same year,
een the two
s. Besides
Franciscans.
ntonio della
5; the first
din 35° 20/
lisembogue-
us settlement
erned by a
ave before
he s. of the
‘tion of La
5 of the core
g the waters
e the Caue
ote. As far
onquests of
of Peru,
the Pacific
in lat. 34°
iction and
called this
uage signi-
denote the
t enters the
ae
i
a
MAU
sea it has a celebrated dock, and here it spreads
out and forms a very large sheet. ‘The king pro-
vides a ferry for the passage of those who cross the
river, and near to the ferry is a convent of Augus-
tin monks, which serves asa parish to the Indians
and Negroes, who dwell in different villages situate
on its bank, and which are here called estancias.
[On the left bank of this river, at 400 paces dis-
tance from its mouth, is an insulated mass of
white marble, consisting of a single piece, 75
feet in height, 224 in length, and 54 in breadth,
This immense block, called from its appearance
The Church, is excavated within like an arch,
the third part of its height, and has on the out-
side three doors of a semicircular form, and pro-
portionate height and breadth; through the one
on the w. front the sea continually flows ; the two
others, which are on the x. and s. sides,and placed
opposite, serve to admit those who wish to visit it
at the ebb tide. ‘This natural edifice, constantly
washed by the sea, serves asa place of resort for
the sea-wolyes, who herd in great numbers in the
lower part, and make the cavity re-echo with their
lugubrious cries ; while the upper is occupied by
a species of sea-bird, very white, called (ili, in
figure and size resembling a house-pigeon.
In this river likewise ts to be found a clay as
white as snow, smooth and greasy to the touch,
extremely fine, and sprinkled with brilliant specks.
It is found on the borders of rivers and brooks in
the province of Maule, in strata which run deep
into the ground, and its surface, when sen at a
distance, has the appearance of ground covered
with snow, and is so unctuous and slippery that
it is almost impossible to walk upon it without
falling. It does not effervesce with acids, and in-
stead of losing in the fire any portion of its shining
whiteness, it acquires a slight degree of transpa-
rency. It is believed to be very analogous to tie
kaolin of the Chinese; and that, combined with '
fusible spar, of which there are great quantities in
the same province, it would furnish an excellent
porcelain. ]
Mavute, an island of the same province and
kingdom, formed by the rivers Maule, Longo-
milla, and Putagan,.
MAUL&, a morro or mountain of the same pro-
vince; situate on the shore of the former river,
from whence it takes its name.
MAURA, See Soctety Islands.}
AURE, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Arica in Peru; annexed to the cu-
racy of Tarata.
Mavne, a river of the province and corregi-
miento of Pacajes in Peru. It rises at the foot of
MAU 83
the cordillera, and runs nearly due e. until it
enters the waste-water which runs into the lake of
Chucuito.
[MAUREPAS, an island on the x. e. const of
lake Superior, and n. ¢. of Ponchartrain island. }
{[Mavunepas, a lake in W. Florida, which
communicates w. with Mississippi river, through
the gut of Ibberville, and e. with lake Ponchar-
train. It is 10 miles long, seven broad, and has
10 or 12 feet water in it. The country round it is
low, and covered with cypress, live oak, myrtle,
&c. ‘Two creeks fall into this lake, one from the
n. side, called Nattabanie, the other from the
eninsula of Orleans. From the Ibberville at its
junction with Maurepas to the river Amit is 27
miles, an.) from thence, following the Ibberville to
the Mississippi at the w. side of the peninsila of
Orleans, 16 miles. From the Ibberville across the
lake, it is seven miles to the passage leading to
Ponchartrain, ‘The length of this passage is seven
miles, and only 300 yards in width, which is di-
vided into two branches by an island that extends
from Maurepis to about the distance of a mile
from Ponchartrain, The s. channel is the deepest
and shortest. ‘The passage thence through lake
Ponchartrain to the gulf of Mexico is above 46
miles.
[Mavrepas Island, on the coast of Cape Bre-
ton, the same as the Isue Mapbame, which
AURI, Quarter ng, a settlement and parish
of the French, in the island of Cayenne; situate
in the e. part, and at the entrance of the river
Ocuya.
a tek ge Bay, on thew. side of Cape Fare.
well island, or s. extremity of E. Greenland, and
the principal harbour of that sea,
[Mauatce River, the name of a place in Cum-
berland county, New Jersey. }
[Maurice River, in some maps calied cor-
ruptly Morris, rises in Gloucester county, New
Jersey, and runs s. about 30 miles, and empties
into Delaware bay; is navigable for vessels of
100 tons 20 miles, and for small craft considerably
further,
MAURICIO, 8S. Banta pe, a bay in one of
the islands which form the Land of Fuego, tothe e.
nearly opposite that of Los Estados on the w. side
of Le Maire straits. It was discovered in 1616 by
Jacob te Maire, who gave it this name in honour
of Mauricio de Nassau, Prince of Orange. It is
throughout its whole circumference of a rough,
mountainous, and barren soil, and continually
covered with snow. ‘To the x, ¢. is a road called
Verschoxsis, which is insecure, and on the s. is
M 2
St MAY
a bay of the name of Valentins, which is large,
convenient, and capacious, but very open, having
anchorage before it in about 12} fathoms from the
shore, over coral rocks. The cape or point which
looks s. is called De Buen Suceso, and is in lat.
55° s. and long. 65° 18! w.
MAURO, S. a settlement of the province and
captainship of 'Todos Santos in Brazil; situate at
the mouth of the river Yapetinga, and on the shore
of the bay.
MAUTACONA, a small river of the province
and government of Guayana or Nueva Andalucia.
It rises to the w. of the lake Ipava, from whence
the Orinoco takes its rise, according to the map of
the geographer Crus, and enters into the last river
near fort De S. Barbera.
MAXALTEPEC, a settlement of the alcaldia
mayor of Nexapa in Nueva Espaiia ; situate on
the skirt of a mountain well covered with fine trees,
and inbabited by 28 families of Indians,
[MAXANTALLA Island is near the port of
Matanchel, on the w. coast of New Mexico, and on
the N. Pacific ocean.
MAXATES, a settlement of the province and
government of Cartagena; situate near the dique
or canal into which the sea enters to surround that
piece of land.
MAXI, or Maxis, a river of the province and
country of Las Amazonas, It rises in some moun-
tains much covered with wild cacao, in the terri-
tory of the Oreguatos and Curanaris Indians, runs
vn. and turning its course w. enters ina large body
into the Madera, close to the great cataract which
it forms.
MAXWELL’S, a city of the island of Bar-
badoes.
MAY, asmall river of the province and colony
of Georgia. It runs e. and enters the sea,
[May, Cape, the most s. point of land of the
state of New Jersey, and the 2, point of the en-
trance into Delaware boy and river, in lat. 38° 57’
ne and long. 74° 54 w. The time of high water
on spting-tide days is a quarter before nine
v'clock. |
{May Country, Cape. See Care.}
PMay Point, on the s, side of Newfoundland
island, a point of the peninsula between Fortune
and Placentia bays. ]
| May’s Lick, in Mason’s county, Kentucky,
a salt spring on a branch of Licking river, nine
miles s. s. w. of Washington, on the s. bank of
the Ohio, aud 15 x, of the Blue licks. |
MAYA, Santa ANA pe, a settlement of the
head settlement of the district and alcaddia mayor
of Cuiceo in Nueva Espaiia. It contains 12
MAY
families of Spaniards and Mustees, and 32 of
Indians.
Maya, a small port on the const of the peprites
and government of Venezuela, to the w, of the city
of Caracas,
Maya, or Mayapan. Such, in the time of the
Indians, was the name of the province of Yucatan,
which was then a kingdom separate from Nueva
Espaiia, and which the Spaniards at first believed
to be an island. 1t was afterwards discovered to
be a peninsula surrounded by the N. sea, by this
shumb, asalso by the e, and w. and united only by
the s. and the kingdom of Guatemala. Moreover,
between the two kingdoms laid an extremely
rugged country, full of mountains and sierras, and
inhabited by the infidels, the Itzaes, Petenes, La-
candones, Cheaques, Mopanes, Choles, China-
mitas, Canes, Uodines, Ojoyes, Tirampies, and
various other tribes; and these, ever alter the con-
quest of the kingdom, so stood in the way of any
connection between the two kingdoms, that this has
been obliged to be effected by a very circuitous
sca-voyaue.
MAYACARE, ariver of the province and go-
vernment of Guayana, It runs w. and enters the
sea ina bay near the N, cape.
MAYAGUANA, an island of the N. sea, one
of the Lucayas, discovered by Christopher Co-
lumbus in his first voyage; situate n. of His-
paiiola or St. Domingo,
{Mavaquana is one of the uninhabited Bahama
islands, Its s. w. point lies about 10 leagues in an
e. s.e. direction from the e, point of the French
Keys, and the s. ¢. point of it bears about 12
leagues n. w. from the nae. point of the Blue Caicos.
The n.w. point of the island (from whence a reef
runs out about three miles) is situated about three
leagues from the s. w. point ; and there is an
anchorage along the s. end of the island. Fresh
water is to be found at the 2. w. point. Along the
s. side of the island, which is probably upwards
of 30 miles in length, vessels may generally anchor,
and about four leagues from the s, w. point there
is a rect harbour, at Abraham’s reef, for vessels
drawing about 12 feet. There is fresh water at it.
A dangerous rect’ runs out for several miles at the
e. end of the islang, and within it a barbour for
very small vessels, A reef also runs all along the
n. side of the island.
MAYAGUES, a river of the island of Porio-
rico. It rises froma mountain in the centre of the
said island, runs tw. and enters the sea between the
river Guanagive and the bay of Atasco.
MAYANALA, Sayta Mania pe, asettlement
of the head setilement of the district and alcaldia
and 32 of
he provihos
», of the city
: time of the
of Yucatan,
from Nueva
irst believed
iscovered to
sea, by this
ited only by
Moreover,
| extremely
sicrras, and
Petenes, Las
les, China
ampies, and
(ter the con-
way of any
that this has
y circuitous
nce and go-
id enters the
N. sea, one
stopher Co-
n. of IMis-
ted Bahama
‘agucs ian
the French
s about 12
Blue Caicos,
hence a reef
about three
there is an
ind. Fresh
Along the
ly upwards
ally anchor,
point there
for vessels
water at it.
miles at the
harbour for
along the
1 of Porio-
entre of the
etween the
».
asettlement
nnd alcaldia
MAY
mayor of Iguala in Nueva Espaiia. It contains
51 families of Indians.
MAYASQUER, a settlement of the province
and government of Pastos, in the district of the
jurisdiction of the audience of Quito.
MAY E, a mountain on the coast of the province
and government of Guayana, It stands on the
coast as it were an isolated platform, at a small
distance from the river Cowanawini, and is covered
with trees, serving as a landmark to those sailing
for Cayenne. It takes its name from a nation of
Indians who dwell in this part, in lat, 30° 15’.
MAYEN, an island s.tuate to the 2. w. of Spitz-
bergen, in lat. 71° 10’. ‘The sea, which washes
its coasts, was formerly very abundant in whales,
but these creatures having shifted to the n. the
island was abandoned by such as used to occupy
themsr.ves in the fisheries. In its 2. extremity is
a very lofty mountain called Beerembergen or of
the Bear; the same traverses the whole island, and
is discovered at 30 miles distant. It has very
good ports, and abounds in shell and other fish ;
ut the great quantity of ice which forms in the
sea around it, especially towards the e. renders it
inaccessible in the spring.
[MAYES are Indians of N. America, who live
on a large creek called St.Gabricl, on the bay of
St. Bernard, near the mouth of Guadalupe river ;
are estimated at 200 men; never at peace with the
Spaniards, towards whom they are said to possess a
fixed hatred, but profess great friendship for the
French, to whom they have been strongly attached
since Mons. de Salle landed in theiv neighbour.
hood. ‘The place where there is a talk of the
Spaniards opening a new port, and making a settle-
ment, is near them; where the party, with the go-
vernor of St. Antoine, who were there lately to
examine it, say they found the remains of a French
block-house: some of the cannon now at Labahic
are said to have been brought from that place, and
known by the engravings now to be seen onthem.
The French speak highly of these Indians, for
their extreme Eindinoss and hospitality to all
Frenchmen who have been amongst them: have a
language of their own, but speak Attakapa, which
is the language of their neighbours the Caran-
kouas; they have likewise a way of conversing by
signs,
[MAYTIELD, a township in Montgomery
county, New York, adjoining Broadabin on the
w. taken from Caughnawaga, and incorporated in
1793, In 1796, 126 of its inhabitants were qua-
lified electors.
[MAYNAS, a government, formerly the ¢.
limit of the jurisdiction of Quito in Peru, and
MAY 8)
joining on the e. to the governments of Quixos
and Jaen de Bracamoros. It is separated from
the possessions of the Portuguese by the famous
line of demarcation, or the boundary of those
countries belonging to Spain and Portugal, Sce
MaInas,
MAYO, Tasron pr, a settlement of the pros
vince and government of Popaydn in the Nuevo
Reyno de Granada,
AYO, another settlement, of the province and
corregimiento of Canta in Peru; annexed to the
curacy of Arahuay.
Mayo, an abundant river of the province of
Ostimuri in Nueva Espaia, which divides this
yrovince from that of Cinaloa, and enters the sea
in the gulf of California, or Mar Roxo de Cortes.
Mayo, another river, of the province and co-
lony of Virginia, in the county of Lunenburg.
It runs s. e. and enters the Dan.
Mayo, a very lofty mountain, of the province
and captainship of San Vicente in Brazil; situate
on the shore of the river ‘Tajai-Meri.
[Mayvo, Santa Cruz or, a port at the mouth
of the river Mayo, near the middle of the w. coast
of the gulfof California. From this place the cou-
rier of Mexico go:s to Loreto in California and
Monterey, on the w. coast of N. America. |
MAYOBAMBA, a settlement of the province
and corregimiento of Vilcas Huaman in Peru; an-
nexed to the curacy of Hualla,
Mavopamua, another settlement, in the pro-
vince and corregimiento of Lucanas in the same
kingdom ; annexed to the curacy of Chipau.
AYOC, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Guanta in Peru.
AYOCMARCA. Sve Anco.
MAYORE, a lake of the province and govern-
ment of Paraguay in Peru ; formed in the terri-
tory of the Chiquitos Indians by a pool of waters
of the river Paraguay, below the lake of Los
Xareyes,
MAYORUNAS, a barbarous nation of Indians,
who dwell in the woods s. of the Maraiion, be-
tween the river Cusiquina to the e, and Ucayale to
the w. bounded s. by the nations of the Cocamas
and Cocamilas nations. Some of them have been
reduced to the faith.
Mayorunas, with the dedicatory title of Sin
Ignacio, a settlement of the above Indians, being
a reduccion of the missions that were held by the
regulars of the company, in the province of Mai-
nas and kingdom of Quito,
MAYTOL, a river of the province and alcaldia
mayor of Los Choles in the kingdom of Guate-
mata; discovered in 1675 by the Father Fran.
ra)
es
eee
&6 MAZ
cisco Gallegos, who entered amongst those moun-
tains to the reduction of the infidel Indians, ac-
companied by F, Joseph Delgado, both of the
order of St. Domingo. This river is large, and
on its shore is the mountain called Escurrachan,
but which the Indians denominate God of the
Mountains. On it is burming a continual fire,
kept ap by their sacrifices ; and they are extremely
particular to throw something into the flame as
they pass, firmly believing that if they did not so
a" would soon die.
AYURIAGA, or Marvacas, a large river
which hives the country of the Xibaros Indians, in
the province and government of Mainas, of the
kingdom of Quito. It runs s. e. and enters the
Pastata near where this river enters the Marafion.
pied ape the e. cape of the island of Cuba,
and the w. point of the windward passage. Lat.
20° 14' 30’ n. Long. 74° I! 30’ w. See |
MAYAHUACAN, a settlement of the hea
settlement of the district and alcaldia mayor of
Zochicoatlan in Nueva Espaiia. It contains 16
families of Indians,
(MAZALTAN, a province of Mexico or New
Spain. It is well watered by the Alvarado, which
discharges itself by three navigable mouths, at 30
miles distance from Vera Cruz. |
MAZAPIL, a real of the silver mines and sct-
tlement of the head settlement of the district and
juraeces nt of the bishopric of Guadalaxara in
Nueva Espafia, which serves as a limit and divi-
sion of the kingdom of Nueva Galicia with that
of Nueva Vizcaya; the territories of the latter
being on the 7, It has always abounded in mines
of good metal ; and these at first were worked to
great profit by slaves, owing to the intracticability
and savage state of the Indians ; but since that
these have become domesticated, they are not only
employed in this labour, but also in the agricultu-
ral estates with which the territory is surrounded.
The population amounts to more than 40 families
of Spaniards and Mustecs, and many more of
Mulattoes, with a great number of Indians, there
being also breeders of cattle of every kind. It is
220) miles 2. 2. e. of Guadalaxara, and in lat.
24" 27' n. Long. 101° 30’ w.
MAZARONI, Mazanuins, or ATAPARAN, a
large and abundant river of the province of Giuay-
ana, and government of Cumana. It rises in the
interior of the province, and runs nearly from s. to
n. until it enters the Essequibo just close to where
this runs into the sea. ‘The Dutch, protected by
the Caribes, navigate this river to pillage the In-
dians of the province, whom they make slaves to
work in their estates ; nor arc there any stratagems
MA Z
which avarice and tyranny can invent that are not
adopted for the purpose of entrapping those un-
happy wretches. Itis from this pol cy that the
Dutch are in alliance and friendship with the Ca-
S.
MAZATAN, a settlement of the province and
alcaldia mayor of Copala in Nueva Espada ;
situate near the coast of the S. sea. __ Its population
is composed nearly altogether of Mulattoes, who
are under the obligation of guarding its port, it
having been invaded at various times by enemies.
It is of a hot temperature, abounding in maize and
French beans, and particularly in fish, which is
caught in abundance in the large river of its name,
and on the borders of which it is situate.
MAZATEPAN, S. Martin bE, a settlement
and head settlement of the district of the alcaldia
mayor of ‘Tehuacan in Nueva Espaiia. It cone
tains 150 families of Indians, and is 16 leagues to
the e. } tothe n. e. of its capital.
MAZATEPEC, a settlement of the head settle.
ment of the district of Huitepec, and alcaldia
mayor of Cuernavaca, in Nueva Espaiia; it is
situate on the top of a mountain so barren and ill-
supplied with water that it is necessary to fetch
this article from the neighbouring rivers; on its
skirt, however, isa plain, which is the most woody
of any part in the whole jurisdiction ; and here
there are many kinds of fruit and sugar-cane, of
which a certain portion of sugar is made. It has
a convent of the monks of San Francisco, and con-
tains 57 families of Indians, and 27 of Spaniards
and Mustees.
MAZATLAN, San Juan pp, a settlement
and head settlement of the district of the alcaldia
mayor of Nexapa in Nueva Lspaiia. It contains
111 families of Indians, who trade in cotton, cattle,
and wood, which they cut. It is 25 leagues te
the n. of its capital.
MAZaATLAN, another settlement, in the head set-
tlement of Zapotlan, and alcaldia mayor of Tee
cy inthe same kingdom. It contains 34 fami-
ies of Indians, who traffic in seeds and cotton ;
and is a little more than 13 leagues between the e.
and s. of its capital.
MazatLan, another, of the head settlement
and alcaldia mayor of La Purificacion in the same
kingdom ; situate on the coast of the S, sea. Its
inhabitants occupy themselves in keeping a look-
out after vessels, and in giving intelligence to the
alcaldes mayores. It is six leagues to the s. of its
capital.
AZATLAN, another, of the head scttlement and
alcaldia mayor of Compostcla in the kingdom of
Nueva Galicia.
that are not
» those un-
cy that the
ith the Ca-
ovince and
t Espada ;
| population
ittoes, who
its port, it
by enemies.
n maize and
1, which is
of its name,
_ settlement
he alcaldia
1. It cone
} leagues to
head settle.
nd alcaldia
paiia; it is
ren and ill.
ry to fetch
ers; on its
nost woody
> and here
Ar-cane, of
le. It has
0, and cone
Spaniards
settlement
he alcaldia
It contains
ton, cattle,
leagues te
e head set-
or of Tee
s 34 fami-
nd) cotton ;
ween the e.
settlement
n the same
s. sea. Its
ing a look-
ence to the
1c s. of its
lement and
ingdom of
MBO
Mazatzan, another, of the bend settlement of
the district of ‘Tuzcacuesco, and alcaldia mayor
of Amola, in Nueva Espaiia. It is of an hot
temperature ; situate between two rising grounds
on the side of a small stream, with the waters of
which the inhabitants irrigate their orchards and
gardens, ‘The ulation consists of 70 families
of Indians, and it is four leagues to the w. of its
head settlement,
MAZIBA, a large settlement of Indians of the
Saliva nation, in the (anos of San Juan; borderin
upon the river Sinaruco, The Caribes, unit
with the Dutch, took and pillaged it, with other
sctilements, in 1684.
MAZINGA, a settlement of tbe province and
overument of Santa Marta in the Nucvo Reyno
e Granada; situate near the serrunia, The
English, commanded by William Gausen, sacked
it in 1665.
MAZO, a settlement of the province and corre-
gimiento of Chancay in Peru; annexed to the cu-
racy of Huahura.
MAZOLA, PuNTA DE, a point on the coast of
the province and government of Santa Marta, and
Nuevo Reyno de Granada. It is 22 leagues from
the cape of Chichibacona,
MAZOTECAS, settlements of Indians of the
province and government of Honduras; disco-
vered by Don Fernando Cortes, conqueror of
Nueva Espaiia, in 1574, in the route which he
made (o the aforesaid province. ‘The name of
Mazotccas signifies, in the Indian language, Coun-
try of Deer, from the abundance of these animals,
which were discovered to be so tame and domes-
tic that they were not frightened at the appearance
of the Spaniards. The Indians being asked the
cause, they said that their god had appeared to
them in the figure of one of these amimals, and
that therefore it was unlawful to ill-treat or kill
them.
MAZTITLAN, a settlement of the head set-
t.ement of the district of Ixtac, and alcaldia mayor
of San Juan de los Llanos, in Nueva Espaiia.
MBOAPIARI, a river of the provinice and
captainship of Rey in Brazil. It runs s. a. and
enters the Rio Grande.
MBOCAE, a small river of the province and
government of Paraguay. It runs s. and enters
the Parana near the mission of Itapua.
MBOCARIRAT, a river of the province and
captainship of San Vicente in Brazil, It runs w.
between the Tibiquari and the Tapiguy.
MBOERI, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Paraguay. It runs w. between this river
and the Parana, and enters the former opposite
MEC 87
the Rio Verde, in the country of the Zamucos
Indians.
MBONGUIN, a river of the province and
captainship of Rey in Brazil, It runs 1, and en-
ters the Rio Grande,
MBOTETEI, ao large and copious river of the
province and government of Paraguay. It runs
w. and enters the Paraguay in the part which is
called El Paso, according to Don Juan de Cruz.
It runs n. 2. w.
MBUTUAY, a river of the same province and
government as the former. It also enters the Uru-
guay between the Spau and the Naumbi.
MBUTUI, a river of the same province and
government as the former, It runs w. and enters
the Uruguay between the Ibicuy and the settle-
ment of the mission of San Borja,
MEAD), « settlement of the Indians of Barba-
does, in the district of the parish of St. Philip.
Mean, a river of Virginia, which runs s. s. w.
and enters the Miamee the Great.
(MEADOWS, a small river which falls into
Casco bay, in the district of Maine. ]
(MEADS, a place situated on a fork of French
creek; a branch of the Alleghany, in Pennsyl-
vania, Lat. 41° 36’ n. and about 19 miles n. w.
of fort Franklin, at the mouth of the creek.
MEANA, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Caxamarquilla in Peru.
MEARI, or Mani, a large river of the king-
dom of Brazil. It flows down from the mountains
of the w. part, and in its course receives the wa-
ters of the Ovaquezupi, Pinare, and Maraiioa or
Maracou. It runs into the gulf of Marajion, and
forms the island ‘Tatipera ; is navigable for small
vessels for upwards of 160 leagues, and its shores
are covered with many cultivated estates and sugar-
cane plantations, where there are some sugar-mills.
Near its source dwell some barbarian Indians,
called the Tapayos and Tapures,
MECA, a creek of the coast of the S. sea, in
the province and corregimtento of Arica in Peru.
MECALAPA, a small settlement or ward of
the alcaldia mayor of Guanchinango in Nueva
Espaiia ; annexed to the curacy of Pantepec.
ECAPACA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Sicasica in Peru.
MECAPALA, a settlement of the head settle-
ment of the district and alcaldia mayor of Zochi-
coatlan in Nueva Espaiia, It contains 46 fami-
lies of Indians, and is four leagues to the w. of
its capital.
MECAPILLO, Nuestra Senona pew Pii-
LAR DE, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of a aa in the territory of Chaco;
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a reduccion of the Pasainas Indians made by the
Jesuits, and at present under the care of the reli-
gious order of San Francisco.
MECA'TINA, Gnrat, an island of the gulf of
St. Lawrence, near the coast of the country of
Labrador, near the islands of Channel and Little
Me atin, which is another isle of the name of
which we treat, but smaller.
MECATLAN, a settlement of the jurisdiction
and alcaldia mayor of Valles in Nueva Espaiia ;
situate on the shore of the river of the Desague of
the lake of Mextitlan, and in which there is
canght abundance of fish. It produces maize and
other seeds, also cotton, of which are made va-
rious fabrics used by the natives for clothing. It
is annexed to the curacy of ‘Tamanzuchale, con-
tains 87 families of Indians, and is 31 leagues from
the capital.
MecatLan, another settlement, of the head sct-
tlement of the district of Zaltocan, and alcaldia
mayor of 'Tepei, in the same kingdom. It con-
tains 15 families of Indians, who exercise them-
selves in the cultivation of maize and many sorts
of fruit. It has a convent of the religious order of
San Francisco, and is 14 leagues to the w. of the
capital.
MECHICOR, a river of Nova Scotia or Ar-
cadia in N, America. It runs s. e. between those
of Agoniche and St. Croix, and runs into the sea
at the entrance of the bay of Fundy.
MECHISES, a port of the coust in the pro-
vince of Sagadahoc, between the islands of Seal
and Little Menan.
Mecuises, some islands of the aforesaid pro-
vince ;_ situate at the entrance of the said port.
Mecuisks, a river of the same province. It
is small, runs nearly due e. and enters the sea.
MECHOACAN, a province and bishopric of
Nueva Espaiia in N. America, its name signifying
a Place of Fishing. It is bounded m. by Nueva Ga-
licia, s. by the Pacific sea, e. and s. ¢, by the pro-
vince of Mexico, w. by that of Guadalaxara,
s. w. by that of Xalisco. Its leugth s.e. n.e. is
30 leagues from the coast of the S. sea to the boun-
dary of the jurisdiction of Valles, near the juris-
diction of the N, where the bishopric of Mexico
is bordered by this bishopric and that of Guada-
laxara, Its greatest width, following the coast of
the S. sea, is 80 leagues, though in parts it nar-
rows to 60, 40, and even 30,
This province was discovered by Cristoval de
Olid, chieftain of the celebrated Hernan Cortés,
and conquered and taken by him from its king
Calzontzi, It is for the most part of a mild tem-
perature, and so healthy that the Indians, in the
MEC
time of their gentilism, when they were sick, used
to make it a resort to establish their heaith, nor
without succeeding in their object.
It is watered by many rivers and fountains of
delicious waters, and of the latter are many that
are hot and medicinal. It has also various lakes,
in which are caught abundance of fish. The
whole of the soil is rich and fertile in vegetable
productions, and especially in wheat, maize, chile
or pimiento, French beans, ca'abashes, and fruits
of various sorts. It produces much honey, wax,
cotton, of which very good woven fabrics are
made, and silk, there being a large breed of silke
worms, and these constituting the principal profit
of its commerce. In the woods are found abun-
dance of the most excellent and most precic us sorts
of wood; and they are full of game, as well
birds as hares and rabbits. Also in the estates are
an infinite number of cattle, from the quantity of
pasture. In different purts of this province are
found some go-d saline earths, also a black stone
which serves for sharpening razors, and another of
a fine grain resembling jet.
This country is extremely rich in mines of gold,
silver, copper, and tin; and, in 1725, a mine of
silver was discovered so abundant that it was call-
ed De Morcillo; it produced very much metal,
but a part ofthe mountain having fallen in, the mine
became closed, and could not since be discovered,
The natives before the conquest by the Spa-
niards were most warlike, robust, handsome, and
very dexterous marksmen with the arrow; and
never were the Mexican emperors able to bring
them under the yoke of the empire.
It is divided into five jurisdictions and alcaldias
mayores, which are the fallovedns the capital be-
ing Valladolid.
Pasquaro, Cuiséo de la Laguna,
Chaco, Chilchota,
Zelaya, Zamora,
Salvatierra, Colima,
San Miguel cl Grande, = '‘Tanzitaro,
Guanajuato, Guimeo,
Leon, Cinagua,
S. Luis de la Paz, Motines,
S. Luis de Potosi, ‘Tinguindin,
S. Pedro Guadalcazar, Xiquilpa,
Marayatio, Tlasasalca,
Tlalpujagua, Zacatula.
Jasso y Teremendo,
Bishops who have presided in Mechoacian.
1. Don Fr, Luis de Fuensalida, a monk of the
order of San Francisco, one of the 12 first who
passed over to Nueva Espaiia: he found himself
guardian in. the convent cf '‘lezcoco, when-he was
e sick, used
heaith, nor
ountains of
many that
rious lakes,
fish. The
n vegetable
maize, chile
, and fruits
oney, wax,
fabrics are
ccd of silke
icipal profit
ound abun-
ecic us sorts
ne, as well
e estates are
quantity of
rovince are
black stone
d another of
ines of gold,
), & mine of
, it was call-
1uch metal,
1in, the mine
Aliscovered,
by the Spa-
dsome, and
irrow 3; and
nd alcaldias
capital be-
Laguna,
hen-he was
MECHOACAN., 89
presented to the bishopric of Mechoacin by the
Emperor Charles V. in 1536, but he refused the
oflice with profound humility.
2, Don Vasco de Quiroga, native of Madrigal ;
elected, for his virtue and literature, to be ofdor
of the audience of Mexico, and in this nominated
through the cbove qualities to be visitor and paci-
ficator of the tumults that had arisen amongst all
the Indians of the province ; and in this calling
be acted with such skill, that on information being
given to the emperor of the same, he was presented
to this bishopric in 1557. He removed the epis-
copal see from the city of Tzinzunzan, where it
had been erected and had remained for a year, to
to the city of Pasquaro, on account of the bad
climate of the former place. He passed over to
Spain in 1547, and returned to his bishopric in
1554; dedicated his time to the making of the
visitation, and died full of years and virtues in the
settlement of Uruapan, in J 500.
3. Don Antonio Ruiz de Morales y Molina, na-
tive of Cordoba, knight of the order of Santiago,
chanter of its holy church; presented to the
bishopric of Mechoacan in 1557, and promoted to
La Puebla de los Angeles in 1563.
4. Don Fr. Alonso de Ja Vera Cruz, of the order
of San Agustin ; presented by his Majesty Philip
I]. to this bishopric, which he renounce’ for
weighty reasons ; when at this moment the e,em-
plary life and conduct of Fr. Diego de Chaves y
Alvarado having excited the public attention, on
him the bishopric was cou‘erred ; though he died
before he received the bulls of his consecration.
5. Don Fr. Juan de Medina Rincon, of the
order of San Agustin, native of Segovia; he pass-
ed over to Mexico, and received the habit, was an
excellent tlheologist, and one of the most zealous
evangelical missionaries; instructed himself in the
Mexican and Otomian tongue to converse with the
natives ; was presented to the bishopric in 1572,
and was obliged to accept after having first re-
fused it; he detended the rights of his church, as-
sisted at the third provincial council, removed the
cathedral to the city of Valladolid, where it at pre-
sent stands; and whilst on the visitation died, in
1580 ; his character being that of an apostle, poor
in spirit, mild and charitable, and rich, zealous in
the honour of God.
6. Don Fr, Alonso Guerra, of the order of
Preachers ; he passed from the bishopric of Para-
guay to this in 1591, founded the convent of
Santa Catalina de Sena of his own order, and that
of the barefooted Carmelites ; end died in 1596.
7. Don Fr. Domingo de Ulloa, of the same
order as the former; descended from the illustrious
VOL. Ll,
house of the Marquises of la Mota; he took the
habit in the convent of Nuestra Sefiora de Ia Peta
of France, was collegiate in the college of San
Gregorio de Valladolid and ils rector, prior of
yarious convents, vicar-gencral of the province of
Castilla; presented to the bishopric of Nicaragua,
promoted to the church of Popaydn, and after-
wards to this of Mechoacin in 1590 ; he governed
four years with great shall and applause, and died
in 1600.
8. Don Ir, Andres de Ubilla, of the same order
of Preachers, native of Guipuzcoa ; he took the
habit in Mexico, and havine been professor of
philosophy and theology, he took different prelacies
until be became provincial; he then passed over
to Spain on weighty matters concerning his religion,
and was presented to the bishopric of Chiapa,
and from thence removed to the mitre of Mecho-
acan in 1602, of which he did not take possession,
having died before receiving the bulls,
9. Don Juan Fernandez Rosillo, dean of the
holy church of Popayan and bishop of Vera Paz ;
from whence he was removed to this in 1605; he
only governed a year and a half, and died in 1606,
10. Don 7. Baltasar de Cobarrubias, native of
Mexico, a monk of the order of San Agustin;
presented through the fame of his virtue and
literature to the bishopric of La Asuncion of Para-
guay, afterwards to the church of Cazcres in
Filipinas, from thence to Autequera, and lastly
to Mcchoacan in 1608 ; and having governed in
every situation with zeal and edification, he dicd
full of merits in 1692.
11. Don /y. Alonso de Enriquez Toledo y
Armendariz, of the order of Nuestra Senora de
la Merced, native of Sevilla; he passed to the
kingdom of Peru in quality of vicar-general in
those provinces, and at his return to Spain was
elected bishop of Cuba in 1622, and trom thence
promoted to the church of Mechc.can, where he
governed with great skill; and died in the settle.
ment of Irumbo, in 1628,
12. Don #y. Francisco de Rivera, of the same
order as the former, native of Alcala de Henares;
after having finished his studies and filled the
professorships of philosophy and theology with
great approbation, he was nominated vicar-ceneral
of his religion in Nueva Espaiia ; made the division
of the provinces of Mexico and Guatemela; passed
over to Spain, where he was nominated vicar-
general of Aragon, Cataluiia, and Castilla, remove
ed so the bishopric of Guadalaxara, and from
thence to Mechoacan in 16/9; he visited the whole
of his diocese, endowed the testival of the Most
Holy Trinity, and died in 1637.
N
30 MECHOACAN.
13, ion Fy, Marcos Ramirez de Prado, of the
order of San Francisco, native of Madrid; he
studied in the university of Salamanca ; nominated
vice-commissary-general of the Indies, when he
was appointed by Philip LV. to be bishop of
Chiapa, of which dignity be took possession in
1654; and was removed, in 1639, to this church
of Mechoacan ; in 1618 nominated by his Majesty
visitor of the tribunal of Crusade, and afterwards
archbishop of Mexico, where he died before he
received the pall.
14. Don Ir. Payo Enriquez de Rivera, of the
order of San Agustin, native of Sevilla; he passed
from the bishopric of Guatemala to this, and on
his road received advice of his promotion to the
archbishopric of Mexico.
15, Don. Fy. Francisco Sarmiento y Luna, of the
same order as the former; in which, after having
filled many situations as wetl as prelacies, he was
presented to this bishopric in 1668 ; governed five
years with great peace and quietness, and in 1674
embarked for £,« ‘n, being promoted to the bishopric
of Almeria,
16. Don Francisco Berdin de Molina, promoted
to tre bishopric of Guadalaxara in 1674; and he
died 11 months after.
17. Don Francisco de Aguiar Seixas y Villoa,
native of Betanzos ; he was archbishop of Santiago,
studied philosophy and theology with much profit,
and led such an edifying lite, that this prelacy
only prognosticated his future greatness ; he
visited La Beca of the college of Fonseca, and
passed to the university of Salamanca ; was magis-
terial canon of Astorga and penitentiary in the
church of Santiago ; passed to the mitre of Gua-
dalaxara, and from thence to this of Mechoacan,
and afierwards to the archbishopric of Mexico;
where he dicd, with general regret, in 1698.
18. Don Fr. Antonio Monroy, of the order of
Preachers; he died elected bishop of this church
hefore he took possession,
19. Don Juan de Ortega Montaiies, promoted
from the church of Guatemala to this; which he
enriched with the costly silver throne in which the
sacrament is deposited: made endowments for
female children, built the episcopal palace, in
which he laid out above 80,000 dollars, passed to
the vicesroyalty of Mexico, and afterwards to its
bishopric.
90. Don Garcia de Lagaspi, of the church of
San Luis de Potosi, canon and arch-deacon of the
cathedral of Mexico; presented to the bishopric
of Guadiana, and promoted to this, which he held
until 1704; passing then to La Puebla de los
Angeles.
21. Don Manuel de Escalante Colombres y
Mendoza, native of Peru; he passed over to
Mexico with his father, who went as fiscal of that
audience, studied in the university there, obtained
the professorship of rhetoric, was morning and
evening lecturer, chanter in the cathedral, com-
missary in the tribunal of the holy crusade ;
elected bishop of Durango in 1703, and the follow-
ing year promoted to this, which he entered in
1706; he was so charitable that he devoted the
most of his episcopal lite to the relieving of other's
necessities, and died in the city of Salvatierra in
1708.
22, Den Felipe Ignacio de Truxillo y Guerrero,
native of Cadiz; collegiate mayor of San Barto-
lomé cl Viego of the univerity of Salamanca, fiscal
of the tribunal of the holy office of the city of
Barcelona, inquisitor maycr of the tribunal of
Palermo, judge in ordinary of the royal tribunal of
Napoles, abbot of Santa Maria de Terrana, gover
nor of the sacred religion of San Juan, fiscal
regent in the royal and supreme council of Italy,
deputy of the kingdom of Sicily, and being
nominated in the general parliament of the Cortes,
he was presented to the bishopric of Mechoacan in
1711; he governed for nine years with great skill,
and died in 1720.
23. Don Fr. Francisco de Ila Cuesta, of: the
order of San Geronimo, native of Colmenar of
Oreja, in the archbishopric of Toledo; he took
the habit in the royal monastery of San Lorenzo
del Escorial, where he lived 52 years, and King
Charles II, presented him with the archbishopric
of Manila, which he governed I8 years, heing
at the same time president and cajtain-general ;
he was promoted to this church of Mechoacan,
for which place he embarked, but the labours of
the voyage so harassed him, that he was obliged
to be carried from Acapulco ina litter ; he govern-
ed only a month and 13 days, dying in the year
1724.
24. Don Ir. Angel Maldonado, native of Ocaiia,
a Basilican monk ; presented to the bishopric of
Mechoacan at the time that he was serving in that
of Antequera; but he refused the office.
25. Don Francisco Garzeron, inquisitor of
Mexico, and visitor-general of th: kingdom, pre-
sented through the renunciation oy ive former; but
he died before he received the er. 2.
26. Don Juan Joseph de Escalo.a and Cala-
tayud, native of the town of Quer in La Rioja ;
collegiate in San Geronimo de Alcala de Henares,
and of the mayor of San Bartolomé el Viejo of
Salamanca, penitentiary canon of the cathedral ot
Calahorra, and chaplain major of the royal con-
Colombres y
assedl over to
3 fiscal of that
here, obtained
morning and
thedral, com-
oly crusade ;
nd the follow-
he entered in
» devoted the
ing of other's
Salvatierra in
oy Guerrero,
uf San Barto-
umanca, fiscal
f the city of
e tribunal of
yal tribunal of
rani, govere
Juan, fiscal
neil of Italy,
» and being
of the Cortes,
Mechoacan in
th great skill,
uesta, of- the
Colmenar of
do; he took
‘San Lorenzo
rs, and King
urchbishopric
years, heing
tain-general ;
Mechoacan,
he labours of
was obliged
; he govern-
in the year
ve of Ocaiia,
bishopric of
rving in that
eC.
ngitisitor of
ngdom, pre-
former; but
a and Cala-
n La Rioja ;
de Henares,
el Viejo of
cathedral of
p royal con-
MEC
vent of La Encarnacion de Madrid ; from whence
he was elected bishoy of Caracas, from thence
promoted to Mechoacin in 1729, governed eight
years with great virtue, and his sanctity was
borne testimony to by his blood remaining uncor-
rupt for seven years after his death; this took
place in the estate of the Rincon in 1737,
27. Don Francisco Pablo Matos Coronado, born
in the Canaries: after that his letters had gain-
ed the general approbation in the universities of
Sevilla and Salamanca, he was presented to the
church of Yucatan, and from thence removed ta
this of Mechoacan, which be governed with
extreme tranquillity ; he was much beloved for his
talents and charity ; he passed ever to Mexico for
the recovery of his health, and died there in
1744,
28. Don Martin de Elizacochea, originally of
the town of Azpilcueta in Navarra; he studied
in the university of Alcala, where he graduated as
doctor in theology, was canon of the holy church
of Mexico, where he had the dignified titles of
school-master and dean, was chancellor of that
university, commissary apostolic, subdelegate of
the tribunal of the holy crusade, bishop of Cuba,
afterwards of Durango, until 1745, when he was
promoted to that of Mechoacan, where he erected
the sumptuous temple of Santa Rosa, endowing
the collegiates, constructed the episcopal prisons,
and did innumerable acts of charity ; he died in
1756.
29, Don Pedro Anselmo Sanchez de Tagle,
originally of Santillana, bishop of Santander; he
studied in the universities of Valladolid and
Salamanca ; was collegiate of the mayor of San
Bartolomé el Viejo, graduated as licentiate of
canons for the chapel of Santa Barbara, was rector
and deputy of his university, fiscal and inquisitor
of Mexico, bishop of Durango; and from thence
removed to this church of Mechoacan in 1757;
he died in 1772,
30. Don Luis Fernando de Hoyos y Mier,
elected in the aforesaid year, 1772; he died in
1776.
31. Don Juan Ignacio de la Rocha, elected in
1777; he died in 1783.
32. Don Fr, Antonio de San Miguel, promoted
from the bishopric of Comayagua to that of Me.
choacan in 1784,
[MECKLENBURG, a county of Virginia,
bounded n. by the state of N. Carolina. It contains
14,735 inhabitants, of whom 6762 are slaves.
satiate a county of N. Carolina, in
Salisbury district, bounded ‘s. by the state of S.
MED 91
Carolina, It contains 11,395 inhabitants, of who
1603 are slaves. Chief town, Charlotte. |
| MECOW BANISH ga lake in N. America, tn
lat. 49° n. J «
MEDANO, a settlement of the province and
government of Buenos Ayres in Pera; — situate
at the source of the river of Las Conchas, to the
s. of the capital.
MEDELLIN, a settlement of the juris fiction
and government of Vera Cruz in Nueva Espatia;
founded by Hernan Cortes, who gave it this name
in honour of his native place in Bstremadura. It
is of a hot temperature, and has at two leagues
distance the river called Kumedio, where its
jurisdiction terminates in that part. It is three
league vn. w. of the capital.
Mepevuin, a river of the former jurisdiction
and kingdom. It rises near the city of San Ilde-
fonso de los Zapotecas, runs nearly frome, to w,
and runs into the sea at the gulf of Campeche, op-
posite the i:’xnd of Sacrificios. It was discovered
by Hernan Cortes, who named it as well as the
above settlement.
Mepruitn, a town of the province and govern-
ment of Antioquia in the Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada; situate on the shore of the river San Barto-
lomé, which empties itself into the Magdalena.
(MEDFIELD, a township in Norfolk county,
Massachusetts, 20 miles s. w. of Boston. It was
incerporated in 1650, and contains 731 inhabi-
tants. |
[MEDFORD, a pleasant, thriving, compact
town in Middlesex county, Massachusetts, four
miles n. of Boston ; situated on Mystic river, three
miles from its mouth. Here are several distilleries
and brick-works, which give employment toa con-
siderable number of people. ‘The river is navi-
gable for small vessels to this place. ‘The town-
ship was incorporated in 1630, and contains 1029
inhabitants, who are noted for their industry.
MEDINA, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Los Llanos in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada; founded by 77. Alonso Ronquilio, of
the order of St. Domingo, in 1670. It is of an hot
temperature, but abounding in wild cacao, and
other vegetable productions, such as maize, yucas,
and dates. It has a vein of black virgin salt ina
very strong rock, which is carried to every part of
the province for the cattle,
Mepina, a river of the kingdom of Nueva
Galicia in N. America, which runs into the sea
at the bay of San Joseph, of the bay of Mexico.
MEDIO, Rio dev, a river in the island of St.
Domingo, which rises in the sierras of the mines of
n2
92 MEH
Ciboo, It runs s.s.w. making a curve, and enters
the Jacques, a little before this runs into the Neiba.
Menio, another river, im the province and go-
vernment of Buenos Ayres, It runs 2.7. e. and
enters the Parana, between those cf Pabon and
Ramallos.
{[MEDOCTU, a settlement in New Brunswick ;
situated on the w. side of St. Jolin’s river, 37 miles
above St. Ann’s.
[MEDOROSTA, a lake in the x. part of the
district of Maine, whose 2. point is within eight
miles of the Canada line, in lat. 47° 56’ and long.
68° 22’ w. It gives rise to Spey river, which runs
s,s. e. into St. John’s river.
MEDOUSA, a lake of Nova Scotia or Acadia,
in N. America. It is formed by the river Pistoles,
and empties itself into the San Juan.
[MEDUNCOOK, a plantation in’ Lincoln
county, district of Maine, 280 miles from Boston,
having 322 inhabitants. ]
[MEDWAY, a township in Norfolk county,
Massachusetts, bounded e. ands, by Charles river,
which separates it from Medfield, and of which it
was a part until 1713. It has two parishes of Con-
gregationalists, and contains 1035 inhabitants. — It
is 23 miles s.w. of Boston, on the middle post-road
from thence to Harttord. |
Me. way, or Minway, a settlement in Li-
berty county, Georgia, formed by emigrants trom
Dorchester in S, Carolina, about the year 1750,
and whose ancestors migrated from Dorchester and
the vicinity of Boston about the year 1700. A
handsome Congregational meeting-house, belong-
ing to this settlement, was burnt by the British
during the war, and the settlement was destroyed,
{t has since recovered, in a considerable degree, its
former importance.
Savannah, and nine w. of Sunbury. |
MEGENA, a small river of the province and
government of Guayana ov Nueva Andalucia, one
of those which enter the Orinoco by the e. side,
MEGUIN, a river of the district of Guadalab-
quen in the kingdom of Chile. It runs @. and
enters the sea, between the point of Quenli and the
Morro Bonifacio,
MEHANECK, a seitlement of the English, in
the territory and country of the Troquees Indians,
and on the confines of Pennsylvania ; situate on
the shore of the river Ohio.
fMBHERRIN, a principal branch of Chowan
river, in N. Carolina, which rises in Charlotte
county, Virginia; and running ane. by s. course,
unites with the Nottaway about seven miles s. of
the Virginia line. See Coowan River. ]
Medway is 26 miles s. w. of
ME L
MEJARI, or Meanim, a river of the province
and captainship of Marafian in Brazil. It rises in
a lake in the mountains of the Topinambes Indians,
runs nearly due 7. and enters the sea in the bay
formed by the mouth of the river Marafian.
MEJORADA. See Coruy.
MELA. Sce Mana.)
MELAQUE Port, on the w. coast of New
Mexico, is to the x. w. of port Natividad or Na-
tivity, and near three leagues at s. e. from a row of
four or five rocks or naked islands above water, in
the direction of x. w. This port is land-locked
against all winds from the 2. w. tothe s. w. |
[MELA WASKA, a French settlement of about
70 families, secluded in a singular manner from
the rest of mankind, in the a e. part of the
district of Maine. ‘These people are Roman Ca-
Pieies) and are industrious, humane, and hospi-
table.
[MELETECUNK River, in Monmouth coun-
ty, New Jersey, falls e. into Beaver Dam, which
is at the head of the bay which is 2. of Cranberry
New inlet. ]
[MELFORD’s Place, on 'Tallapoosee river, in
the w. part of Georgia, is separated from some In-
dian towns by that river, a considerable distance
from its mouth. ]
_ MELGAR, San Juan br, a settlement of the
jurisdiction of Tocaima, and government of Mari-
quita, in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada. It is
extremery hot, and abounding in fruits of this cli-
mate, such as maize, yucas, dates, and sugar-
cane.
MELILLA, a city in the island of Jamaica,
one of the first that were founded there by the Spa-
niards, and abandoned shortly after from the bad-
ness of the territory. It stood towards the w. and
it was removed, with the name of Sevilla, towards
the ».
[MELINCUE, a parish of the province and go-
vernment of Buenos Ayres ; situate on a plain be-
tween the ‘Tercero and Saladillo rivers, in lat. 33°
Ad’ 30’ 5s. Lone. 61° 49! 56” w.}
MELINQUE, «settlement of the province and
government of ‘lucuman in Perus situate in the
extremity of the Pampas, where this jurisdiction is
divided from that of Buenos Ayres.
MILIPILLA, a province and corregimiento of
the kingdom of Chile; bounded e. by the juris-
diction of St. Iago, the river Mapocho serving
as the limits ; w. by the coast, and s. by the pro
vince of Rancagua, the river Meipo running be-
tween, In the w. part is a convent of the religions
order of San Francisco, catled Del Monte. ‘The
‘the province
. It rises in
mbes Indians,
a in the bay
raiian.
coast of New
yidad or Na-
from a row of
ove water, in
; land-locked
$. w. |
ment of about
manner from
part of the
> Roman Ca-
e, and hospi-
mouth coun-
Dam, which
of Cranberry
osee river, in
rom some In-
rable distance
lement of the
nent of Mari-
anada, It is
its of this cli-
and sugar-
of Jamaica,
le by the Spa-
rom the bad-
Is the w. and
illa, towards
vince and go-
na plain be-
rs, in lat. 33°
province and
ttuate in the
urisdiction: is
regimiento of
xy the juris-
cho serving
by the pro
running be-
the religions
oute. ‘The
MEL
extent of this province is very limited ; its vegeiable
productions are barley, wheat, and other seeds ;
it has a good quantity of cattle and wine of excel-
lent quality. On the coast is found much fish,
especially on the coast of the mouth of the river
Maipo and the port of San Antonio, The inha-
bitants, who amount to 3000, live for the most part
in estates in the country, so that the villages or
towns are but few. Through it passes the road
which is traversed by the carts going from St. Lago
to Valparaiso.
This province is of small extent upon the sea,
but is about 25 leagues from e.to w. Its rivers
are the Mapocho and Poangue, and it abounds,
as before observed, with wine and grain. Meli-
pilla, or St. Joseph de Logiofio, situated not far
from the Maypo, in lat. 82° 32’, is the capital, Al-
though the situation of this place is beautiful, and
the land near it very fertile, yet from its vicinity to
St. lago, where the greater part of the proprietors
reside, itis but thinly peopled. Notwithstanding,
besides a parish church, the Augustins and the
Mercedarii have establishnents there, and the Je-
suits had also a college. Near the river Mapocho
is the town of St. Francis del Monte, so called from
an ancient convent of Franciscans, around which
a number of poor families having collected, for-
med the population of this place. In its vicinity
are several country houses belonging to some of
the principal inhabitants of St. lago. Not far
trom the mouth of the river Maypo is the port of
St. Antonio, which was much frequented at an
early period of the Spanish settlement; but since
the trade has been transferred to Valparaiso, few or
no vessels continue to load there.
MELIRUPU, a settlement of Indians of the
kingdom of Chile; situate at the source of the
river Cauchupil,
MELLAQUI, a small river of New France or
Canada, At ruas s. between lake Kitchigamin
and that of Mitchigan, and turning e, enters the
Jatier,
MELLO, a port of the coast of the N. sea, in the
province and captainship of Seara in Brazil. It
lies between the river Omoneses and the Salinas
Grandes.
MELO, a town of the province and governmcat
of Buenos Ayres; situate at the foot of the sierra
De S. Paulo, ona small branch of the river 'Taquati.
Lat. 32° 95/14" 5s. Lone. 54° 17! 24” w.
MELONES, a smail and desert island of the
S. sea, in the bay and gulf of Panama.
MEMAROBKE, a small lake of the province
and country of the Lroquees Indians; s. of the
MEN 93
tiver St. Lawrence, on the confines of New Eng-
land,
MEMBRILLAR, a settlement of Indians of the
district of Puchacay in the kingdom of Chile; si-
tuate on the shore of the river Itata, in the part
where the ferry is.
MEME, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Esmeraldas in the king lom of Quito,
flowing down from the mountain of Guanas, It
runs 2, w. and enters by the e. shore into the
Toachi, in lat. 13° 34’ s.
MEMKECHKAOUCK, a small island near the
coast of the province of Nova Scotia or Acadia,
near cape Sable. It is one of those which the
French call Loups Marins.
MEMNISTE, a bay of the s. coast of the straits
of Magellan, five leagues from the bay of Mauricio
towards cape Deseado, It was discovered by the
English in 1600, and the pilot of the vessel, who
was a Memnistan Anabaptist, gave it this name.
[MEMORONCOK, a stream a little w. of
Byram river, Douglass says the partition line be-
tween New York and Connecticut, as settled Dec.
1, 1664, ran from the mouth of this river 2.2. w.
and was the ancient limits of New York, until
Nov. 23, 1683, when the line was run nearly the
same as it is now settled.
[MEMORY Rocks, amongst the Bahama
islands ; situate 19 miles tothe x. of Great Bahama
island, in lat. 27° 4’ x. and long. 78° 49! w. |
[MEMPHREMAGOG, a lake chiefly in the
province of Canada, 19 miles in length from x, tos.
and two or three wide from e. to w. The vn. line
of Vermont state passes over the s. part of the lake,
in lat. 45° 2, Manip liremmaen, which has com-
munication by the river St. Francis with St, Law-
rence river, is the reseryoir of three considerable
streams, viz. Black, Barton, and Clyde rivers,
which rise in Vermont. 'The soil on “its banks is
rich, and the country round it is level. See Ver-
MONT, &c. |
[MEMRAMCOOK River has been recom.
mended as the most proper boundary between the
province of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It
lies a little to the e. of Petitcodiak, and takes an. e.
direction. }
MEMRUNCOOK, a settlement .of Indians of
the province of Nova Scotia or A cadiayin N. Ame-
rica; situate at the mouth of the river Patcolyeak.
[MENADOU Bay, or Pananou, istwo leagues
from port Balene, or port Neuf, on the coast of
Cape Breton island, at the s. part of the gulf of St.
Law rence, having the island of Scatari, heretofore
called Little Cape Breton, opposite to it. |
94 MEN
MENA-HERMOSA, Santo Domtnco pr, a
settlement of the province and government of
Tarma in Peru, with a small fort for its defence ;
as it is situate in the frontier of the rebellious
Chunchos Indians. It was founded by Don
Joseph de Llamas, Marquis of Mena-hermosa, who
gave it his name. Ile was also general of Cal-
Jao and of the armies in Pern, in 1744, when he
assed, by a commission of the viceroy, into that
singdom, in order to settle the disturbances in this
province, this settlement being made the military
rendezvous,
MENAN, the name of two islands, the one
larger than the other, and distinguished by Menan
Great, and Menan Small, near the coast of the
province and colony of Sagadahook, between the
island of Pascamadic and the port of Mechises.
MENCHIXEQUE, or Mencitiauiso, as
others cail it, a setflement of the province and go-
yernment of Cartagena, in the district and division
of the town of Mompox ; situate on the shore of
the river Magdalena, to the s. of that town.
MENCO*A, a settlement. in che province and
eovernment of Tucuman it Peru, of the district
and jurisdiction of the capital; situate s,s. e. of
the same,
MENDAN, a settlement and asiento of the
silver mines of the province and corregimiento of
Chachapoyas in Peru; annexed to the curacy of
Quillay. ; ‘
[MENDHAM, a township in Morris county,
New Jersey, three miles 2. w. of Veal town, and
six w. of Morristown. ]
[MENDOCIN, a cape
America, and N, Pacific ocean.
Long. 124° 25! w. |
MENDON, a post-town in Worcester county,
Massachusetts, 32 miles s. w. of Boston, and 24
n.c. of Pomfret in Connecticut. This township,
called Quanshipauge by the Indians, was incor-
porated in 1667, and contains two Congregational
parishes, a socicty of Friends, and 1555 inhabi-
tants. It is bounded on the s. by the state of
Rhode Island. It is watered by Charles and Mill
rivers, and other small streams, which serve five
erist-emills, two saw-mills, two clothier’s works,
and a forge. There are three hills here, viz.
Caleb’s, Wigwam, and Miskee, from either of
which may be seen, in a clear dey, the four New
England states. | ;
MENDOZA, a city, the capital of the province
and corregimiento of ayo, bearing also this latter
name, in the kingdom of Chile: founded by Don
Garcia Uurtado de Mendoza, Marquis of Canete,
on the 2. w. coast of
Lat. 40° 25' n,
MEN
he heing the president, and giving it his name in
1559, and not in 1593, as is asserted by the ex-
jesuit Coleti. Its situation is pleasant and beauti-
ful, on the e, part of the cordillera of the Andes,
and ona level plain. It is of a good size, and has
some fine buildings, all of the houses having their
respective orchard or garden: also to irrigate it
(here are some reservoirs formed from the river of
its name, the which cause it to be extremely fertile
and abundant in fruit and vegetables, ‘The climate
is mild and pleasant. It has a very good parish
church, and some convents of the orders of San
Francisco, and St. Domingo, San Augustin, La
Merced, an hospital of Bethlemites, a church with
the dedicatory title of Santa Barbara, destined for
the establishment of a monastery of nuns; four
chapels of ease ; of the names of Nuestra Sefiora de
Nieva, San Vicente, San Joseph, and Nuestra
Sefiora de Buen Viage; and a college which be-
longed to the Jesuits. is population is composed
of about 300 families, the half Spaniards and
whites, and the other half of AZustces, Mulattoes,
and Negroes. It lies in the direct road to Peru,
and is 95 miles to the ¢. of the cily of Santiago,
but the journey from thence is very rough. It
lies on the shore of a river of its name, and e. s.e.
of the volcano of Santiago. On the x, part it has
various estates, such as those of Cienega and It
Agua del Chayado; and between this city and
that of San Luis de la Punta dwell the Plainches
and Pehuenches Indians, who, mixed with the
Hubliches and Moluches, descendants of the an-
cient Aucas, with many outlaw Creoles and Mulat-
toes, have various settlements and dwellings ; from
whence they sally forth to plunder and destroy the
inhabitants of the jurisdictions of Mendoza and of
Cordoba in the province of Tucuman. ‘This city
is in lat. 32° 52! 30" n. and long. 68° 58’ w.
Menpoza, a large and abundant river of the
same province as the former city. It rises in the
cordillera, and running e. collects in its course the
waters of all the streams which flow down from
those mountains, and shortly after forms the lakes
of Huanacache or Guanacha, which run 20 leagues,
forming various others ; and from the last of these
lakes this river issues into the river of Tunuyan by
a wide trench called the Desaguadero, near the
settlement of Corocorto. It also forms many
islands, and emptics itself by different mouths. It
meets in one of its courses a mountain which it
has washed completely through, forming a bridge
over which three carts may pass abreast. Its
arch is adorned with figures and points, being an
effloresence of stone, resembling the concretion of
his name in
| by the ex-
and beauti-
f the Andes,
size, and has
having their
0 irrigate it
the river of
emely fertile
The climate
good parish
rders of San
igustin, La
church with
destined for
nuns; four
ra Sefiora de
ind Nuestra
re which bee
is composed
aniards and
» Mulattoes,
vad to Peru,
of Santiago,
‘rough, It
, and. s.e.
, part it has
nega and Tih
lis cily and
1¢ Plainches
xd with the
s of the an-
and Mulat-
lings ; from
destroy the
doza and of
This city
rises in the
s course the
down from
s the lakes
20 leagues,
last of these
Nunuyan by
» hear the
rms many
mouths. It
in which it
[i
reast. — Its
s, being an
neretion of
MER
salt particles, forming an enchanting appearance,
and such as could never be equalled by art. Be-
low this natural bridge, which is called of the Inca,
is a fine tablet of stone, which serves us a pave-
ment, and from which gush out boiling five streams
of salt water. This river enters the sea with the
name of Colorado, See Cue, Chap. 1V. Sect. 29,
MENDOZINO, Cano, an extremity of the
coast of Calitornia, which Jooks to the S. sea, It
is near White cape, in lat. 41° and long, 122%.
MENEMOCKACL, a small river of the pro-
vince and colony of Virginia in\N, America. It
runs w. and enters the Ohio between the rivers
Sealp and Molcochinecon.
MENEARO, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Caxamarquilla in Peru. i
fMENICHLICK Lake, in the 2. w, part of
N. America; a. of this is lake Dobount. |
[MENIOLAGOMEKAH, a Moravian settle
ment e. of the Great swamp, atthe head of Lehigh
river in Pennsylvania, about °3 miles n. #. by a,
of Bethlehem, |
[MENOLOPEN, awealthy and pleasant farm-
ing settlement in Monmouth county, New Jer-
sey; making a part of a rich glade of land ex-
tending from the sea w. to Delaware river. [tis
18 miles s.e. of Princeton, |
MENORES, a settlement of the province and
government of Santa Marta in the Nuevo Reyno
de Granada, of the district and division or juris-
diction of the Rio del Hacha; situate near this
city, in the road which leads to Maracaibo.
MENTOS, a settlement of Indians, of the pro-
vince and government of Luisiana, where the
French have builta fort. Itis situate on the shore
of the river Akansas.
MENZABE, a settlement of the alcaldia mayor
of Nata in the province and government of ‘Tierra
Virme; situate on the shore of a river on the coast
of the S. sea, opposite the isle called Farallon de
Guararé,
MENZAPA, San Francisco pe, a settlement
of the head settlement of the district of Tenantitlan,
and alcaldia mayor of Acayuca, in Nueva Espatia.
Jt contains 73 families of Indians, and is eight
leagues to the e. one quarter to the 7. e. of its head
settlement.
[MERASHEEN Island, in Placentia bay,
Newfoundland. island. ]
MERASSI, an island or neck of land of the
Atlantic sea, near the coast of Guayana, opposite
the mouth or entrance of the river Surinam. — It is
about 70 miles long trom e. tow. and by this part
covers and defends the bay of Surinam. The river
Cencca or Cottica divides this island from the con-
MER 95
tinent : the climate here is very hot, and it is little
cultivated. In lat. 6° 2.
MERCADEN, or Mencapenes, a sual settle
ment of the province an} government of Popiyan;
situate on the s, of the rivers Mayo and San Jorge,
in the high road which Jeads to Quito ; and it is
the first settiement that is met with in leaving this
kingdom, and from whence you proceed to Lit
Herradura, in lat. 1° 46! 7.
MERCALO, Punra pe, a point on the coast
of the S. sea, and province and government of
Veragua in the kingdom of Tictra Firme, — Et lies
between the mountain of Puercos and the Punta
Blanca, ;
MERCED, La, a settlement of the province
and government. of Sonora in Nueva Espaia.
Mercen, La, another settlement, of the district
of Chanco in the kingdom of Chile ; situate be-~
tween the river Tinguiririca and the Estero of
Chimbarongo. It is of the corregimiento ot
Maule, and lies at the source of the river Rapeél.
MERCEDES, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Cuyo in the kingdom of Chile ;
situate on the shore of the river Concaray.
[MERCER, a county of Kentucky, adjoining
Woodford, Shelby, and Madison counties. Ha-
rodsburgh is the chief town. |
[Muucer’s Creck, in the # e. part of the island
of Antigua in the W. Indies, is a pretty deep inlet
of the coast, the entrance to which is between the
islands of Codrington, Crumps, or Pelican. Lavi-
count’s island is a small island, also within it, to-
wards the s. shore; and in the s,w. part of it is
Farley’s bay, at the mouth of a river. ]
[MERCERSBOROUGH, a village of Penn-
sylvania, s. e. of N. mountain, and about 13 miles
s. w, of Chambersburgh. |
[MERCHANT'S Careening Place, within the
harbour of Port Royal in Jamaica, on the x. side
of the long peninsula, Along this narrow slip of
beach is the only way to pass by land to Pott
Royal, for nine or 10 miles, the careening place
being almost at midway, but somewhat nearer to
tie e. end of the peninsula. |
MERCY, Cape of Gon’s, the most s. point of
Cumberland’s island, on the 2. side of Cumber-
land straits, and has cape Walsingham on its 2. e.
and Exeter sound on its 2. ]
MERE, La, or The Moruer, a small island
near the coast of the province and government of
Guayana, in the part possessed by the English,
It is opposite the mouth of the river Orapu.
(MEREDITH, Cape, among the Falkland
islands in the 8, Atlantic ocean, is between port
Stephen’s and cape Orford, |
96 MERIDA.
(Merrpiti, a township in Strafford county,
New ltlampshire ; situated on the w. side of lake
Winnipiseogee, 15 miles 2. of Gilmantown, nine
s.¢. of Plymouth, and 52 n.w. of Portsmouth, It
was incorporated in 1708. In 1775, it contained
259, and in 1790, 881 inhabitants. It was first
called New Salem,
MERI, an arn of the river Orinoco, in the pro-
vince and government of Guayano. It forms a
large island opposite the coast of the Hovaroux
{ndians,
MERIDA, a city of the Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada, the capital of the government, in the pro-
vince of Venezueva; founded in 1558 by Captain
Juan Rodriguez Suarez, with the name of Santiago
de los Caballeros, in the province of Las Sierras
Nevadas, the surname of Merida being added to
it (and by which it is at present known) in me-
mory of his native place in Estremadura, ‘This is
as the case really is, and not so, that it was founded
by Juan de los Pinos in 1562, as according to the
ex-jesuit Coleti. In the year after its foundation
it was removed by Captain Juan de Maldonado to
the spot where it now stands; this being a plea-
sant plain surrounded by three rivers, the first
called Chama, which is the largest, and could not
in the time of the Indians be forded, being now
vassed en taravita, or by cords; the second
fucusin; and the third Albarregas, which sure
rounds the city, and the water of which is the best,
being that which is used both for drinking and
washing, At the distance of three leagues these
rivers unite, and are entered by another smaller
river, which passes at no great distance from the
city. This enjoys the peculiarity of experiencing
every day the tour scasons of the year ; since there
are 12 hours of cold, in proportion to its climate,
from six in the evening till six in the morning ;
five hours of spring, from six to ten o’clock, when
the heat of the sun begins to shed a warmth over
the Sierra Nevada ; and from ten till six in the
evening the heat is very great. It is surrounded
by mountains, and in its vicinity is one in which
there is a lake, and which is called Mountain de
las Flores, (of Flowers), fromthe variety which it
produces, together with laurels and other trees and
plants, which cover it and render it pleasing to
behold, its charms being heightened by a great va-
riety of birds, This city is of a very healthy tem-
perature, fertile, and abounding in wheat, maize,
papas, arracaches, cabbages, exquisite cacao, in
which consists its principal commerce, and which
is highly esteemed, much cotton, delicate fruits,
such as apples, peaches, quinces, pomegranates,
dates, and other fruits of an hot and cold climate.
It has a beautiful parish church, and at its ene
trance four chapels or hermitages, some convents
of the religious orders of St, Francis, St. Domingo
St. Agustin, an hospital, a college which belongec
to the Jesuits, and a monastery of nuns of the
order of Santa Clara, The buildings are very good,
and the streets wide; the inhabitants should amount
to 400 housekeepers, and it would be far more
ropulous and rich did not the party spirit and
vickering between the Serradas and Gavirias, two
classes of its first settlers, continue to perpetuate
animosity amongst their descendants, causing many
murders and losses both of tortuncs and estates,
It has suffered much by earthquakes, and more
particularly in those which happened successively
in 1644, and which left it nearly desolate. It is,
at the present day, the head of a bishopric, erected
in 1782, suffragan of St. Domingo, and afterwards
of the archbishopric of Santa Fé, ils first bishop
having been Don Fr, Juan Marcos de Lora, of
the order of San Francisca, It has gold mines
which are not worked,
[The city of Merida, which was founded in
1558 by John Rodriguez Suarez, under the name
of Santiago de los Caballeros, is situate in a valley
of about three leagues long, and in the widest part
ahout three quarters of a league broad, It is sure
rounded by three rivers: the first is named Mu-
cujun, and has its source to the n. in what is
called Los Paramos de los Conejos, (or the Rabbit
Heaths); it flows from it to s, and runs through
the e. part of the town, The second is called Al-
barregas, and rises to the 2. e. and running to the
w. of the town, The third is the Chama ; it flows
from the e. to the vn. round the s. side of the
town until it falls into the lake of Maracaibo, It
receives the two firstementioned rivers at a little
distance from Merida, and by the junction also of
a multitude of other rivers it at length acquires an
immense size, There are wooden bridges for foot-
passengers and horses over these three rivers,
which are constructed so substantially as to stand
throughout all the seasons. Not one of them is
navigable, on account ofthe rapidity of the current
and the obstacles of rocks, as well as of the moun-
tains, which, by making the beds of the rivers nar«
row in certain places, form cascades too powerful
for any vessel whatever to stem,
Another strong reason why these difficulties are
not overcome, is the excessive insalubrity of the
part of the lake of Maracaibo where it receives the
river Chama. It is indeed impossible to pass two
hours at this place without catching a fever, the
malignity of which generally proves fatal. ‘The
soil is all that benefits by the rivers; and, to the
9
~
2
nd at its ene
une convents
St. Domingo
ich belonged
nuns of the
re very good,
ould amount
be far more
y spirit and
aavirias, two
lo perpetuate
Musing many
and estates,
's, and more
successively
olate. It is,
»pric, erected
id afterwards
s first bishop
de Lora, of
s gold mines
founded in
ler the name
le ina valley
1 widest part
d. It is sure
snamed Mu-
. in what is
or the Rabbit
runs through
is called Al-
inning to the
ima ; it flows
side of the
hracaibo, It
rs at a little
iction also of
acquires an
lees for foot-
three rivers,
as to stand
le of them is
f the current
f the moun-
he rivers nar
oo powerful
ifficulties are
hbrity of the
receives the
to pass two
a fever, the
fatal. ‘The
; and, to the
MERIDA, 97
[praise of the inhabitants they have, by their acti-
vity, taken advantare of these favours of Nature,
At some distance from the town are plantations of
sugar, cocoa, and coflve of a very superior quality
to what is cultivated throughout the rest of the
province,
The environs of Merida are covered with the
provisions of the country, fruits, limes, beans and
sense of every kind, potatoes, wheat, barley, &c.
These are all consumed by the people of Merida,
and are so abundant that the poorest have always
more than sufficient food. ‘Their butchers ment
comes from Varinas and Pedraza, it is very good
and exceedingly cheap.
The climate is very changeable, almost every
day exhibits (as already observed) the four seasons
of the year. The people, however, assert that
they never feel inconvenience from cold or heat,
and can wear indifferently silk or worsted through-
out the year; but it is certain that the transitions
are so rapid and severe as to cause frequently dis-
orders. ‘The w. wind is especially dreaded ; it
never blows without leaving the effects of its ma-
lignity. The rains fall at all seasons, and are very
heavy, but they are: most violent between March
and November: they have intervals between the
rains.
Merida is the seat of a bishop and hasa chapter.
It has a college and a seminary in which the ca-
tholic clergy and all other professions are in-
structed, ‘There are masters for reading, writing,
and arithmetic, and professors of theology, philo-
sophy, ethics, and the civil and canon law, ‘These
adiogt are all under the management and inspec-
tion of a governor and vice-governor, and are im-
mediately under the authority of the bishop.
The sciences had made so much progress at
Merida, **at they resolved to obtain a university,
which would relieve them from going to Santa Fé
or Caracas to obtain their degrees. ‘They sent in
1801 the vice-governor of the college to the uni-
versity of Caracas to entreat them to approve of
the demand they wished to make of his Catholic
Majesty for the establishment of a university.
This question was scrupulously examined, and, in
spite of the talents and personal qualities of the
delegate, the decision was against the views of the
applicants. ‘This refusal, more likely to irritate
than quell their desire, did not repulse the parti-
sans of the new university. ‘Their demand has
been transmitted to the king. It certainly will not
be easily complied with, for the system of the go-
vernment is not to multiply this sort of establish-
nents.
Independently of the cathedral, there are at least
VOL, IL,
as many chapels in Merida as are proportionate to
the number of the inhabitants, There are three
convents of the order of St. Dominic, St. Augustin,
and St.Claire, A church ofa suppressed conventot
Cordeliers is supported with care, ‘That of the
hospital is sermutkabler after these sueceed the
chapels of Millay, Mucugun del Espego, and De
Uano; and lastly, the chapel of Mercy.
The number of inhabitants of all descriptions
amount to 11,500. ‘The slaves are the least nu-
merous class, ‘The whites have for along time
been split into two factions ; the Serradas and Gua-
Virias, the names of the two principal founders of
the city, who had vowed a hatred against cach
other, and which has been perpetuated by their
descendants, so that the feud cannot be considered
as extinct, although the violence, formerly so tre-
quent, has not latterly broken out. But for this
the population would be greater, and the state of
cultivation more flourishing.
A frankness, a spirit of justice, and a love of
literature, are observable among these people. No
class despises labour, ‘The cultivation of the soil,
the rearing of cattle, or the pulpit, are the employ-
ments of the whites. ‘Vhe people of colour exer-
cise usclul employments. Manufactories of cotton
and wool are carried on here, and the different
articles are so cheap as to give them a preference
over those of Europe. Among these manufactures
are carpets made of the wool of the country, an
ell long and more than a half of an ell wide, orna-
mented with flowers and worked with the plants of
the country: the red, green, blue, and yellow, are
as bright and as permanent as the tints of the most
famous manufacteries of Europe. It is 112 miles
nie. of Pamplona, in lat. 8°1l'n. Long. 70°
58' w.
Meriva, another city, the capital of the pro-
vince and government of Yucatan in N. America,
and kingdom of Nueva Espaiia; founded by Cap-
tain Francisco de: Montejo in 1542. It is well
situate, and has beautiful buildings, and_ streets
wide and running straight from ¢. to w. and divided
by others which intersect them and form certain
equal squares ; the chief square is also handsomeand
very large, and is entered by eight strects, the
front of which is that looking to the e. and in
which is the cathedral church, one of the hand-
somest of any in Nueva Espaiia; another, which
looks n. containing the governor's house, and an-
othes looking s. composed of houses which were
built with much magnificence by the founder,
The territory is level, that the streams can scarcely
run down the streets, and on this account there are
many wells for holding the water. It is the head
Q
98
of a bishopric, erected in 1518, has too curacies
for the adminstration of the sacraments, one for the
Spaniards, another for the Indians, being also used
by five settlements or wards of the city, called San-
tingo, Santa Ana, Santa Lucia, Santa Catalina, and
San Sebastian ; two convents of the religious order
of SanFrancisco,one called the Grande, and is mag-
nificent, the other the church of Nuestra Sefora
de la Mejorada, built in imitation of that of Dofia
Maria de Aragon in the court of Madrid, and close
to this the parish church of San Cristoval for the
Indians, an hospital of San Juan de Dios, a col-
lege which belonged to the abolished order of Jee
suits, and a monastery of nuns. [ts population is
composed of only 400 housekeepers, having much
diminished through an epidemic disorder experi-
enced in 1548; but the number of Mustees, Mu-
lattoes, and Negroes, is very great. It is 28 miles
from the sea-coast, inlat.20°50'n, Long. 89° 30’ w.
(Meriva, Intendancy of, This intendancy,
concerning which valuable information has been
furnished to us by M. Gilbert, comprehends the
great peninsula of Yucatén, situated between the
bays of Campeche and Honduras, It is at cape
Catoche, 51 leagues distant from the calcareous
hills of cape St.Antony, that Mexico appears, before
the irruption of the ocean, to have been joined to
the island of Cuba.
The province of Merida is bounded on thes. by
the kingdom of Guatemala, on the e. by the
intendancy of Vera Cruz, from which it is separat-
ed by the Rio Baraderas, called also the River of
Crocodiles, (Layartos), and on thew. by the English
establishments which extend from the mouth of
the Rio Hondo to the x. of the bay of Hanover,
opposite the island of Ubero, (Ambergris key).
In this quarter, Salamanca, or the small fort of
Sun Felipe de Bacalar, is the most s. point inhabit.
ed by the Spaniards.
The peninsula of Yucatan, of which the n.
coast from cape Catoche, near the island of Con-
voy, to the Punta de Piedras, (a length of 81
Jeazues), follows exactly the direction of the
current of rotation, is a vast plain intersected in
its interior from n. w. to s. w. by a chain of hills
of small elevation, ‘The country which extends
e. from these hills towards the bays of the Ascension
and Santo Spirito appears to be the most fertile,
and was earliest inhabited, ‘The ruins of European
edifices discoverable in the island Cosumel, in the
midst of a grove of palm trees, indicate that this
island, which is now uninhabited, was at the com-
mencement of the conquest peopled by Spanish
colonists. Since the settlement of the English
between Omo and Rio Hondo, the government,
MERIDA.
to diminish the contraband trade, concentrated the
Spanish and Indian population in the part of
the peninsula w, from the mountains of Yucatan,
Colonists are not permitted to setile on the e,
coast on the banks of the Rio Bacalar and Rio
Hondo, All this vast country remains uninhabited,
with the exception of the military post (presidio)
of Salamanca,
The intendancy of Merida is one of the warmest
and yet one of the healthiest of Equinoctial Ame-
rica, This salubrity ought undoubtedly to be
attributed, in Yucatan as well as at Coro, Cumana,
and the island of Marguerite, to the extreme
dryness of the soil and atmosphere. On the whole
coast from Campeche, or from the mouth of the Rio
de San Francisco to cape Catoche, the navigator
does not find a single spring of fresh water. Near
this cape Nature has repeated the same phenomenon
which appears in the island of Cuba, in the bay of
Xagua, described by us in another place, On
the x. coast of Yucatan, at the mouth of the Rio
Lagartos, 400 metres troin the shore, (1312 feet),
springs of fresh water spout up from amidst the
salt water. ‘These remarkable springs are called
the Mouths ( Boccas) de Coni!. It is probable,
that trom some strong hycrostatical pression, the
fresh water, after bursting through the banks of
calcareous rock, between the clefts of which it had
flowed, rises above the level of the salt water.
The Indians of this intendancy speak the Maya
language, which is extremely guttural, and of
which there are four tolerably complete dictionaries,
by Pedro Beltan, Andres de Avendano, Fray
Antonio de Ciudad Real, and Luis de Villalpando.
The peninsula of Yucatan was never subject to
the Mexican or Aztec kings. However, the first
conquerors, Bernal Diaz, Hernandez de Cordova,
and the valorous Juan de Grixalya, were struck
with’ the advanced civilization of the inhabitants
of this peninsula, They found houses built of
stone cemented with lime, pyramidal eclifices
(teocallis) which they compared to Moorish mos-
ques, fields enclosed with hedges, and the people
clothed, civilized, and very different from the
natives of the island of Cuba. Many ruins,
particularly of sepulchral monuments, (gwacas ),
are still to be discovered to the e. of the small
central chain of mountains. Several Indian tribes
have preserved their independence in the s. part
of this hilly district, which is almost inaccessible
from thick forests and the luxuriance of the
bis aia
he province of Merida, like all the coun-
tries of the torrid zone, of which the surface
does not rise more than 1300 metres (4264 feet) |
P :
oncentrated the
in the part of
ns of Yucatan.
rtile on the e,
icalar and Rio
ns uninhabited,
post (presidio)
of the warmest
juinoctial Ame-
uibtedly to be
Coro, Cumann,
o the extreme
On the whole
outh of the Rio
the navigator
h water, Near
ne ynhenomenon
a, in the bay of
er place, On
uth of the Rio
e, (1312 feet),
rom amidst the
ings are called
It is probable,
al pression, the
h the banks of
of which it had
salt water.
peak the Maya
ttural, and of
te dictionaries,
endano, Fray
le Villalpando.
ver subject to
ever, the first
z de Cordova,
» were struck
idal edifices
Moorish mos-
Many ruins,
ts, (guacas ),
. of the small
1 Indian tribes
in the s. part
st inaccessible
lh the surface
(A264 feet) |
MER
fabove the level of the sea, yields only for the
sustenance of the inhabitants maize, jatropha, and
dioscorea roots, but no European grain. The
trees which furnish the famous Campeche wood
(hematoxylon Campechianum L.) grow in abund-
ance in several districts of this intendancy, The
cutting (cortes de palo Campeche) takes place
annually on the banks of the Rio Champoton, the
mouth of which is s. trom the town of Campeche,
within four leagues of the small village of Lerma.
It is only with an extraordinary permission from
the intendant of Merida, who bears the title of
Governor Captain-general, that the merchant can
from time to time cut down Campeche wood to the
e. of the mountains near the bays of Ascension,
Todos los Santos, and El Espirito Santo. In
these creeks of the e. coast the English carry on
an extensive and lucrative contraband trade. The
Campeche wood, after being cut down, must dry
for a year before it can be sent to Vera Cruz, the
I.avanah, or Cadiz, ‘The quintal of this dried
wood (palo de tinta) is sold at Campeche for two
piastres to two piastres and a half (from 8s. 9d.
to 10s. 11d.) The hemotoxylon, so abundant in
Yucatén and the Honduras coast, is also to be
found scattered throughout all the forces of Equi-
noctial America, wherever the mean temperature
of the air is not below 22° of the centigrade
thermometer (71° of Fahrenheit.) The coast of
Paria, in the province of New Andalusia, may
one day carry on a considerable trade in Campeche
and Brazil (ceesalpinia) wood, which it produces
in great abundance,
‘he most remarkable places of the intendancy of
Merida are, the capitol of this name, Campeche,
and Valladolid. Population in 1803, 465,800;
extent of surface in square leagues, 5977; number
of inhabitants to the square league, SI]
In Merida, the capital, which is 10 leagues
in the interior of the country, and has been al-
ready described, is the small port called Sizal, to
the w. of Chaboana, opposite a sand bank nearly
12 leagues in length. The population of the ca-
pital is 10,000.
MERIDIONAL. See Soutn.]
MERIM, a large lake in Paraguay in S. Ame-
rica, very near the coast of the S. Atlantic ocean,
where the land is very flat. Fort St. Miguel stands
at the s. end, and fort Mangaveira at its n.e. exe
tremity. There is a very narrow lake parallel to
lake Merim, between it and the ocean, and nearly
as long. The forts command the extremities of
the ee
([MERIMEG, or Maramec, a large river of
Louisiana, which empties into the Missiesippi,
MER 99
below the mouth of the Missouri, and 22 miles
above the settlement of Genevieve, bine meadows
lie between this and the Missouri, |
|MERION, Urren and Lower, two town-
ships in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. |
(MERISCH I, a settlement of the province and
government of Sonora in N. America; situate on
the shore of a river to the ¢, of Santa Maria Mag-
dalena.
MERLO, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Buenos Ayres in Peru; situate on the
shore of the river La Plata, to the x. w. of its
capital.
ERO, Punta ne, a point on the coast of the
S. sea, of the province nd corregimiento of Piura
in the bay of Tumbez, one of the two which form
the same bay. It is low and covered with sand,
and at cbb-tide a passage is open to the shore of
the road which leads from Tumbez to Piura. It
is extremely barren.
Mero District, in the state of Tennessee, on
the banks of Cumberland river. 1t comprehends
the counties of Davidson, Sumner, and Tennes-
see. In 1790, it contained 7042 inhabitants, in-
cluding 1151 slaves. By the state census of 1795
cee were 14,390, of which number 2466 were
slaves.
[MERRIMACK River has its courses. through
the state of New Hampshire, till it enters Massa-
chusetts ; it then turns e. and passes into the ocean
at Newbury port. This river is formed by the
confluence of Pemigewasset and Winnipiseogee
rivers, in about latitude 43° 26’, This river is
navigable for vessels of burden about 15 miles from
its mouth, where it is obstructed by the first falls
or rapids, called Mitchell’s Eddy, between Brad-
ford and Haverhill. Vast quantities of ship-
timber, and various kinds of lumber, are brought
down in rafts, so constructed as to pass all the
falls in the river except those of Amuskeag and
Pawtucket. In the spring and summer, consi«
derable quantities of salmon, shad, and alewives are
caught, which are either used as bait in the cod.
fishery, or pickled, and shipped to the W. Indies,
As manw as six or seven bridges have been thrown
over this fine river, at different distances, from New
Concord, downwards; the most clegant and expen-
sive are the one two miles above Newbury port, and
the one at Haverhill. A canal is now in process
to open a communication between the waters of
the Merrimack at Chelmsford and the harbour of
Boston, through Mystic river. See Mippiesex
Canal. The bar across the mouth of this river
is a very great incumbrance to navigation, and is
especially terrible to strangers. ‘I’here are 16 feet
0 2
100 MES
of water upon it at common tides. ‘There are two
light-houses of wood removable at pleasure, accord-
ing to the shifting of the bar. The lights now
bear e. one-half 2. and w. oue-half's. | Bringing
both the lieht-houses (o bear into one, until you are
abreast of the lower one, will bring you in over the
bar in the deepest water, where is a bold shore
and good anchoring ground, The 2. point of
Plumb island, which forms the s. side of the
entrance into the river, lies in lat. 42° 47/40", J
[Merrimack, a township in Hillsborough
county, New Hampshire; situeicd on the s. side of
Souhegan river, which runs e. into the Merrimack.
It is 55 miles w. of Portsmouth, was incorporated
in 1746, and contains 819 inhabitants.
[MERRIMICHT River, falls into the head of a
pay of that name on the x. e. coast of the province
of New Brunswick. A little above its confluence
with the bay, it forms into two branches, and runs
through a fertile tract of choice intervale land ;
and the land is, in general, well clothed with tim-
ber of all kinds. From this river there is a com-
munication with St. John's, partly by land, bit
principally by wate carriage in canoes. The
salinon fishery is carried on with success, and the
cod fishery is improving near the entrance of the
ny
[MERRYCONEAG,. See Harpsweut. |
(MERRY-MEETING Bay, in Strafford coun-
ty, New Hampshire, is the s, e. arm of lake Winni-
piseogce. Mount Major stands on its w. side. ]
Merey-Meering Bay, in the district of
Maine, is formed by the junction of Androscoggin
and Kennebeck rivers, opposite to the town of
Woolwich, 20 miles from the sea, Formerly from
this bry to the sea, the confluent stream was called
Sagadahoe. ‘The lands here are good. Steven's
river heads within a mile of the bry, and a canal
has lately been opened which unites these waters,
A company has been incorporated to build abridge
oyer Androscoggin river, at its entrance into the
bay, to connect the towns of Brunswick and
Topsham; the former on its s. side, the latter on
its nm. side. |
[MER *EQUE, a town in the province of
Honduras in New Spain, which produces the
cochineal. |
MESC A, a settlement and head settlement of
the district of the a/ealdia mayor of Senticpac in
Nueva Espata, it is ofan hot temperature, con.
tains 60 families of Lndians, whose trade is fishing
for prawns and other fish, being close to the sea,
and it is five leagues w. of its capital.
(MESCALA, Villageof. Humboldt found its lat,
by the culmination of Aatares, 7° 56’ 4”, and the
MES
long. by the chronometer, 6° 47’ 16”, supposing
Acapulco @ 48’ 24", The city of Chilpanzingo,
from angles taken at Mescala, appears to be 17° 36’
of lat. and 6° 46! 53” of long. J
MESLE, a bay on the s. coast and in the
French possessons of the island of St. Domingo,
opposite the Isla Vaca.
MESPA, a head settlement of the district of the
alcaldia mayor of Xala in Nueva Espaiia. It
contains 20 families of Indians, who occupy them-
selves only in the barter of seeds; and it is
somewhat iess than a quarter of a league s. w. of
its capital.
MESQUIC, a settlement of the alcaldia mayor
of Chalco in Nueva Espafia; situate on the
shore of the lake, and with the greater part of it
within the same, It is fertile and of an agreeable
temperature: by it pass the canoes loaded with
vegetable productions, such as sugar, sugar-canes,
honey, and fruit, which render its prospect very
pleasing ; and, as we before observed, it is neces-
sary to go from one part to another, ina great
degree, by water. It contains 197 families of In-
dians, anda convent of the monks of St. Augustin.
It is tour leagues s. s. e. of Chalco,
MESQUIQUEJOS, a sma!! and poor settle-
ment of the Nuevo Reyno de Granada, taking
the name of the nation thus called, and of whom
it was first composed. — It is situate 2. of Chilloa,
aud s. of the town of Mompox, on the w. shore
of the river Magdalena. Its climate is very hot
and unhealthy, and in it is produced the most de-
licate plantains of any in the kingdom, Lat, 9°
10! n.
MESQUITAL, a settlement and real of the
gold mines of the alcaldia mayor of Juchipila in
Nueva Galicia. It contains 200 families of Spa-
niards, Mustees and Mulattoes, and many In-
dians who live by the labour and commerce of its
nines; they are very rich, and the gold is excellent
for its fine colour, ductility, and superior quality.
This settlement is cight leagues from the capital,
and 18to the #2. one-fourth to the 2. e. of Gua-
dalaxara.
Mesquitat, another settlement of the missions
held by the religious order of San Francisco in
the kingdom of Nueva Vizcaya in N, America.
Mesquitar, another, with the surname of
La Sierra ; situate opposite that of ‘Tulazinco, 60
leagues from Mexico, having a beautiful plain of
more than six leagues in length. La one of its
mountains are found described on a rock a cross
and other characters, which, as the tracition goes,
were done by the apostle St. Thomas when he
preached in that province.
6”, supposing
Chilpanzingo,
rs to be 17° 36°
st and in the
St. Domingo,
district of the
Kspaia. Lt
occupy them-
3; and it is
league s, w. of
alcaldia mayor
ituate on the
eater part of it
f an agreeable
*s loaded with
r, Sugar-canes,
prospect very
od, it is neces-
er, ina great
families of In-
fSt. Augustin.
d poor settle-
anada, taking
and of whom
n. of Chilloa,
1 the w. shore
te is very hot
Lihe most de-
fom. Lat, 9°
do real of the
Juchipila in
nilies of Spa-
id many Ine
inmerce of. its
yerior quality.
nthe capital,
ze. of Gua-
f the missions
Francisco in
N. America.
surname of
Tulazinco, 60
utiful plain of
La one of its
rock a cross
racilion goes,
nas when he
ME 8
MESQUITIC, San Micurt. ve, a settlement
of the alcaldia mayor of San Luis de Potosi, and
bishopric of Mechoacin, in Nueva Espsna, It
contains 80 families of Indians, and a convent of
monks of the order of San Francisco, Ut is a
boundary of division between the aforesaid bishop-
ric and that of Guadalaxara ; and in it begins the
sterra of Pinos of La Nueva Galicia, It is five
leagues to the 7. w. of its capital.
MESQUI'TLAN, a settlement of the head set-
tlement of the district and alcaldia mayor ot Chi-
Japa in Nueva Espana, It contains 22 families of
Indians, and is three leagues to the . of its ca-
vital,
MESQUITULA, a settlement of the head set-
tlement of the district and a/caldia mayor of Ju-
chipila in Nueva Espaiia; four leagues to the s.
of the said head settlement.
MESSA, a settlement of the government and ju-
risdiction of Merida in the Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada. It is of a mild, healthy, and pleasant cli-
mate, produces maize, yucas, plantains, many
yuamas, and other fruits of a warm climate. It
has mills for expressing the sugar from the canes ;
and its population is composed of 50 Indians,
and of about 30 or 40 housekeepers. It is four
leagues from Merida.
Mrssa, another settlement, with the dedicstory
title of San Marcclo, in the province and govern-
ment of Veragua, and kingdom of ‘Tierra Firme ;
situate on the top of a mountain called the Mesa
de Tabaraba, and abounding in vegetable produc-
tions and swine, It is five leagues from the
capital,
Messa, another, with the surname of 'Tonati,
of the missions that were held by the regulars of
the company of Jesuits in the province of Naya-
rith, and kingdom of Nueva Galicia, in N. Ame-
rica.
Messa, another, with the addition of Grande,
in the province and government of Neiba, of the
Nuevo Reyno de Granada ; situate on the shore
of the Rio Grande de la Magdalena,
Messa, another, a small settlement and ward
of the alealdia mayor of Guauchinango in Nueva
Mspatia ; annexed to the curacy of Pantepec.
[MESSASAGUES, Indians inhabiting between
lakes Superior and Huron. They have about
1500 warriors. |
MESSITA, a settlement of Indians of the pro-
vince and corregimiento of Maule in the kingdom
of Chile; situate on the bank and at the head of
the river Carampangne,
| MESSILLONES, Mixttiones, (by the Spa-
niards), or Muscue Bay, on the coast of Chile in
MET 101
S. America. It is 33 miles 7. ¢. of Morro Jorge,
and 74s. s, @. of Atacama, and is so deep on the
s. side that there are no soundings; but at the
entrance or anchoring-place it is moderate, and
ships may ride in 15 fathoms, clean ground, and
secured from most winds, |
MESTITELAN, asettlement of the head settle.
ment of the district and a/caldia mayor of Cuquio
in Nueva Kspaita; nine leagues distant to the x.
of the same head settlement.
MESTIZOS, Punta be, a point on the coast
of the province and government of Cartagena, and
Nuevo Reyno de Granada; one of those which
form the bay of Zipato.
([MESTRE Bay, Lirrie, on the x, e. part of
Newfoundlad island, s. of St. Julian, and x. by w.
of the islands Gros and Belle. |
[MESUCKAMA Lake, in the ». part of N.
America. Lat. 50° 10/2. Long, 80° w.
META, alarge, abundant, and navigable river
of the Nuevo Reyno de Granada, which gives its
name to the //anos of San Juan, through which it
runs. It rises in the mountains which lie between
Santa Fé and 'Tunja, in the paramo of Albarracin,
thus called from an inn and estate of this name
which are upon it. ‘This river runs c. and after
collecting the waters of many others, enters,
united with the Pato, by the w. shore, into the
Orinoco. Passing the valley of 'Turmeque in
the Nuevo Reynode Granada, it takes this name,
and beiug increased by other streams which it col-
lects in the different valleys of that broken ser-
rania, enters with a large body into the anos of
San Juan, with the name of Upia, turns its course
nv. w. and receives the Cusiana, which has its ori-
gin in the paramos of Toquilla, not far distant
from ‘Tunja: shortly afterwards it collects the
waters of the Cravo, at the mouth of which stands
the colony of La Concepcion de Achagua, is then
entered by the Guirripa, near the mission of San
Miguel of Salivas Indians, below the Guanapo,
four leagues from Pauto, and lastly by the rich
streams of the Casanare and LIne, and being swoln
toan immense size by them, and after running 300
leagues, enters, as we have belore said, into the
Orinoco; forming, however, first such a level
body of water as that its current is scarce suscep-
tible, and forming a beautiful appearance betore
the settlement of the mission of Santa Teresa of
Salivas Indians, the same being near its mouth or
cntrance,
In its vicinity dwell some barbarian nations of
ludians, spread through the spacious Uanuras of
Cazanare and Meta or San Juan, where the re-
gulars of the abolished order of Jesuits of the
102 MET
province of Santa Fé had some flourishing mis-
sions, by which they had reduced to the Catholic
faith an infinite number of barbarians, and which,
since 1767, have been under the care of the monks
of the barefooted order of San Francisco. The
mouth of this river is in lat. 6° 1030’, Long.
67° 45’ w.
Pane source of the Meta, observes Depons,
is 150 leagues s. w. of its junction with the Orinoco.
Several rivers of Santa Fé fall into it. It is navi-
gable as far as Macuco, near the plains of Santiago
de las Atalayas, 40 leagues from the capital of the
kingdom. Its banks are still deserted or inhabited
only by Indians, who have an equal aversion to
civilized life and tolabour. ‘They are intractable
without being fierce, and for this reason more
adapted to attack than to defence; they, therefore,
owe their independence to flight. ‘The navigator
can traverse their country without danger. Se-
venty-five leagues before the Meta falls into the
Orinoco it receives the river Casanare. Its course
is silent and majestic, and it may be distinguished
from the other rivers that are received into the Ori-
noco by the silence with which it forms the
junction. |
Meta, with the addition of Incognita, a piece
of territory which was taken possession of for
Queen Elizabeth of England, in 1573, by Mar-
tin Forbisher, in his third voyage to discover a
n. w. pass; but which has not been met with or
seen by any navigator since.
METALTEPEC, a settlement of the head set-
tlement of the district of Atitlan, and alcaldia
mayor of Villaita, in Nueva Espaiia. It contains
39 families of Indians, and is 14 leagues from its
capital.
METATI, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Darien and kingdom of Tierra Frime. It
rises near the e. coast, and following a course to
this rhumb, enters the grand river Atrato near its
mouth.
METATLAN, a settiement and head settle-
ment of the district of the alcaldia mayor of Pa-
paitla in Nueva Espaiia. It contains 70 families
of indians.
METAU, a small river of the province and go-
vernment of Tucuman in Peru, and of the juris-
diction of the city of Salta. It runs e. and enters
the Pasage between the Concha and Yatasco.
METCHIGAMIA, a lake of the province and
government of Louisiana in N. America, on the
shore of the river San Francisco, and from which
it is formed, just where this river enters into the
Mississippi.
METCHIGAMIA, a settlement of the former pro-
MET
vince and colony, founded by the French on the
shove of the river Mississippi.
METENQUEN, a settlement of Indians of the
province and corregimiento of Maule in the king-
tlom of Chile.
MET PEC, a small settlement or ward of the
head settlement of the district of the a/caldia mayor
of ‘Tetela del Volcan in Nueva Espaiia. It is close-
to its capital.
Merterec, another settlement, in the head set-
tlement of the district of Ocutepec, and alcaldia
mayor of Villalta, in the seme kingdom. It con-
tains 33 families of Indians, and is six leagues s.w.
of its capital.
Metepre, a jurisdiction and alcaldia mayor of
Nueva Esjuaiia, and one of the largest there, ex-
tending more than 20 leagues from x. to s. and 12
from e. to w. divided into two other districts,
which ave Ixtlahuaca and Tianguistengo, and in
which the alcalde mayor nominates two lieutenants,
for the better and more ready administration of
justice. It is very fertile in maize, barley, beans,
and lentils, these being the vegetable productions
in which it trades; also in a good quantity of
swine, which are bred for the ay y of Mexico,
and by which the inhabitants make great profit.
The population consists of 56 principal settlements,
which are heads of districts; and to these are sub-
ject above 300 small settlements or wards, reduced
to 13 curacies.
S. Miguel Temazcalzin-
§0,
S. Pedro de Tultepec,
S. Francisco Chichico-
Calimaya,
S. Mateo Mexicalzingo,
S. Miguel Chapultepec,
S. Miguel Mimialpa,
cuitla, Asuncion Yalatlaco,
S. Francisco Xonacate S. Mateo Tlachichilpa,
lan, Santiago Tlacotepec,
S. Juan Xiquipilco,
Santiago Temoya,
S, Lorenzo Huitzizlapa,
S. Geronimo Amanalco,
S. Pedro Atlapulco,
Ixtlahuaca,
S. Felipe,
Asuncion de Malacate-
pec,
S. Miguel Almololoya,
S. Miguel Zinacante-
pec, ;
S. Mateo Texcalicaque,
Tepemaxalco,
Santa Maria Atlamulco,
S. Mateo Atengo,
S. Gaspar,
Santiago Tianguistengo,
Santa Ana Xilotzingo,
S. Bartolomé Otzolote-
peque.
Xocotitlan,
S. Bartolomé Capulu-
aque,
Asuncion de Tepexoyu-
ca,
S.Martin Ocuyoacaque,
S. Juan Guapanoya.
he ae is of the same name, with the dedi-
catory tit
e of San Juan, situate in the spacious
valley of Toiuca, at the foot of a small mountain.
Its population consists of 62 families of Spaniards
‘rench on the
indians of the
in the king-
‘ward of the
lcaldia mayor
1. It isclose-
the head sct-
and alcaldia
om. It con-
: leagues s.w.
dia mayor of
est there, exe
tos. and 12
her districts,
lengo, and in
o lieutenants,
inistration of
marley, beans,
e productions
| quantity of
y of Mexico,
great profit.
i settlements,
these are sub-
rds, reduced
exicalzingo,
Chapultepec,
Mimialpa,
‘alatlaco,
lachichilpa,
acotepec,
—
MET
and Mustees, and nearly 900 of Indians, includ.
ing those of the wards of its district. It has a con-
vent of the religious order of San Francisco, and is
33 miles to the s. w. of Mexico, in long. 99° 20/ w.
Lat. 19° 20' ;
METETA, a river of the province and govern-
ment of San Juan de los Llanos in the Nuevo
Reyno de Granada. It rises between those of
Meta and Doma, runs e. and enters the Orinoco
near the settlement of San Francisco de Borja, of
the missions that were held there by the regulars
of the company of Jesuits. re
(METHUEN, the 7. westernmost township in
Essex county, Massachusetts; situate on the e.
bank of Merrimack river, between Dracut and
Haverhill. It contains two parishes and 1297 in-
habitants. It was incorporated in 1725. Hus-
ban dry and the cutting and selling lumbe: divide
the attention of the shige
ME'TINACAS, some islands of the N. sea;
situate near the coast of the province and colony
of Sagadahock. ‘They are many, all small, and
lying opposite the bay of Penobscot.
METLATONO, a settlement of the head set-
tlement of the district and alcaldia mayor of Tlapa,
inthe same kingdom as the former. 1t contains
55 families of Mexican Indians, employed in the
cultivation of seeds, cochineal, and cotton.
METOS, a small river of the province and go-
vernment of Buenos Ayres in Peru. It runs. 7. w.
and enters the Santa Lucia Grande.
METRANO, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Xacamarquilla in Peru.
METWAY, a port of the s. coast of Nova
Scotia or Acadia, between those of Senior and La
Heve.
METZTITLAN, an ancient province of Nueva
Espaiia in the time of the Indians, and, when the
Spaniards entered, bounded by the province at
the present day called Panuco. It was peopled
at that time by an infinite number of the Chichi-
mecas Indians, a ferocious people and cannibals,
and who, together with the Aculhuas, were the
first inhabitants. They rebelled against the Em-
peror Tlaltecatzin, who fought them in a battle
which, according to Torquemada, lasted 40 days
successively, and in which they lost the greater
part of their people; so that they were obliged to
surrender, obtaining pardon, with the exception
of some few of their ringleaders who were severely
chastised. In the time of 'Techotlalatzin, the suc-
cessor of the former emperor, they returned to their
state of rebellion, at least such of them as lived in
the sierra ; and these are called at the present day
by the title of those of La Misteca Alta.
MEX 103
MEUIS, a name which the English give to
one of the Antilles isles. See Nitves.
[MEW Islands, on the coast of the Spanish
main in the W. Indies, between cape Cameron
and cape Gracias a Dios, lie across the entrance
into the bay of Cotroe or Crotoe. They are sur-
rounded with rocks, and are very dangerous,
especially in case of hard gusts from the x. and
Ns €.
MEXICAL, ariver of the island of St. Do-
mingo, which rises near the n. coast, runs to this
rhumb, and entcrs the Jacques.
MEXICALTZINCO, a jurisdiction and cor-
reg imiento of Nueva Espaiia, very fertile in maize,
beans, barley, French beans, and garden herbs,
It is as it were the principal key of the lake of
Chalco. Carried in vessels through this lake,
pass not only all the vegetable productions of the
prcvince of Chalco, but also of all the other
neighbouring provinces of a warm climate; and
by the channel called the Real are introduced
honey, sugar, fruit, grain, and other effects,
which being warehoused in Chalco, avoid the
duties of freightage, and are conveyed by the
lake up to the bridge of the palace of Mexico.
This corregimiento contains three settlements
which are head settlements of districts, and sub-
ject to these are five others, as follows :
The capital,
Ixtapalapan, which was the court of the King
Cuitlahuatzin, exalted to the empire of Mexico
through the death of Motezuma, and where there
remains a beautiful pool for breeding fish, as also
vestiges of royal fabrics of the gentiles,
Santa Maria Aztahuacan,
Santa Marta,
Couhuacan,
Santiago Chahualtepeque,
San Lorenzo,
San Mateo Huitzolopozteo, Noviciado of the
Diente,
The capital is of the same name, beautifully situ-
ate, and very pleasant and fertile, from the waters
of the lake which are close to it, the richness of
foliage, and as being the direet road to Mexico
either by water or by land, the latter lying along
the causeway of the /ano of Santa Marta, and
much frequented by the drovers of other jurisdic-
tions. It is two leagues to the s. a quarter to the
s.e. Of Mexico, and contains 61 families of In-
dians. Near this settlement, and in the middle
of the lake going to Mexico, at the distance of
about two leagues from this capital, is a stream of
water which is called th. Estrilla, and which is
easily to be distinguished by its pellucid course in
ne as ee SS
>
iy
i
104 MEX
the lake. Not far from the same spot are some
flower gardens, and peionies and other flowers are
to be seen mixed amongst the brush-wood and
reeds of the lake. Here the Indians have their
dwellings and estates, changing them as often as
they think proper.
MEXICALZINCO, a settlement of the head
settlement of the district of the alcaldia mayor of
Analco, in the kingdom of Nueva Galicia and
bishopric of Guadalaxara, It contains 15 tamilies
of Indians, who occupy themselves in carrying
for sale to this city wheat, maize, seeds, and fruits.
It lies a little to the v. of its head settlement.
Mextcauzinco, another, with the dedicatory
title of San Mateo, the head settlement of the dis-
trict of the alcaldia mayor of Metepec in Nueva
Lspaia. It contains 415 families of Indians.
MEXICANOS, Barrio DE ros, a settlement
of the province and alcaldia mayor of Sonsonate in
the kingdom of Guatemala.
Mexicanos, a nation of Indians of Nueva Es-
paiia, and one of the principal and most nume-
rous of all inthe new world. They are descen-
dants of the Aztecas, one of the first nations that
left the kingdom called Aztin, taking the name of
Mexicos trom their idol, and who, being led by
Huitziton and Tecpatzin, great idolaters and sooth-
sayers, wandered about for above 50 years without
establishing themselves in any place, until that, as
they say, directed by their god [fuitzilopuchtli,
they colleeted and fixed themselves on the lake,
which takes its name from its floating inhabitants,
having been before called 'Tenuititlan, meaning
Stone of Tuna.
Having collected themselves here, from the rea-
sons we have just mentioned, as also from their
having lost their two leaders in the privations, sick-
ness, and disasters they had undergone, their fa-
milies began to increase, and their population to
multiply, until they at last nominated a king, and
formed the powerful Mexican empire. These In-
dians are of a darker colour than the rest, of a
quick genius, and lived in civil and political order
previous to the arrival of the Spaniards. ‘They
were idolatrous, and had an infinite number of
gods and deities, to whom they made sacrifices of
human blood, in order to draw down mercies in
their necessities ; and as they had different deities
us tutelar to different circumstances, and as they
all were thought to require sacrifice, the number
of captives that were slain before these monstrous
representations of a divinity were exceedingly
great.
Their government was monarchical, and orga-
nized with singular skill and harmony. In the
M EX
court they had a council of revenue, which took
cognizance of the expences of the royal palace,
and to which the collectors of the tributes of the
different provinces rendered in their accounts; a
court of justice, in which was vested the nomina-
tion of interior tribunals ; a conncil of war, which
took charge of the formation and supplies of the
army ; another of state, which frequently delibe-
rated in the king’s presence; also judges of com.
merce and of supplies, and other ministers of the
police The judgments were summary and verbal,
the plaintiff and defendant with their witnesses
told their story, and the cause was finished. ‘They
had no written laws, but they were governed by
traditional ordinances, save in cases where the will
ofthe prince interfered. They were regardful of
rewards and punishments, holding as capital
crimes, theft, homicide, and adultery ; also what-
ever was committed against the king or religion,
however trifling, aithough other crimes were easily
pardoned. Any fault of integrity amongst the
ministers was to be paid by the life of the person
offending ; pardon in this instance was never
granted, and indeed such was the diligence used
in scanning the faults of such persons, that even
the emperor’s friends ara confidants were obliged
to silence the investigators by bribes.
They took singular care of the education of
their youth in public schools and colleges for the
nobility, taught them their mode of writing, which
consisted of certain characters and figures, and
made them learn by heart certain historical songs,
which contained an account of the exploits of their
ancestors, and which were in praise of their deitics ;
after these they instilled modesty, courteousness,
decent deportment, and when they became old
enough, exercised them by trying their strength
by carrying weights, running, and wrestling, in
the use of arms, to endure hunger and thirst, and
to combat the inclemencies of the weather ; and
thus they were, according to the report of their
different masters, destined either for political go-
vernment, to the army, or to the priesthood,
which were the three roads to nobility. On the
other hand, the girls of rank were brought up by
certain matrons, who lived in other colleges, and
who were dedicated to the care of the temples ;
they were kept closely confined from their earliest
infancy, nor suffered to leave their mistresses but
by the approbation of their parents and the singly
consent ; nor were they ill-skilled in all those arts
and occupations which render the female character
useful and interesting.
The Mexicanos constituted all their happiness
in war, a profession which their kings looked
» which took
‘oyal palace,
ibutes of the
‘accounts; a
the nomina-
fwar, which
ipplies of the
ently delibe-
dges of com.
nisters of the
y and verbal,
cir witnesses
ished. ‘They
governed by
vhere the will
e regardful of
x as capital
y; also what-
w or religion,
ies were easily
amongst the
of the person
© was never
diligence used
ons, that even
s were obliged
education of
‘olleges for the
riting, which
1 figures, and
storical songs,
ploits of their
f their deitics ;
courteousness,
became old
their strength
wrestling, in
nd thirst, and
weather ; and
eport of their
r political go-
e priesthood,
lity. On the
rought up by
colleges, and
the temples ;
their earliest
mistresses but
nd the ningly
all those arts
ale character
heir happiness
kings looked
MEXICO.
upon as what principally constituteu their power,
and all the vassals as the peculiar attribute of their
nation: these considerations made them naturally
valorous, cager of gaining the prizes that were
offered as rewards to bravery, and historians re-
count that Mocthezuma had no less than 30 vas-
sals, so powerful that each of them could bring into
the field $0,000 men at the first order. ‘This mix-
ture of their barbarian and savage customs with
those of civilized life would deserve a more exten-
sive description than we can admit in this article,
but an account may be seen in Herrera, Gomara,
Acosta, Torquemada, Solis, Garcia, and others,
such as will give every satisfactory information
that may be further required,
The empire of the Mexicanos was conquered by
the incomparable Hernan Cortes in 1521, nor
was it less than a miracle that with an army of
little mere than 300 Spaniards he should succecd
in subjecting so many millions of men, whose pa-
triotism might be put in competition with that of
the Romans,
MEXICAPA, San Martin be, a settlement
of the head settlement of thé district of the town of
Marquesado del Valle, and of the alca/dia mayor of
Quatro Villas, in Nueva Espana. It contains 30
families of Indians, who live by cultivating and
trading in wheat, maize, cochineal, and fruit, and in
collecting woods, coal, salt, and fuel, It is one
mile to the w. with an inclination te the s, w. of its
capital.
MEXICO, a province and corregimiento of
Nueva Espana in N. America, It is 313 miles
lcag in a direct line from s.w. to_x.e. from the
port of San Diego de Acapulco in the S, sea to the
bay or lake of Panuco near the 7. It is bounded
by the province and bishopric of Mechoacan on
one side, and on the other by the province of
‘Maxcala, a line being drawn through these frem
e.s.e. tow. Its width is $7 leagues, forming an
irregular figure; for being narrow in the strip en
the coast of the 8. sea, it continues widening as it
runs 2.
It enjoys different climates, is for the most part
mountainous, but not without many fertile valleys,
watered by diflerent rivers, which render it a coun-
try extremely productive of grain, fruit, seeds, and
herbs. It produces also cochineal, which is cul-
tivated ia many parts, and an incredible multi-
tude of cattle of every species. ‘The woods are
thronged with birds notorious for their plumage
anc their song ; but, as this forms a part of Nueva
Espaiia, we reserve a further description for that
article. The extent of this province, which is as
far as its archbishopric reaches, comprehends many
VOL. I.
105
alcaldias mayores and correzimientos, i which are
counted 235 curacies and 23 missions, viz.
8. Agustin de las Cue.
bas,
S, Angel,
Ascapotzalco,
San Bartolomé,
Naucalpan,
S. Christoval Ecatepec,
Culhuacin,
Cuyuacan,
Churubusco,
Santa Fé,
Ntra. Seiiora de Guada-
lupe,
Ixiapalapan,
Ixtacalco,
Mexicalzinco,
Mixcoac,
Tlalneplantla,
Tacuba,
Tacubaya,
Xochimilco,
Atitalaquia, ’
Actopam,
Alfaxayuca,
Acolinan,
Acapuxva,
Apan,
Ayozinco,
Ayapango,
Amecamecan,
Atzompan,
Achichipico,
Real de Atotonilco
Chico,
Atotonilco el Grande,
Acatlan,
Aculco,
Acambay,
Atlacomulco,
Asuncion de Malacate-
pe’,
Amanalco,
Almoloyan,
Acamistla,
Acapetlahuayan,
Amatepec 'Tlatlaya,
Alahuistlan,
Apaxtla,
Atlatlauca,
Ayacapixtla,
Acapulco,
Amealco,
Ayahualican,
P
Santa Ana ‘Tianguis-
tenco,
San Bartolomé QOzolo-
tepec,
Chapantongo,
Chilcuantla,
Cardonal,
Chautla,
Coatlinchan,
Chimalhuacan Atenco,
Coatepec,
Chimalhuacain Chalco,
Chalco,
Chiconcuautla,
Chapa de Mota,
Capuluac,
Calimaya,
Cacalotenango,
Coatepece de los Costa-
les,
Coyuca,
Cuernavaca,
* Casas Viejas,
Caiada,
Cadercita,
Calnale,
Coscatlan,
Real del Doctor,
Escancla,
Ecazinco,
Epazoyucin,
S. Felipe Ixtlahuaca,
Ixtapan, |
Ixcatiopan,
Yautepec,
Ieuala,
$. Juan Teotihuacan,
S. Joseph Malacatepec,
S. Juan del Rio,
Landa,
Lerma,
Lolotlan,
Misquiahuala,
Misquic,
Milpa Alta,
Real del Monte,
S. Martin Ozoloapan.
Metepec,
Malinalco,
Malinaltenanco,
Matzatepec,
Mestitlan,
Molanco,
106 MEXICO.
Otumba, Real de Tasco, Ozuluama, Palma, or SaltodelAgua,
Ocuituco, Teloloapan, Tarabon, Tamnya,
Real de Omitlan, Tetcla del Rio, Tanquayalal, Huayabos,
t Ocoyoacan, Tlayacapan, Tanlaxac, Sauz,
Nf Ocuila, ‘Tlalneplanta, Altamira, Tanlacrin,
ih) Oapan, Totolapin, Huchuetlan, Tanlacun,
i \ Pacula y Xiliapan, Tlaltizapan, ‘Tamaquichimin, Santa Maria Acapulco,
a Real de Pachuca, Tlalquitenanco, ‘Tamapach, Santa Barbara,
"| Pilcayan, Tenango del Rio, ‘Tamitas, Escandon,
Pueblito, Tepoxtlan, Villa del Valles, Horcasitas,
itd Panuco, 'Tepequacuilco, Tampasquil, Las Palmas.
My Quantitlan, ‘Tolimancjo, The capital is the city of the same name, with
Ay Quautla Amilpas, Toliman, the dedicatory title of San Hipolito, in memory of
: Singuilrvcan, ‘Tequisquiapan, the day on which the Spaniards took it from the
Sinacantepec, Tecoutzatla, Indians. It is the court and metropolis of the
Santiago de Queretaro,
S. Sebastian de Querc-
taro,
Tlalchichilco,
Tlalchinol,
‘Tepehuacan,
Mexican empire, or of Los Aculhuas, an arch-
bishop’s see, and the residence of the viceroy,
governor, and captain-general, and of the audi-
Sochicoatlan, Tamazunchale, ence and royal chancery of Nueva Espaiia,
Tultitlan, Tampamolon, erected in 1527, and the jurisdiction of which ex-
Tepotzotlan, Tancanhuitz, tends from the cape of Honduras to that of Flo-
‘Teoloyucan, ‘Leimpoal, rida in the N. sea, and by the S.sea from the
Tequisquiac, Tantoyuca, point where the jurisdiction of the audience of
Tetepanco, Tantima, Guatemala terminates to where that of Guada-
'Tepexi del Rio, . Villanueva de la Pefia — laxara or Nueva Galicia begins, and to the pro-
Tula, de Francia. vinces‘of Yucatan, Cozumel, and Tabasco. It is
Tepititlan, Xacala, the most beautiful, grand, and sumptuous city of
Tasquillo, Xalpan, the whole of the Spanish monarchy.
Tepeapulco, Xuchitepec, It was founded by the Indians in 1327, with the
Tepatlastoc, Xumiltepec, name of Tenochitlan, upon a lake in the midst of
Tezcuco, Xaltenco, : valley, 14 leagues long, seven wide, and 40 in
‘Nahuac, Xiquipilco, ci ‘cumference. It is surrounded by 90 leagues of
Tenango Tepopula, Xocotitlan, mountains and serranias, fruitful in cedars, trees,
Temamatlac, Xilotepec, both rare and common, gums, drugs, salts, and
Tlalmanalco, Xulatlaco, metallic productions of all classes, marbles and
Tetela del Volcan, Xantetelco, precious stones, plain and vari-coloured. As well
‘Tochimilco, Xonacatepec, in the mountains as in the valley are beautiful
Tecama, Xiutepec, settlements, farms, granges, and estates, in which
Tizayucin, Xochitepec, the European fruits and those peculiar to the
Tolcayucan, Xichu de Indios, country are cultivated. The fields abound in
Tetzontepec, Real de Xichu, herbage, which render the prospect beautiful, and
Tulancinco, Reali de Zimapan, afford pasturage for innumerable herds of cattle of
Tlaola, Zempoala, every kind. The rivers and lakes fertilize the ter-
Temoaya, Zumpango de la La- _ ritory, and by them are carried to the capital all
Temascalcinco, guna, the most delicate fruits, during the different sea-
TemascaltepecdelValle, Ziautehutla, sons of the year. Here are all kinds of vegetables,
Real de Temascaltepec, Real de Zultepec, garden herbs, and grain, ducks, geese, widgeons,
Texupilco, Zumpahuacan, quails, fish, eels, and other productions, birds
Toluca, Real de Zacualpan, much valued for their song and plumage; and
‘Tenango del Valle, Zacualpan del Rio, above all, the soil is extremely fertile in flax,
‘Tescaliacac, Zaqualtipan, hemp, cotton, tobacco, indigo, sugar, and ma-
Tenancinco, Zontecomatlan, gueyes or pita, of the branches of which is made a
Tecualoyan, Zoquiatipan. great commerce, and such as greatly enriches the
Real de Tezicapan, The Missions. royal exchequer.
Tetipac, Tampico, In the time of the gentilism of the Indians there
altodelAgua,
)
)
ia Acapulco,
vara,
?
Ss.
ie name, with
in memory of
k it from the
ropolis of the
yas, an arch-
the viceroy,
of the audi-
ieva Espaiia,
1 of which ex-
» that of Flo-
.sea from the
e audience of
at of Guada-
id to the pro-
‘abasco. It is
\ptuous city of
1327, with the
in the midst of
e, and 40 in
90 leagues of
cedars, trees,
gs, salts, and
marbles and
red. As well
are beautiful
tes, in which
eculiar to the
ds abound in
beautiful, and
he capital all
different sea-
of vegetables,
plumage; and
hich is made a
lv enriches the
Indians there
MEXICO. 107
were 140,000 houses, and these were divided into
four quarters or wards, an infinite number of tem-
ples dedicated to their idols, the most celebrated
of which was that erected to Huitzilopochitli, the
od of war, built upon a pyramidical square table.
Jand of 40 feet high, and to which there was an
ascent by a staircase of 140 steps, wide enough to
receive eight men abreast ; the whole forming an
edifice so magnificent as to strike the Spaniards
with astonishment; though not less so did the
great plaza or market-place of Tlateluco, of the
which now not even the vestiges remain.
The Spaniards, led on by the celebrated Hernan
Cortés, gained this city on the 13th day of August
1521. It was dedicated to the martyr San Hipo-
lito, its sworn patron, and in memory of whom
the pennant is taken down every year by the royal
Alferez, and carried in splendid procession by
the viceroy, the audience, the tribunals, the city
council, and the nobility, to the church of the said
saint, to the vespers, 2nd to the mass, said by way
of gratitude and thanks,
The pent of the city is square; its diameter
within the gates is 4340 Spanish yards from 7. tos.
and 3640 from e. to w.; the ground is level, the
streets straight, and drawn at right lines, being
a little more than 14 yards wide. ‘The town is
surrounded with a wall of uncemented stones, and
the channels which lead from the lake disperse
their waters in various small canals, which flow
through some beautiful strecis, and are covered
with craft and canoes, which every day appear
loaded with supplies of fruit, flowers, &c. and
make their way up as far as the walls of the palace
of the viceroy, which is situate in the plaza mayor.
The buildings are magnificent, and some of them
of the most beautiful architecture. There are dif-
ferent markets, where there is a regular supply of
every thing that the public can require. ‘This
city is entered by seven stone causeways, which
are, Guadalupe to the 2. Tacuba to the w. San
Antonio to the s. built by the Indians, and the
others by the Spaniards, their names being La
Piedad, Ascapuscalo, Tacuba, Santiago, and Cha-
pultepec. The whole of the city is paved, the
principal streets with free-stone, and some of these
are arched, so that the filth is carried off.
Here are some beautiful fountains, the waters of
which come from various parts; but that which
has the best and sweetest watcr is that which is
brought from the settlement of Santa Fé, for more
than two leagues upon an aqueduct of more than
900 arches, each of eight yards diameter, above
three high, and a quarter wide : this canal is open
at top, and has a rail-way of half'a yard deep on
each side, Another aqueduct similar to this comes
from the pool of Chapultepec, about a league's
distance, and formerly there was one towards the s.
through Churubusco, of which nothing but the
vestiges femain. Here are some beautiful prome-
nades, both in the country and by the water side,
the principal of which is that which was made in
the time of the viceroy Don Antonio Bucareli ;
also a theatre for plays, a cock-pit, a tennis-court,
&c.; many gambling places, billiard tables, inns,
and taverns ; 42 pelquerias, in which are sold daily
100,000 quarts of pulque, this being the liquor or
wine of the Magueyes. There are different pa-
laces and public buildings, such as that of the
viceroy, where reside the tribunals, the secretaries,
tie officers of the treasury and of the royal reve-
nues. There is also a mint, in which in some
years have been coined upwards of 23,000,000 of
dollars ; also the inquisition, together with the office
for its ministers, and the prison for the culprits.
Here is a royal and _ pontifical university,
erected by the Emperor Charles V. in 1551, with
the same privileges as that of Salamanca ; its clois-
ter being composed of more than 225 doctors and
masters, with 22 professors of all the sciences, with
a grand library ; a most ancient royal college of
San Ildefonso, which superb edifice contains within
it two other colleges, namely, those of Filotos and
that of Rosario, containing above 300 students ;
likewise the Real de Christo, incorporated on the
day of St. Peter and St.Paul ; the college called of
Los Comendadores de San Ramon, for the natives
of Valladolid and the Havana ; that of Santiago
Tlateluco, for the Indians of rank, the same having
been founded by the Emperor Charles V.; the Real
de San Juan de Letran, the Semenario ‘Tridentino
de San Gregorio, for the Indians, and the seminary
of Los Infantes; not to mention various other col-
leges for religious students, and, besides the uni-
versity, public professorships, amounting altoge-
ther to the number of 43. Besides these there are
some fret schools and academies for the instruction
of youth, especially those under the care of the re-
ligious order of the Betlemitas, the royal college
for the instruction of miners, a royal academy of
the three noble arts of painting, sculpture, and
architecture, erected in the reign of Don Carlos III.
four colleges for educating female children, with
the names of Santa Maria de la Caridad, or De las
Niiias, San Ignacio, San Miguel de Bellén, and of
Guadalupe, for the Indian nobility ; the Miseri-
cordia, being a refuge for married women, the
Beaterio de San Lorenzo, the Casa de Magdalena,
or house of repentants, for the chastisement of bad
women ; the Cuna, or a house for foundlings; and
p-2
108
a general house of entertainment for poor invalids
and beggars ;_ 13 hospitals, whieh are the General
and the /ea/ for the Indians, and those of San
Andres, Espiritu Santo, Santissima Trinidad or
San Pedro, San Juan de Dios, San Lazaro, San
Anton, Amor de Dios, De la Concepcion or Jesus
Nazareno, Betlemitas, San Hipolito, El Salva.
dor de Sayago, and La Tercera Orden de San
Lrancisco.
Itsarchbishopric exterds 180 Ieagues from the
port of Acapulco, in the S. sea, to thebay of San
Esteban, of the port of Panuco, in the 2. upona
line which runs from s, «. tow. e. and bounded w,
by the province and bishopric of Mechoncin, and
e. by that of Tlaxcala. It was first only a bishop-
ric, and the church was called Carolense, with
the dedicatory title of La Asuncion de Maria San-
tisima, in 1525, and afterwards erected into a
bishopric by Pope Clement VII. during the reign
of the Emperor Charles V. in 1534, It has for
suffragans the bishops of a Puebla, Tlaxcala,
Mechoacin, Guadalaxara, Oaxaca, Yucatan,
Durango, Nuevo Reyno de Leon, &c. Its ca-
thedral is a sumptuous and magnificent temple,
94 years old, and ornamented by the picty and
generosity of the Kings Philip Uf. HI. and IV.
and Charles II, and in which 18 viceroys have
seemed to shew their competition in benefiling the
sacred cause of religion. It is 133} Spanish
yards in length, 74 in width; of lonic order, and
with 74 windows: divided into five naves, with
three doors on the s. side, two on the e. and w.
and twoon the 2. In it is venerated two images of
Maria Santisima, the one of the Assumption, of the
most pure gold, weighing 6984 castellanos, and
adorned with precious stones, and the other of
silver, concerning the mystery of the Conception,
and weighing 88 marks ; in short, the grandeur,
riches, and majesty with which the worship is ex-
ecuted in this temple by the archbishop and vene-
rable cabildo, exceeds all description. ‘The other
sumptuous temples, and at which a numerous
clergy officiate, amount to above 160. Here are
fA parishes, with the titles of Sagrario, San Mi-
gucl, Santa Catalina, Martir, La Santa Vera
Cruz, San Joseph, Santa Ana, Santa Cruz, San
Sebastian, Santa Maria de Redonda, San Pablo,
Santa Cruz Acatlan, Nuestra Seiiora del Salto del
Agua, Santo ‘Tomas, and San Antonio de las Huer-
tas; four convents of Dominican monks, which
are, the Convento Grande, Porta Celi, La Piedad,
and San Jacinto; five convents of the order af
San Francisco, namely, Convento Grande, Santiago
‘Tlatelolco, Reco'leccion de San Cosme, San Fer-
nando de Misoneros de Propoganda Tide, and of
MEXICO.
Los Descalzos de San Diego ; four of the order of
San Agustin, the Convento Grande, San Pablo,
and the house of entertainment of San Nicolas de
Recoletos y Santo ‘Tomas; three of La Merced,
the Convente Grande, San Pedro Pasqual de Be-
len y la Merced de las Huertas ; one of the Car-
melites; two of San Juan de Dios; two of the
order of La Caridad, of which the one is San
Hipolito, where resides the general of the reli-
gion, and the other the Espiritu Santo; one of
the religious Betlemitas, the residence ot the
general of its order; the Casa de San Antonio:
Abad, for the regular canons ;_ the Oratorio de San
Felipe Neri, the house of entertainment of Monges
Benitos; a college of the Padres A gonizantes ;
besides other chapels and churches of the follows
ing orders, viz. that of San Francisco of La Orden
‘Tercera, that of Santa Escuela, the parish of Ine
dians of San Joseph, Nuestra Sefiora de Aran
zazu, Santo Christo de Burgos, and Nuestra Se-
fiora de Balyanera; 20 monasterics of nuns, en
titled the Convento Real dela Concepcion, Regina,
Balvanera, Real de Jesus Maria, Real de San
Geronimo, of the same order, Lorenzo el Real de
‘scorial, where the Mexican poetess Sor Juana
Inez de la Cruz flourished ; La Incarnacion, San
Lorenzo, Santa Ines, San Joseph de Garcia, San
Bernardo, Santa ‘Teresa la Antigua, Santa ‘Teresa
la Nueva, Capuchinas, Santa Brigida, La Ense-
hanza or Salesas, Santa Catalina de Sena, Santa
Clara, San Juan de la Penitencia, where flourished
the venerable Sebastiana; Santa Isabel and Core
pus Christi de Sefioras Capuchinas Indias. It also
had a possessed house of the regulars of the coms
pany, a Mexican college of San Pedro y San
ablo, an house of noviciates of the title of San
Andres, and a college of San Gregorio; and under
its charge the Real de San Ildefonso, the Chico
del Rosario, and that of Guadalupe de Endias.
What further tends to ornament this city are
the royal audience and court for the judgment of
crimes, composed of the viceroy, the regent, 10
oidors, five alcaldes, three fiscals, an alzuccil
mayor, a chancellor, four secretaries of the cham-
ber, and corresponding subordinate officers; the
general court of justice for those beyond the seas,
or who have died intestate ; the royal tribunal,
mayor, and audit of accounts ; the rea/ cara matrix,
or general treasury ; that of land and water; that
of the general of the Indians; that of the half.
yearly revenue and of the spear-armed soldiery ;
and the superintendance of the azogues or quick-
silver ; of the scaled paper; that of the general
direction of the alcababas and pulques; of the
real stores; the mint; the tribunal of La Santa
of the order of
e, San Pablo,
van Nicolas de
* La Merced,
asqual de Be-
ne of the Car-
s; two of the
re one is San
il of the reli-
Santo; one of
idence ot the
» San Antonio:
ratorio de San
ent of Monges
Agonizantes ;
of the follow-
‘oof La Orden
parish of In-
iora de Arane
ad Nuestra See
s of nuns, en-
peion, Regina,
Real de San
nzo el Real de
ess Sor Juana
carnacion, San
le Garcia, San
» Santa ‘Teresa
‘ida, La Ense-
e Sena, Santa
here flourished
abel and Core
Indias. Italso
rs of the coms
Pedro y San
e title of San
rio; and under
so, the Chico
de Indias,
t this city are
e judgment of
the regent, 10
an alzucell
s of the cham-
¢ officers; the
yond the seas
foyal tribunal,
/ caxamatrix,
nd water; that
t of the half.
med soldiery ;
wes or quick-
the general
ques; of the
l of La Santa
MEXICO. a 109
Hermandad; the office that takes cognizance of
forbidden drinks ; the royal junta of tobacco, and
the general direction of this revenue; a general
post-uilice, and the office for the revenues arising
from powder, cards, &c.; the royal depots of dies,
colours, leather and snow ;_ the tribunals of the ins
quisition, crusade, temporalities, missions of Cali-
fornia, for the direction of the lottery; the sacred
and royal place called the Monte de Piedad, for
the erection of which the Count of Regla most
beneficently and patriotically advanced a sum of
315,000 dollars; also the royal tribunal of the con-
sulado, of the mines, the college of physicians,
and the tribunal of the Estado and Marquesado
del Valle; and lastly, the most illustrious cabildo,
and the other offices of justice, &c.
Independently of the title of 1 ost noble, most
loyat, renowned, and imperial city, there was con-
ceded to it by the Emperor Charles V. in 1593,
the title of Cabeza y Corte del Reyno, (Head and
Court of the Kingdom), who also granted to it the
liberty of using the erms which it had in the time
of its gentitism, the which were, ashicld, witha
castle of three towers, an eagle upon a anal tree,
with a snake in its beak; at the foot of the tree
ran some waters; on the side without the shicld
were two lions, and upon the top a crown: also
by a cedule of 4th of July, of the same year, there
were further conceded for the arms of its corpora-
tion and of the city, a blue shield of the colour of
water, to represent the lake, a gold castle in the
middle, and three bridges of stone leading to it,
the two side bridges not quite touching the castle,
and upon each a lion standing, and having his
feet upon the bridge and his talons on the castle ;
and within the orle were ten green (aa leaves, and
above all the imperial crown,
In 1530, the same emperor granted to this city
the title and privileges of Burgos Cabeza de Cas-
tilla, and in 1548, the titles of most noble, most
Joyal and illustrious citys’ and again the Sefor
Don Felipe V. confirming the above ordinances,
granted them to be perpetual, in 1728,
It also enjoys the privilege and pre-eminence of
being called the Grande de Espaiia, and the
Seftor Don Carlos IIL. granted in 1773, to the
persons belonging to the chapter, the use of gold
embroidery to their dress and undress uniforms,
declaring that they should be preferred before all
the tribunals and bodies, with the exception of the
royal audience and the tribunal of accounts.
The principal patroness of this city is Maria
Santisima de Guadalupe, [the most holy Maria of
Guadalupe], who was solemnly shown as such in
1737, and from thence she has become almost uni-
versal patroness in America, ‘There is @ repre-
sentation of her here, which was found to be mira-
culously painted on the cloak of the Indian Juan
Diego, in the presence of the first archbishop,
in 1531.
The temperature of this place is most benign,
and it enjoys a continual spring, neither the heat
nor the cold being at any time troublesome ; and
although, indeed, the four seasons are perceptible,
yet do they all abound almost equally in the pro-
duction of flowers and fruits. The whole of the
city is surrounded by estates, orchards, and gare
dens, so as to pour in a continual supply of flowers,
fruits, vegetables, and garden herbs, for the use and
tuxury of the inhabitants, save on the c. side,
which is barren, owing to the great lake of ‘Tez-
coco, the vapours arising from which, and the par-
ticles of saltpetce surrounding it, give a complete
check to all kinds of vegetation.
The population consists of more than 350,000
souls of all classes and casts; and amongst these
are counted many noble families, descendants from
the conquerors and settlers; and for the subsist-
ence of this penulation there are consumed an-
nually 300,006 sheep, 15,500 cows and calves,
30,000 swine, near 2,000,000 arrodas of flour, and
170,000 bushels of maize. The natives are clever,
and have a great disposition for the liberal arts ;
and in these some have excelled very much, as is
proved by the paintings of Cabrera, Enriquez,
Vallejo, Pelaez, and Don Juan Patricio. ‘The
general character of the Mexicans is that of being
liberal, courteous, aflable, and charitable. Mex-
ico, in its university and colleges, has produced
many characters noted for their virtue, science,
and arts, in all times; it has had 84 archbishops.
and bishops, many viceroys, captains-general, am-
bassadors, gencrals of religious, counsellors, ofdors,.
dignitaries, and magistrates, who haye done ho-
nour to the tribunals, ecclesiastic and secular; to
enumerate all of whom would form a catalogue
too extensive for the limits of this article ; we shall
therefore confine ourselyes to the mention of such
only as have rendered themselves pre-eminently
conspicnous, viz.
San Felipe de Jesus, sworn patron of the city
after the Virgin of Guadalupe : he was baptized in.
the cathedral church, in the chapel of which the
font is still preserved, suffered martyrdom in Ja~
pon, his mother having the glory of assisting at
his beatification in 1629, and his father, Alonso de
las Casas, that of declaring in his will that he had
two sons who had died martyrs to the holy faith,
110
The venerable mother, Sebastiana, of the Most
Holy ‘Trinity, a nun in the monastery of San Juan
de la Penitencia.
The venerable Don Alonso de las Culvas Dava-
los, descended of the most illustrious families,
whose virtues and Icarning raised him to the dig-
nity of archbishop of his native place, where he
died, as it is supposed, a saint.
The venerable ¥. Bartolomé Guticrrez, burnt
at Japon on account of the faith.
Don Fr. Antonio Monrroy, general of St. Do-
mingo ; a most religious character, and archbishop
of Santiago.
Don Nicolas Gomez de Cervantes, of the an-
cient houses of the noble founders of Mexico,
imitator of St. Tomas de Villanueva, archbishop
of Guatemala.
Don Manuel de Ocio y Vitafaiic, collegiate of
the real De San IIdefonso, and of that of San Ra-
mon, doctor and dean of Manila, bishop of Zebu ;
in the troublesome visitation of which he died from
a venomous bite.
Don Fr. Ignacio de Padilla y Estrada, bishop
of Yucatan, archbishop of St. Domingo; the
honour of his family, and in his religion of the
order of Preachers.
Don Miguel Poblete, archbishop of Manila; a
model of wise and holy prelates.
Don Manuel Antonio Roxo del Rio y Vieira,
collegiate real of San Ildefonso, rector of Sala-
manca, archbishop, governor, and captain-gencral
of Manila: the calamities which were suffered
here at the time of the assault made by the English,
preyed so much on his kind heart that he died a
victim to his feelings for the interest of his country
and his king.
The Father Christobal de Villafaiic, a victim to
his charity; having been put to death whilst
visiting the prisons in the city of Guatemala,
where ti was prefect of prisons.
DonJoaquin Antonio de Ribadeneira, collegiate
mayor of Santa Maria de los Santos, advocate,
fiscal, and oidor of the royal audience ; his lcarn-
ing is borne testimony to by his works.
Don Francisco Xavia de Gamboa, collegiate of
the real De San Alfonso, alcaldedelcrimen, oidor, and
actual regent of that audience; noted both in Eu-
ropeandAmerica for his talents,and for his celebrated
Treatise on Mining which he published at Madrid.
Don Antonio de Villaurrutia, collegiate of the col-
lege of ‘Todos los Santos, oider of the audience of
St. Domingo, deacon of that of his native place, and
regent in that of Guadalaxara ; a minister most
exemplary for his probity, justice, and humility.
MEXICO,
Don Baltasar Ladron de Guevara, who, following
the career of Dk [tear r was invited, from his
literature and talents, to accept the viceroyaity ;
he was fiscal-agent, alcalde del crimen, and oidor
in his native place, manifesting a‘ continual zeal
and ability in the service of God and of his king.
The Doctor Don Juan Joseph de Eyuiara,
magistrate and dignitary of the church of Mexico,
his native place; elected bishop of Yucatan,
which office he renounced; wrote more than 40
volumes, and died a victim to fatigue and study ;
not more than one of the volumes of his excellent
work, the Mexican bible, being published at the
time.
We here finish this list, and observe that Mexico
is 167 miles s, w. of Acapulco in the S. sea, and
about the same distance from the N. sea, or from
the port of Vera Cruz. In lat. 19° 26’ 53", and long.
274° 10’. pect the long. taken by Humboldt, at the
convent of St. Augustin, makes it in 101° 25’ 30”
or 99° 5! 30” w. from Greenwich; the lat. being
19° 25' 45".
Some further and very interesting accounts of
this city, extracted from the above author, will be
found interspersed amongst the new matter inserted
under the head Mexico, Intendancy of, Chap. I
the whole of which new matter we have inserted
before Algedo’s chronological serics of the Indian
emperors.
INDEX to NEW MATTER RESPECTING
Mexico.
Cuar.I. Mexico, Intendancy of, viz. Popula-
tion, extent, and boundaries, — Physical ap-
pearance.—Teocalli and other edifices. —Lake of
Tezcuco.—Grandeur of the city.—Its monu-
ments and antiquities. —Its population. — Its
consuinplion of provisions. — Floating islands.—
Valley of Tenochtitlan.—ITillof Chapultepec.—
Hydrographival view of the valley of Mexico.
—Remarkable cities, towns, and mines of this
intendancy.
Cuar. Il. Recent mediation between Spain and
her colonies, containing concise particulars of
the secret sittings of the Cortes on that subject.
Cuar. IIT. Account of the present revolution.
Cnar. IV. Distances from Me rico to Acapulco.
Cuar. V. General considcrati as on the extent
que physical aspect of the kingdom of Nueva
LSPande
Gia. VI. Particular statistical account of the
intendancies of Nueva Espana.
Cuar. VII. Minut + details of the state of the
agriculture of Nueva Espana, and of its metallic
mines. |
jho, following
ited, from his
age dot ;
en, and oidor
continual zeal
of his king.
de Eguiara,
sh of Mexico,
of Yucatan,
nore than 40
1c and study ;
his excellent
blished at the
e that Mexico
> S. sea, and
. sea, or from
53”, and long.
mboldt, at the
n 101° 25 30"
he lat. being
r accounts of
uthor, will be
natter inserted
of, Chap. I.
have inserted
of the Indian
SSPECTING
viz. Popula-
Physical ap-
es. —Lake of
—JIts monu-
ulation. —Its
neg" islands .—
hapultepec.—
y of Mexico.
nines of this
en Spain and
articulars of
hat subject.
revolution.
to Acapulco,
pn the exlent
m of Nueva
ccount of the
state of the
of its metallic
MEXICO. il
[Cuap. VIM. Table of the geographical positions
of the kingdom of Nueva Espana; for which
see the en of the general preface to this work.
Cuar. 1X. Table of the most remarkable eleva-
lions measured in the interior of Nueva Espaia.
Cuar. X. General considerations on the possi-
bility of uniting the South sea and Atlantic ocean,
viz. Bythe riversof Peaceand Tacoutche—Tesse
—Sources of the Rio Bravo and Rio Colorado—
Isthmus of Tehuantepec—Lake of Nicaragua—
Isthmus of Panima—Bay of Cupica—Canal
of Choco—Rio Guallaga—Gulf of St. George.
Cuar. XI. Glance on the coast of the Great
ocean, which extends from the nort of San Fran-
cisco and from cape Mendocino to the Russian
establishments in Prince William’s sound.
Cuar. 1.
Mexico, Intendancy of. ++» Population, extent,
and boundaries.---Physical appearance.---Teo-
calli and other edifices..--Lake of ‘Texcuco.---
Grandeur of the city.---Its monuments and an-
tiquities.---Lts population.---Its consumption of
provisions.-- Floating islands.--Valley of Venoch-
titlan.---Iill of Chapultepec.---Hydrographi-
cal view of the valley of Mecico.--- Remarkable
cities, towns, and mines of this intendancy.
The population of this intendancy, in 1803,
amounted to 1,511,800 souls; the extent of surface
in square leagues to 5927; making the number of
inhabitants to the square league 255.
The whole of this intendancy is situated under
the torrid zone. It extends from the 16° 34! to the
21° 57' of n. lat. It is bounded on the n. by the
intendancy of San Luis Potosi, on the w. by the
intendancies of Guanaxuato and Valladolid, and
on the e. by those of Vera Cruz and La Puebla
de los Angeles. It is washed towards the s. by the
S. sea, or Great ocean, for a length of coast of 82
leagues from Acapulco to Zacatula.
Its greatest length from Zacatula to the miues of
the Doctor is 186 leagues ; and its greatest breadth
from Zacatula to the mountains situated to the e.
of Chilpansingo is 92 leagues. In its n. part,
towards the celebrated mines of Zimapan and the
Doctor, it is separated by a narrow strip from the
gulph of Mexico. Near Mextitlan this strip is
only nine leagues in breadth.
More than two-thirds of the intendancy of
Mexico are mountainous, in which there are im-
mense plains, elevated from 2000 to 2300 metres
(6561 and 7545 feet) above the level of the ocean.
From Chalco to Queretaro ares” siost uninterrupted
plains of 50 leagues in lengia and eigit or ten
in breadth. mt the neighbourhood of the w. Coast
the climate is burning and very unhealthy, One
summit only, the Nevado de ‘Toluca, situated in
a fertile plain of 2700 metres (or 8857 feet) in
height, enters the region of perpetual cnow. Yet
the porphyritical summit of this old volcano, whose
form bears a strong resemblance to that of Pichin-
cha near Quito, and which appears to have been
formerly extremely elevated, is uncovered with
snow in the rainy months of September and Oc-
tober, The elevation of the Pico del Fraile, ot
the highest summit of the Nevado de ‘Toluca, is
4520 metres (2370 toises, or 15,156 feet.) No
mountain in this intendancy equals the height of
Mount Blanc.
The valley of Mexico, or Tenochtitlan, of
which M. Humboldt has published a very minute
map, is situated in the centre of the cordillera of
Anahuac, on the ridge of the porphyritical and
basaltic amygdaloid mountains, which run from
thes. s.e.tothen.n.w. This valley is of an
oval form. According to his observations, and
those of a distinguished mineralogist, M. Don Luis
Martin, it contains, from the entry of the Rio Te-
nango into the lake of Chalco, to the foot of the
Cerro de Sincoque, near the desague real of
Huchuetoca, 18} leagues in length, and from 8,
Gabriel, near the small town of Tezcuco, to the
sources of the Rio de Escapusalco, near Guisqui-
luca, 124 leagues in breadth, The territorial
extent of the valley is 2444 square leagues, of
which only 22 square leagues are occupied by the
lakes, which is less than a tenth of the whole surface.
The circumference of the valley, reckoning from
the crest of the mountains, which surround it like
a circular wall, is 67 leagues. This crest is most
elevated on the s. particularly on the s. e. where
ihe great volcanoes of La Puebla, the Popocatepetl,
and Iztaccihuatl, bound the valley. One of the
roads which lead froin the valley of Tenochtitlan
to that of Cholula and La Puebla passes even
between the two volcanoes, by Tlamanalco, Ameca,
La Cumbre, and La Cruz del Coreo. The small
army of Cortes passed by this road on his first
invasion.
Six great roads cross the cordillera which in-
closes the valley, of which the medium height is
3000 metres (or 9842 feet) above the level of the
ocean. 1. The road from Acapulcoto Guchilaque
and Cuervaracca by the high summit called La
Cruz del Marques (alluding to Hernan Cortes,
Marques del Valle de Oaxaca.) 2. The road of
Toluca by Tianguillo and Lerma, a magnificent
causeway, not sufficiently to be admired, con-
structed with great art, partly over arches. 3. The
road of Queretaro, Guanaxuato, and Durango e/]}
112
| camino de tierra adentro, which passes by GQuautit-
Jan, Huehuetoca, and the Puerto de Reyes, near
Bata, through hills scarcely 80 (or 262 feet) metres
above the pavement of the great square of Mexico,
4, The road of Pachuco, which leads to the cele-
brated mines of real del Monte, by the Cerro
Ventoso, covered with oak, cypress, and rose trees,
almost continually in flower. 5. ‘The old road
of La Puebla, by S. Bonaventura and the Llanos
de Apan. And, 6, the new road of La Puebla by
Rio Frio and Tesmelucos, s. ¢. trom the Cerro del
Telapon, of which the distance from the Sierra
Nevada, as well as that from the Sierra Nevada
(!ztaccihuatl) to the great volcano (Popocatepetl),
served for bases to the trigonometrical operations
of MM. Velasquez and Costanzo.
Irom being long accustomed to hear the capital
of Mexico spoken of as a city built in the midst
of a lake, and connected with the continent merely
by dikes, those who look at Humboldt’s map will be
no doubt astonished on seeing that the centre of the
resent city is 4500 metres (or 14,763 feet) distant
rom the lake of ‘lezcuco, and more than 9000
metres (or 29,597 feet) from the lake of Chalco.,
‘They will be inclined, therefore, either to doubt the
accuracy of the descriptions in the history of the
discoveries of the new world, or they will believe
that the capital of Mexico does not stand on the
same ground with the old residence of Montezuma,
or Muteczuma; but the city has certainly not chang-
ed its place, for the cathedral of Mexico occupies
exactly the ground where the temple of Huitzilo-
pochtli stdod, and the present street of Tacuba is
the old street of 'Tlacopan, through which Cortes
made his famous retreat in the melancholy night
of the Ist of July 1520, which goes by the name
of noche triste. The difference of situation be-
tween the old maps and those published by Hum-
boldt, arises solely from the diminution of water
of the lake of ‘Tezcuco.
Jt may be useful in this place to lay before the
readers a passage from a letter addressed by Cortes
to the Emperor Charles V. dated 30th October 1520,
in which he gives the description of the valley of
Mexico, ‘This passage, written with great simplicity
of style, gives us at the same time a very good idea
of the sort of police which prevailed in the old
Tenochtitlan. ‘The province in which the resi-
dence of this great lord Muteczuma is situated,”
says Cortes, ¢¢is circularly surrounded with elevated
mountains, and intersected with precipices. ‘he
plain contains near 70 leagues in circumference,
and in this plain are two lakes, which fill nearly
the whole valley ; for the inhabitants sail in canoes
for more than 50 leagues round.” (We must
MEXICO.
observe that the General speaks only of two lakes,
because he knew but imperfectly those of Zum.
pango and Xaltocan, between which he hustily
passed in his flight from Mexico to Tlascala, before
the battle of Otumba,) * OF the two great lakes
of the valley of Mexico, the ene is fresh and the
other salt water, ‘They are separated by a small
range of mountain (the conical and insulated hills
near Iztapalapan) ; these mountains rise in the mid-
dle of the plain, and the waters of the lake mingle
together in a strait between the hills and the high
cordillera (undoubtedly the e, declivity of Cerros
de Santa Fe.) ‘The numerous towns and villages
constructed in both of the two lakes carry on their
commerce by canoes, without touching the con-
tinent. The great city of ‘Temixtitan or ‘Tenoch-
titlan is situated in the midst of the salt-water lake,
which has its tides like the sea ; and from the city
to the continent there are two leagues, whichever
way we wish to enter. Four dikes lead to the
city: they are made by the hand of man, and are
of the breadth of two lances. ‘The city is as large
as Seville or Cordova, The streets, 1 merely
speak of the principal ones, are very narrow and
very large ; some are half dry and half occupied
by navigable canals, furnished with very well
constructed wooden bridges, broad enough for 10
men on horseback to pass at the same time. ‘The
market-place, twice as large as that of Seville, is
surrounded with an immense portico, under which
are exposcd for sale all sorts of merchandize, cat-
ables, ornaments made of gold, silver, lead, pewter,
precious stones, bones, shells, and feathers ; delft
ware, leather, and spun cotton. We find hewn
stones, tiles, and timber fit for building. ‘There
are lanes for game, others for roots and garden
fruits ; there are houses where barbers shave the
head (with razors made of obsidian); and there
are houses resembling our apothecary shops, where
prepared medicines, unguents, and plasters are sold,
There are houses where drink is sold. ‘The mar-
ket abounds with so many things, that Iam unable
to name them all to your highness. ‘To avoid
confusion, every species of merchandize is sold in
a separate lane ; every thing is sold by the yard,
but nothing has hitherto been seen to be weighed
in the market. In the midst of the great square
is a house, which L shall call Paediencia, in which
10 or 12 persons sit constantly for determining any
disputes which may arise respecting the sale of
goods, ‘There are other persons who mix conti-
nually with the crowd, to see that a just price is
asked, We have secn them break the false measures
which they had seized from the merchants,”
Such was the state of Tenochtitlan in 1520,]
y of two lakes,
those of Zum-
ich he hastily
Plascala, before
(wo great lakes
is fresh and the
ited by a small
| insulated hills
‘ise in the mic.
the lake mingle
Is and the high
vity of Cerros
ns and villages
scarry on their
ching the con-
tan or ‘Tenoch-
salt-water lake,
di from the city
ues, whichever
s lead to the
* man, and are
city is as large
ets, 1 merely
ry narrow and
half occupied
ith very well
enough for 10
ne time. ‘The
tof Seville, is
y, under which
handize, ecat-
, lead, pewter,
feathers ; deltt
Ve find hewn
Iding. ‘There
as and garden
bers shave the
n); and there
y shops, where
asters are sold.
d. ‘The mar-
it Tam unable
‘To avoid
hdize is sold in
by the yard,
o be weighed
> great square
acid, in which
termining any
be the sale of
ho mix conti-
just price is
false measures
hants.””
an in 1520,}
MEXICO, 113
foccording to the description of Cortes himself,
Jumboldt sought in vain in the archives of his
family, preserved at Mexico in the Casa del Estado,
for the plan which this great captain ordered to be
drawn up of the environs of the capital, and which
he sent to the emperor, as he says, in his third
letter published by Cardinal Lorenzana, — The
Abbe Clavigero has ventured to vive a plan of
the lake of ‘lezeuco, such as he » vposes it to
have been in the sixteenth century, This sketch is
very inaccurate, though much preferable to that
given by Robertsou, and other Kuropean authors,
equally unskilled in the geography of Mexico,
Humboldt has drawn on the map of the valley of
‘Venochtitlan the old extent of the salt-water lake,
such as he conceived it from the historical account
of Cortes, and some of his contemporaries, In
1520, and long after, the villages of Iztapalapan,
Coyohuacan (improperly called Cuyacan), ‘Tacu-
baja, and ‘Tacuba, were quite near the banks of
the lake of Tezcuco. Cortes says expressly,
( Lorenzana, p. 229, 195, 102), that the most part
of the houses of Coyohuacan, Culuacan, Chulu-
buzco, Mexicaltzingo, Iztapalapan, Cuitaguaca,
and Mizqueque, were built in the water on piles,
so that frequently the canoes could enter by an
under-door, ‘The small hill of Chapultepec, on
which the viceroy Count Galvez constructed a
castle, was no longer an island in the lake of ‘Tez.
cuco in the time of Cortes. On this side, the
continent approached to within about 5000 metres
(or 9842 feet) of the city of Tenochtitlan, conse-
quently the distance of two leagues indicated by
Cortes in his letter to Charles V. is not altogether
accurate: he ought to have retrenched the one half
of this, excepting, however, the part of the w.
side at the small porphyritical hill of Chapultepec.
We inay well believe, however, that this hill was,
sume centuries before, also a small island, like the
Vetol del Marques, or the Peiiol de los Baios. It
appears extremely probable, from geological obser-
vations, that the lakes had been on the decrease
long before the arrival of the Spaniards, and before
the construction of the canal of Huehuetoca,
The Aztecs, or Mexicans, before founding on
a group ot islands, in 132d, the capital which yet
subsists, had already inhabited for 52 years ano-
ther part of the lake farther to the s, of which the
ladians have not been lately able to point out the site.
The Mexicans left Aztlan towards the year 1160,
and only arrived, after a migration of 56 years, in
the valley of Tenochtitlan, by Malinalco, in the cor-
dillera ot Toluca, and by Tula. They established
themselves first at Zumpango, then on the s. decli-
vity of the mountains of Tepeyac, where the mag-
VOL. III.
nificent temple, dedicated to Our Lady of Guada-
loupe, is situated. In the year 1245 (according to
the chronology of the Abbe Clavigero), they are
rived at Chapultepec, Harassed by the petty
srinces of Zaliocan, whom the Spanish historians
sam with the title of kings, the Aztecs, to pre-
serve their independence, withdrew to a group of
small islands called Acocolco, situated towards the
s, extremity of the luke of Tezcuco, ‘There they
lived for half a century in great want, compelled
to feed on roots of aquatic plants, insects, anda
problematical reptile cated avolotl, which Mr.
Cuvier looks upon to be the nympha of an tne
known salamander. THaving been reduced to
slavery by the kings of 'Vezcuco or Acolhuacan,
the Mexicans were forced to abandon their village
in the midst of the lake, and to take refuge on the
continent at Tizapan, ‘The services which they
rendered to their masters ina war against the in-
habitants of Xochimileo again procured them li-
berty. They established themselves first at
Acatzitzintlan, which they called Mexicalzing,
from the name of Mexitli, or Huitzilopochtli,
their god of war, and next at Iztacalco, ‘They re-
moved from Iztacalco to the little islands which
then appeared to the e. n. e. of the hill of Chapul-
tepec, in the w. part of the lake of ‘Tezcuco, in
obedience to an order of the oracle of Aztlan, An
ancient tradition was preserved among this horde,
that the fatal term of their migration was to be a
place where they should find an eagle sitting on
the top of a nopal, of which the roots penetrated
the crevices of a rock, This nopa/ (cactus), al-
luded to in the oracle, was seen by the Aztecs in
the year 1825, which is the second calti of the
Mexican era, on a small island, which served for
foundation to the 'Teocalli, or Teopan, i. ¢. the
house of God, afterwards called by the Spaniards
the Great Temple of Mexitli.
The first Teocalli, around which the new city
was built, was of wood, like the most ancient Gre-
cian temple, that of Apollo at Delphi, described
by Pausanias, The stone edifice, of which Cortes
and Bernal Diaz admired the symmetry, was con-
structed on the same spot by King Abuitzotl in the
year 1486, It was a pyramidal monument of 37
metres, or 121 fect, in height, situated in the middle
of a vast inclosure of walls, and consisted of five
storics, like several pyramids of Sacara, and par-
ticularly that of Mehedun. . The ‘T'cocalli of Te-
nochtitlan, very accurately laid out, like all the
Egyptian, Asiatic, and Mexican pyramids, con-
tained 97 metres, or 318 feet, of base, and formed
so truncated a pyramid, that when seen from a
distance the monument appeared an enormous}
a
ot Re
aaa
[cube, with small altars, covered with wooden cu-
polas ou the top. The point where these cupolas
terminated was 54 metres, or 177 feet, elevated
above the base of the edifice or the pavement of
the inclosure. We may see from these details
that the ‘Teocalli bore a strong resemblance in
form to the ancient wonument of Babylon, called
by Strabo the Mausoleum of Belus, which was only
a pyramid dedicated to Jupiter Belus. (Zoega
te Obeliscis, p. 50.) Neither the ‘Teocalli nor the
Babylonian edifice were temples, in the sense which
we attach to the word, according to the ideas de-
rived by us from the Greeks and Romans. All
edifices consecrated to Mexican divinities formed
truncated pyramids, ‘The great’ monuments of
‘Teotihuacan, Cholula, and Papantla, still in pre-
servation, confirm this idea, and indicate what the
more inconsiderable temples were in the cities of
Tenochtitlan and 'Tezcuco. Covered altars were
placed on the top of the Teocallis ; and these
edifices must hence be classed with the pyramidal
monuments of Asia, of which traces were anciently
found even in Arcadia; for the conical mausoleum
of Callistus (Pausanias, lib. viii. c. 35.) was a
true temelus, covered with fruit trees, and served
for a base to a small temple consecrated to Diana.
We know not of what materials the ‘Teocalli of
Tenochtitlan was constructed. The historians
merely relate, that it was covered with a hard and
smooth stone. ‘The enormous fragments which
are from time to time discovered around the pie-
sent cathedral are of porphyry, with a base of
grunstein filled with amphibolos and vitreous feld-
spath. When the square round the cathedral was
recently paved, carved stones were found at a
depth of 10 and 12 metres, or 82 and 38 feet.
Few nations have moved such great masses as
were moved by the Mexicans. The calendar
stone and the sacrifice stone, exposed to public
view in the great square, contain from eight to
10 cubic metres, or from 282 to 353 cubic feet.
The colossal statue of Teoyaomiqui, covered with
hierogly phics, lying in one of the vestibules of the
aniversity, is three metres, or 94 fee in breadth.
M. Gamboa, one of the canons, assured Humboldt
; ? ’
that on digging opposite the chapel of the Sa-
grario, a carved rock was found among an immense
quantity of idols belonging to the Teocalli, which
was seven metres in length, six in breadth, and
three in height, viz. 223, 193, and 9¢ fect. They
endeavoured in vain to remove it.
The Teocalli was in ruins a few years after the
siege of Tenochtitlan, which, like that of Troy,
ended in an almost entire destruction of the city.
We are therefore inclined to believe that the ex-
114 MEXICO.
terior of the truncated pyramid was clay, covered
with porous amygdaloid called tetzont/i. In fact,
a short time betore the construction of the temple,
under the reign of King Abuitzotl, the quarries of
this cellular and spongy rock began to be werked,
Now nothing could be easier destroyed thas +c
fices constructed of porous and light materia's, sfc
pumice-stone. Notwithstanding the coincidence
ofa great number of accounts, it is not impossible
that the dimensions attributed to the Teocaili are
somewhat exaggerated ; but the pyramidal form
of this Mexican edifice, and its great analogy to
the most ancient monuments of Asia, ought to in-
terest us much more than its mass and size.
The old city of Mexico communicated with the
continent by the three great dikes of 'Tepejacac,
(Guadalupe), Tlacopan, (Tacuba), and Iztapala-
pan, Cortes mentions four dikes, because he
reckoned, without doubt, the causeway which led
to Chapultepec. The Calzada of Iztapalapan had
a branch which united Coyohuacan to the small
fort Xaloc, the same in which the Spaniards were
entertained at their first entry by the Mexican no-
bility. Robertson speaks of a dike which led to
Tezcuco, but such a dike never existed, on account
of the distance of the place, and the great depth of
the e. part of the lake.
In 1338,17 yearsafter the foundation of Tenoch-
titlan, a part of the inhabitants, in a civil dissen-
sion, separated from the rest: they established
themselves in the small islands to the 7. w. of the
temple of Mexitli. The new city, which at first
bore the name of Xaltiloleo, and afterwards 'Tlate-
lolco, was governed by a king independent of
Tenochtitlan. In the centre of Anahuac, as well
as in the Peloponnesus, Latium, and wherever the
civilization of the human specics was merely com-
mencing, every city, fora long time, constituted
a separate state. ‘The Mexican king Axajacatl
(Clavigero, i, p. 251. Axajacatl reigned from
1464 to 1477, iv. p. 58.) conquered Tlatelolco,
which was thenceforth united by bridges to the
city of Tenochtitlan. Humboldt discovered in
the hieroglyphical manuscripts of the ancient
Mexicans, preserved in the palace of the viceroy,
a curious painting, which represents the last king
of Tlatelolco, called Moquihuix, as killed on the
top of a house of God, or truncated pyramid, and
then thrown down the stairs which led to the stone
of the sacrifices. Since this catastrophe, the great
market of the Mexicans, formerly held near the
Teocalli of Mexitli, was transferred to Tlatelolco.
The description of the Mexican market, which we
have given from Cortes, relates to the market of’
Tlatelolco. |
3 clay, covered
ont, In fact,
of the temple,
the quarries of
ito be weeked,
pyed thay adi
Pmateria's, ae
he coincidence
not impossible
: 1 ste
he ‘Teocaili are
yvramidal form
reat analogy to
1, ought to in-
id size,
icated with the
of 'Tepejacac,
and Iztapala-
s, because he
way which led
Aapalapan had
n to the small
Spaniards were
e Mexican no-
e which led to
ed, on account
great depth of
ion of Tenoch-
a civil dissen-
ey established
en. w. of the
which at first
erwards 'Tlate-
dependent. of
thuac, as well
i wherever the
s merely com-
ec, constituted
ing Axajacatl
reigned from
-d Tlatelolco,
ridges to the
liscovered in
the ancient
f the viceroy,
b the last king
killed on the
pyramid, and
'd to the stone
rhe, the great
icld near the
to Tlatelolco.
et, which we
the market of °
[What is now called the Barrio of Santiago
composes but a part of the ancient Tlatelolco.
We proceed for more than an*hour on the road to
‘Fanepantla and Ahuahuetes, among the ruins of
the old city. We perceive there, as well as on
the road to Tacuba and Iztapalapan, how much
the Mexico rebuilt by Corts is smaller than
Tenochtitlan under the last of the Montezumas.
The enormous magnitude of the market-place of
'Flatelolco, of which the boundaries are stil! dis-
eernible, proves the great population of the ancient
city. ‘The Indians show in this same market-
place an clevation surrounded by walls. It was
one of the Mexican theatres, the same on which
Cortes, a few days before the end of the siege,
erected his famous Catapulta, trabuco de palo, (Lo-
renzana, p. 289.) the appearance of which alone
terrified the besieged ; for the machine was inca-
pable of being used from the awkwardness of the
artillery-men. ‘This elevation is now included in
the porch of the chapel of Santiago.
The city of Tenochtitlan was divided into four
quarters, called Teopan, or Xochimilca, Atzacu-
alco, Moyotla, and ‘Tlaguechiuchan, or Cuepopan.
The old division is still preserved in the limits
assigned to the querters of St. Paul, St. Scbastian,
st. John, and St. Mary; and the present. strects
have for the most part the same direction as the
old ones, nearly from x. tos. and from e. tow.
though more properly from the s. 16° w. to 2, 74°
e, at least towards the convent of St. Augustin,
where Humboldt took his azimuths. The direc-
tion of the old streets was undoubtedly determined
by that of the principal dikes. Now, from the
position of the places where these dikes appear to
have terminated, it is very improbable that they
represented exactly meridians and parallels. But
what gives the new city, as we have already ob-
served, a peculiar and distinctive character, is
that it is situated entirely on the continent, bes
tween the extremities of the two lakes of 'Tezcuco
and Xochimilco, and that it only receives, by
means of navigable canals, the fresh water of the
Xochimilco,
Many circumstances haye contributed to this
new order of things. The part of the salt-water
lake between the s, and w. dikes was always the
shallowest. Cortes complained that his flotilla,
the brigantines which he construcied at Tezeuco,
could not, notwithstanding the openings in the
dikes, make the circuit of the besieged city.
Sheets of water ov small depth became insensibly
marshes, which, when intersected with trenches or
small defluous canals, were converted into chinam-
MEXICO.
115
as andarable land. ‘The lake of Tezcuco, which
almont de Bomare (in his Dictionnaire @ Hisioire
Naturelle, article Lac) supposed to communicate
with the ocean, though it is at an elevatien of
2277 metres, or 7468 feet, has no ro. —vlar
sources, like the lake of Chalco. When we con-
sider, on the one hand, the small volume of water
with which in dry seasons this lake is furnished by
very inconsiderable rivers, and on the other, the
enormous rapidity of evaporation in the table-land
of Mexico, of which Humboldt has made repeated
experiments, we must admit, what geological ob-
servations appear also to confirm, that for centurics
the want of equilibrium between the water lost by
evaporation, and the mass of water flowing in, has
progressively circumscribed the lake of ‘Tezcuco
within more narrow limits. We learn from the
Mexican annals, (viz. paintings preserved Sn the
Vatican, and testimony cf Father Acosta), that in
the reign of King Abuizotl, this salt-water lake
experienced such a want of water as to interrupt
navigation: and that to obviate this evil, and to
increase its supplies, an aqueduct was constructed
from Coyohuacan to Tenochtitlan, This aqueduct
brought the sources of Huitzilopochco to several
canals of the city which were dried up.
This diminution of water, experienced before
the arrival of the Spaniards, would no doubt have
been very slow and very insensible, if the hand of
man, since the period of the conquest, had not
contributed to reverse the order of nature. ‘Those
who have travelled in the peninsula know how
much, even in KMurope, the Spaniards hate al! plan-
tations which yield a shade round towns or vil-
lages. It would appear that the first conquerors
wished the beautiful valley of Tenochtitlan to re-
semble the Castilian soil, which is dry and desti-
tute of vegetation, Since the 16th century they
have inconsiderately cut, not only the trees of the
plain in which the capital is situated, but those on
the mountains which surround it. The construc.
tion of the new city, begun in 1524, required a
great quautity of timber for building and piles,
They destroyed, and they daily destroy, without
planting any thing in its stead, except around the
cepital, where the last viceroys have perpetuated
their memory by promenades, (namely, by the
Paseos de Buccarelli, de Revillagigedo, de Galvez,
de Asanza), which bear their names. ‘The want
of vegetation exposes the soil to the direct influ.
ence of the solar rays; and the humidity which is
not lost by filtration through the amygdaloid, ba-
saltic, and spongy rock, is rapidly evaporated and
dissolved in air, wherever the foliage of the trees |
a2
116
[or a luxuriant yerdure does not defend the soil
from the influence of the sun and the dry winds of
thes.
As the same cause operates throughout the
whole valley, the abundance and circulation of
water has sensibly diminished. The lake of Tez-
cuco, the finest of the five lakes, which Cortes in
his letters habitually calls an interior sea, receives
much less water from infiltration than in the 16th
century. Every where the clearing and destruc-
tion of ‘forests have produced the same effects.
General Andreossi, in his classical work on the
Canal du Midi, has proved that the springs have
Cininished around the reservoir of St. Fencol,
merely through a false system introdaced in the
management of the forests. In ‘he province of
Caracas, the picturesque lake of’ 'Tacarigua has
been drying gradually up ever since the sun darted
his rays witiout interposition on the naked and
defenceless soii of the valleys of Aragua.
But the circumstance which has contributed
the most to the diminution of the lake of Tezcuco
is the famous open drain, known by tie name of
the Desague real de Huchuetoca, which we shall
afterwards discuss. ‘rhis cut in the mountain,
first begun in 1607 in ihe form of a subterranean
tunnel, has not only reduced within very narrow
limits the two lakes in the 2. part of the valley,
7.e, the lakes of Zumpango (Tzompango) and
San Christobal; but has also prevented their
waters in the rainy season from flowing into the
basin of the lake of Tezcuco. These waters for-
merly inundated the plains, and purified a_ soil
strongly covered with carbonate and muriate of
soda, At present, without settling into pools, and
thereby increasing the humidity of the Mexican
atmosphere, they are drawn off by an artificial
canal into the river of Panuco, which flows into
the Atlantic ocean,
This state of things has been brought about
from the desire of converting the ancient city of
Mexico into a capital better adapted for carriages,
and less exposed to the danger of inundation. The
water and vegetation have in fact diminished with
the same rapidity with which the leqvesquite (or
carbonate of soda) has increased. In the time of
Montezuma, and long afterwards, the suburb of
Tlatelolco, the barrios of San Sebastian, San Juan,
and Santa Cruz, were celebrated for the beautiful
verdure of their gardens ; but these places now,
and especially the plains of San Lazaro, exhibit
nothing but a crust of eflorescent salts. ‘The ters
tility of the plain, though yet considerable in the
s. part, is by no means what it was when the city
MEXICO.
was surrounded by the lake. A wise distribution
of water, particularly by means of small canals of
irrigation, might restore the ancient fertility of the
soil, and re-enrich a valley which nature appears
to have destincd for the capital of a great empire.
The actual bounds of the lake of ‘Tezcuco are
not very well determined, the soil being so argilla-
ceous and smooth that the difference of level for a
mile is not more than two decimetres, or 7874
inches, When the e. winds blow with any vio-
lence, the water withdraws towards the w. bank of
the lake, and sometimes leaves an extent of more
than 600 metres, or 1968 feet, dry. Perhaps the
periodical operation of these winds suggested to
Cortes the idea of regular tides, (See Journal de
Savans for the year 1676, p. 34. The lake of
Geneva manitests also a regular motion, which
Saussure attributes to periodical winds.) of which
the existence has not been confirmed by late ob«
servations. ‘The lake of ‘Tezcuco is in general only
from three to five metres, or 9 to 16% feet, in
depth, and in some places even less than one.
Hence the commerce of the inhabitants of the
small town of Tezcuco suffers much in the very
dry months of Jannary and February; for the
want of water prevents them from going in canoes
to the capital. The lake of Xochimilco is tree
from this inconvenience; for from Chalco, Mes-
quic, and ‘Tlahuac, the navigation is never once in-
terrupted, and Mexico receives daily, by the canal
of Iztapalapan, roots, fruits, and flowers in abun-
dance.
Of the five lakes of the valley of Mexico, the
lake of Tezcuco is most impregnated with muriate
and carbonate of soda. The nitrate of barytes
proves that this water contains no sulphate in dise
solution, ‘The most pure and limpid water is that
of the lake of Nochimilco, the specific weight of
which Humboldt found to be 1.0009, when that of
water distilled at the temperature of 18° centigrade,
or 54° Fahrenheit, was 1.000, and when water
from the lake of Tezcuco was 1.0215, ‘The water
of this last lake is consequently heavier than that
of the Baltic sea, and not so heavy as that of the
ocean, which, under different latitudes, has been
found between 1.0269 and 1.0285. 'The quantity
of sulphuretied hydrogen which is detached from
the surface of all the Mexican lakes, and which
the acetite of lead indicates in great abundance in
the lakes of 'Tezcuco and Chalco, undoubtedly
contributes in certain seasons to the unhealthiness
of the air of the valley. However, and the fact
is curious, intermittent fevers are very rare on
the banks of these very lakes, of which the sur- |
hag
rise distribution
f small canals of
t fertility of the
nature appears
. great empire.
of ‘Tezcuco are
being so argilla-
ce of Jevel for a
netres, or 7874
v with any vio-
s the w. bank of
extent of more
ys Perhaps the
ds suggested to
(See Journal de
_ The lake of
motion, which
inds.) of which
ned by late ob«
sin general only
to 163 feet, in
less than one.
abitants of the
ich in the very
ruary; for the
going in canoes
thimilco is tree
1 Chalco, Mes-
is never once ins
ly, by the canal
lowers in abun-
of Mexico, the
'd with muriate
rate of barytes
sulphate in dis
bid water is that
rcilic weight of
9, when that of
Is° centigrade,
nd when water
5. ‘The water
avier than that
y as that of ihe
tudes, has been
"The quantity
detached from
kes, and) which
| abundance in
» undoubtedly
e unhea!thiness
rr, and the fact
very rare on
vhich the sure |
MEXICO. 1%
[fage is partly concealed by rushes and aquatic
herbs.
Adorned with numerous Teocallis, like so many
Mahometan steeples, surrounded with water and
dikes founded on islands covered with verdure,
and ceiving hourly in its streets thousands of
boat: , yhich vivified the lake, the ancient Tenoch-
titlan, according to the accounis of the first con-
ucrors, must have resembled some of the cities of
folland, China, or the Delta of Lower Egypt.
The capital, reconstructed. by the Spaniards, exhi-
bits, perhaps, a less vivid, though a more august
and majestic appearance. Mexico is undoubtedly
one of the finest cities ever built by Europeans in
either hemisphere. With the exception of Peters-
burgh, Berlin, Philadelphia, and scme quarters of
Westminster, there does not exist a city of the
same extent which can be compared to the capital
of New Spain, for the uniform level of the ground
on which it stands, for the regularity and breadth
of the streets, and the extent of the public places,
The architecture is generally of a very pure style,
and there are even edifices of very beautiful struc-
ture. ‘The exterior of the houses is not loaded
with ornaments. ‘Two sorts of hewn stone, the
porous amygdaloid called éetzontli, and especially
a porphyry of vitreous feld-spath without any
quartz, give to the Mexican buildings an air of
solidity, aud sometimes even magnificence. ‘There
are none of those wooden balconies and galleries to
be seen which disfigure so much all the European
cities in both the Indies. The balustrades and
gates are all of Biscay iron, ornamented with
bronze, and the houses, instead of roofs, have
terraces, like those in Italy and other s. countries.
Mexico has been very much embellished since
the residence of the Abbe Chappe there in 1769,
The edifice destined to the school of mines, for
which the richest individuals of the country furs
nished a sum of more than 3,000,609 of franes,
or 124,800/. sterling, would adorn th principal
places of Paris or London. ‘Two greai palaces,
were recently constructed by Mexican artists.
pupils of the academy of fine arts of the capital,
One of these palaces, in the quarter Della ‘Tras-
pana, exhibits in the interior of the court a very
beautiful oval peristyle of coupled columns. The
traveller justly admires a vast circumterence paved
with porphyry flags, and inclosed with an iron
railing, richly ornwnented with bronze, contain-
ing an equestrian statue of King Charles IV.
placed on a pedestal of Mexican marble, in the
midst of the plaza maior of Mexico, opposite the
cathedral and the vicioy’s palace, ‘This colossal
statue was executed at the expence of the Marquis
de Branciforte, formerly viceroy of Mexico, bro-
ther-in-law of ihe Prince of Peace. It weighs 450
quintals, and was modelled, founded,, and placed
by the same artist, 1. Tolsa, whose name deserves
a Mstinguished place in the history of Spanish.
sculpture, ‘I'he merits of this man of genius can
only be appreciated by those who know the difli-
culties with which the execution of these great
works of art are attended even in civilized Lurope.
However, it must be agreed, that nowithstanding
the progress of the arts within these last 30 years,
it is much less from the: grandeur and beauty of
dhe monuments, than from the breadth and
straightness of the streets, and much less from its
edifices than from its uniform regularity, its ex-
tent and position, that the capital of New Spain
attracts the admiration of Europeans. Humboldt,
who, from a sin yular concurrence of circumstances,
had seen successively, within a very short space
of time, Lima, Mexico, Philadelphia, Washing-
ton, Paris, Rome, Naples, and the largest cities
of Germany ;' and notwithstanding such unavoid-
able comparisons, of which several, one would
think, must have proved disadvantageous for the-
capital of Mexico, remained nevertheless smit-
ten with a recollection of the grandeur of this latter
city, a circumstance which he attributes princi-
pally tothe majestic character of its situation and
the surrounding scencry.
In fact, nothing can present a more rich and
varied appearance than the valley, when, in a fine
summer morning, the sky without a cloud, and of
that deep azure which is peculiar to the dry and
rarefied air of high mountains, we transport our-
selves to the top of one of the towers of the cathe-
dral of Mexico, or ascend the hill of Chapultepec,
A beautiful vegetation surrounds this hill, Old
cypress trunks, (namely, the Aluahnetes—Cu-
pressus disticha Lin.), of inore than 15 and 16
metres, (49 and 52 feet), in circumference, raise
their naked heads above those of the sehinus, which
resemble in their appearance the weeping willows
of the east. From the centre of this solitude, the
sumunit of the porphyritical rock of Chapultepec,
the eye sweeps over a vast plain of carefully culti-.
vated fields, which extend to the very feet of the
colossal meuntains covered with perpetual snow.
The city appears as if washed by the waters of the
lake of 'Tezcuco, whose basin, surrounded with
villages and hamlets, brings to mind the most
beautitul lakes of the mountains of Switzerland,
Large avenues of elms and poplais lead-in every
direction to the capitals and two wqueduets, cons
structed over arches of yery great cleyation, cross
the plain, and exhibit an appearance equaliy ]
See eet
118 MEXICO.
{agreeable and interesting. ‘The magnificent con-
vent of Nuestra Sefiora de Guadalupe appears
joined to the mountains of 'Tepeyacac, among ra-
vines which shelter a few date and young yuca
trees. ‘fowards the s. the whole tract between San
Angel, Tacabaya, and San Agustin de las Cue-
vas, appears an immense garden of orange, peach,
apple, cherry, and other European fruit trees.
This beautiful cultivation forms a singular con-
trast with the wild appearance of the naked moun-
tains which inclose the valley, among which the
famous volcanoes of La Puebla, Popocatepetl, and
Iataccicihuatl, are the must distinguished. The
first of these forms an enormous cone, of which
the crater, continually inflamed and throwing up
smoke and ashes, opens in the midst of eternal
snows.
The city of Mexico is also remarkable for its
excellent police. The most part of the streets
have very broad pavements; and they are clean
and well lighted. ‘These advantages are the fruits
of the activity of the Count de Revillagigedo,
who on his arrival found the capital extremely
dirty.
Water is every where to be had in the soil of
Mexico, a very short way below the surface, but
it is brackish, like the water of the lake of ‘Tez-
cuco. The two aqueducts already mentioned, by
which the city receives fresh water, are monu-
ments of modern construction worthy of the travel-
ler’s attention. The springs of potable water are
situated to the e. of the town, one in the insulated
hil! of Chapultepec, and the other in the cerros of
Santa Fé, near the cordillera, which separates the
valley of Tenochtitlan from that of Lerma and
Toluca. The arches of the aqueduct of Chapul-
tepec occupy a length of more than 3300 metres,
or 10,526 tect. The water of Chapultepec enters
by the s, part of the city, at the Salto del Agua,
It is not the most pure, and is only drank in the
suburbs of Mexico, The water which is least
impregnated w ith carbonate of lime is that of the
aqueduct of Santa Fé, which runs along Almeda,
and terminates at La ‘Traspana, at the bridge De
la Marescalla. This aqueduct is nearly 10,200
metres, or 33,464 fect, in length ; but the dectivity
of the ground is such, that for not more than a
third of this space the water can be conducted
over arches. ‘he old city of Tenochtitlan had
aqueducts no less considerable. (Clavigero, iii. p.
195; Solis, i. p. 406.) In the beginning of the
siege, the two captains Alvarado and Olid de-
stroyed that of Chapultepec. Cortes, in his first
letter to Charles V. speaks also of the spring of
Amilco, near Churubusco, of which the wrters
were brought to the city by pipes of burnt earth.
This spring is near to that of Santa Fé. We still
perceive the remains of this great aqueduct, which
was constructed with double pipes, one of which
received the water, while they were employed in
cleaning the other. This water was sok! in canoes,
which traversed the streets of Tenochtitlan. The
sources of San Agustin de las Cuevas are the
finest and purest; and Humboldt imagined he
discovered on the road leading from this charming
village to Mexico traces of an ancient aqueduct.
The largest and finest construction, however, of
the Indians in this way is the aqueduct of the city
of Tezcuco. We still admire the traces of a great
mound which was constructed to heighten the level
of the water. How must we admire the industry
and activity displayed in general by the ancient
Mexicans and Peruvians in the irrigation of arid
lands! Inthe maritime part of Peru Humboldt
saw the remains of walls, along which water was
conducted for a space of from 5 to 6000 metres,
(from 16,404 to 19,685 feet), from the foot of the
cordillera to the coast. ‘The conquerors of the
16th century destroyed these aqueducts, and that
part of Peru is become, like Persia, a desert desti-
tute of vegetation. Such is the civilization carried
by the Europeans among the people whom they
are pleased to call barbarous.
How much it is to be regretted that Robertson
gives usually such general descriptions, that we
have a difficulty in forming any thing like a dis-
tinct conception of the subjects of them! He says
of the Peru canals of irrigation, ‘* By means of
artificial canals, conducted with much patience
and considerable art from the torrents that poured
across their country, they conveyed a regular sup-
ply of moisture to their fields.”— Would it have
been beneath the dignity of a historian to have
specified that art and that patience to his readers,
for which he did not want materials ?
We have already named the three principal
dikes by which the old city was cotinected with
the Tierra Firme, These dikes partly still exist,
and the number has been even increased. ‘They
form at present great paved causeways across
marshy grounds; and as they are very elevated,
they possess the double advantage of adinitting the
passage of carriages, and containing the overflow.
ings of the lake. ‘Phe Calzada of Astapalapan is
founded on the very same old dike on which
Cortes performed such prodigies of valour in his
encounters with the besieged. The Calzada of
San Anton is still distinguished in our days for the
great number of small bridges which the Spaniards
and) Tlascaltecs found there, when Sandoval, |
Cc
f burnt earth.
Fé. We still
neduct, which
one of which
e employed in
sok! in canoes,
htitlan. © The
levas are the
imagined he
this charming
ient aqueduct.
n, however, of
uct of the city
nices of a great
ghten the level
e the industry
by the ancient
rigation of arid
eru Humboldt
lich water was
o 6000 metres,
the foot of the
querors of the
lucts, and that
a desert desti-
lization carried
le whom they
that Robertson
tions, that we
ng like a dis-
rem! He says
‘ By means of
much patience
nts that poured
a regular sup-
Would it have
torian to have
+ to his readers,
52
hree_ principal
‘ohinected) with
hrtly still exist,
rreased. = ‘They
seways across
very elevated,
fadinitting the
@ the overflows
Astapalapan. is
like on which
f valour in his
bur days for the
the Spaniards
en Sandoval, |
C
MEXICO. 119
Cortes’s companion in arms, was wounded near
oyohuacan., ‘These Calzadas of San Antonio
Abad, of La Piedad, of San Christobal, and of
Guadalupe, (anciently called the Dike of Tepe-
yacac), were newly reconstructed atter the great
inundation of 1604, under the viceroy Don Juan
de Mendoza y Lima, Marquis De Montesclaros.
The only savans of that time, Fathers 'Torque-
mada and Geronimo de Sarate, executed the sur-
vey and marking out of the causeways. At this
period the city of Mexico was paved for the first
time; for betore the Count De Revillagigedo, no
other viceroy had employed himself more success-
fully in effecting a good police than the Marquis
de Montesclaros.
The objects which generally attract the attention
of the traveller are, 1. The cathedral, of which a
small part is in the style vulgarly called Gothic :
the principal edifice, which has two towers orna-
mented with pilasters and statues, isof very beau-
tiful symmetry and very recent construction. 2.
The treasury, adjoining to the palace of the vices
roys, a building from which, since the beginning
of the 16th century, more than 6,500,000,000, or
270,855,000/. sterling, in gold and silver coin,
have been issued. 3, The convents, among which
the convent of St. Francis is particularly distin-
guished, which from alms alone possesses an an-
nual revenue of half a million of francs, or 20,835/.
sterling. This vast edifice was at firs. intended to
be constructed on the ruins of the temple of Huit-
zilopochtli; but these ruins having been destined
for the foundation of the cathedral, the convent
was begun in 1531 in its actual situation. It owes
its existence to the great activity of a serving bro-
ther or lay monk, Fray Pedro de Gante, an ex-
traordinary man, who was said to have been the
natural son of the Emperor Charles V. and who
was a great benefactor of the Indians, to whom he
was the first who taught the most useful mechani-
cal artsof Kurope. 4. The hospital, or rather the
two united hospitals, of which the one maintains
600, and the other 800 children and old people.
This establishment, in which both order and clean-
liness may be seen, but little industry, has a re-
venue of 250,000 francs, or 10,470/. sterling, A
rich merchant lately bequeathed to it by his testa-
ment 6,000,000 of frances, or 250,020/. sterling,
which the royal treasury laid hold of, on the pro-
mise of paying five per cent. for it. 5. The Acor-
dada, a fine edifice, of which the prisons are
generally spacious and well aired. They reckon
in this house, and in the other prisons of the Acor-
dada which depend on it, more than 1200 indi-
viduals, among whom are a great number of
smugglers, and the unfortunate Indian prisoners
dragged to Mexico from the provincias witernas
(Indios Mecos.) 6. 'The school of mines, the
newly begun edifice, and the old provisory estas
blishment, with its fine collections in physics, me-
chanics, and mineralogy. 7. The botanical gar-
den, in one of the courts of the viceroy’s palace,
Jt is very small, but extremely rich in vegetable
productions, either rare or interesting for com-
merce, 8. The edifices of the university and the
public library, which is very unworthy of so
great and ancient an establishment, 9. The acade-
my of fine arts, with a collection of ancient casts,
10. The equestrian statue of King Charles IV.
in the plaza mayor and the sepulchral monu-
ment which the Duke de Monteleone consecrated
to the great Cortes, in a chapel of the Hospital de
los Naturales. It is a simple family monument,
adorned with a bust in bronze, representing the
hero in the prime of life, executed by M. 'Tolsa,
Wherever we traverse Spanish America, from
Buenos Ayres to Monteroy, and from ‘Trinidad
and Portorico to Panama and Veragua, we no
where mect with a national monument erected by
the public gratitude to the glory of Christopher
Columbus and Hernan Cortes!
Those who are addicted to the study of history,
and who love to investigate American antiquities,
will not find in this capital those great remains of
works which are to be seen in Peru, in the envi-
rons of Cusco and Guamachuco, at Pachacamac
near Lima, or at Mansiche near ‘Truxillo; at
Canar and Cayo in the province of Quito; and in
Mexico, near Mitla and Cholula, in the inten.
dancies of Oaxaca and Puebla. It appears that
the Teocallis (of which we have already attempted
to describe the strange form) were the sole monu-
ments of the Aztecs, Now the invading Spa-
niards were not only highly interested in their de-
struction, but the very safety of the conqueror
rendered such a destruction necessary. It was
partly effected during the siege; for those trun-
cated pyramids, rising up by layers, served for re-
fuge to the combatants, like the temple of Baal-
Berith to the people of Canaan. 'They-were so
many castles from which it was necessary to dis-
lodge the enemy.
As to the houses of individuals, which the
Spanish historians describe as very low, we are not
to be surprised to find merely their foundations or
low ruins, such as we discover in the Barrio de
Tlatelolco, and towards the canal of Istacalco,
Even in the most part of our European cities, how
small isthe number of houses of which the con-
struction goes so far back as the beginning of the]
= ll i eee = — =
He adie’ = is a
Ze —
SPS er
¥
f
‘
i
t
120 MEXICO.
[16th century! lowever, the edifices of Mexico
are not fallen into ruins through age, Animated
by the same spirit of destruction which the Ro-
mans displayed at Syracuse, Carthage, and in
Greece, the Spanish conquerors believed that the
siege of a Mexican city never was finished till they
had razed every building in it, Cortes, in his
third letter (Lorcnzana, p. 278.) to the Emperor
Charles V. discloses himself the fearful system
which he followed in his military operations,
* Notwithstanding all these advantages,” says he,
“ which we have gained, I saw clearly that the
inhabitants of the city of Temixtitlan (Lenochtit-
lan) were so rebellious and obstinate that they
wished rather to perish than surrender. 1 knew
not what means to employ to spare so many dan-
gers and hardships, and to avoid completing the
entire ruin of the capital, which was the most
beautiful thing in the world, (a la ciudad, porque
era lamas hermosa cosa del mundo.) It was in
vain to tell them that I would never raise my camp,
nor withdraw my flotilla of brigantines ; and that
I would never cease to carry on the war by land
and water till I was master of ‘Temixtitlan; and
it was in vain I observed to them that they could
expect no assistance, and that there was not a
nook of land from which they could hope to draw
maize, meat, fruits, and water. ‘The more we
made these exhortations to them, the more they
showed us that they were far from being discou-
raged. They had no other desire but that of
fighting. In this state of things, considering that
more than 40 or 50 days had already elapsed
since we began to invest the place, I resolved at
last to adopt means, by which, in providing for
our own security, we should be able to press our
enemies more closely. I formed the design of de-
molishing on all sides all the houses in proportion
as we became masters of the streets, so that we
should not advance a foot without having destroyed
and cleared down whatever was behind us, convert-
ing into firm ground whatever was water, however
slow the operation might be, and notwithstanding
the delay to which we should expose ourselves.—
(Accordé de tomar un medio para nuestra seguri-
dad y para poder mas estrechar a los enemigos ;_y
fue que como fuessemos ganando por las calles de
la ciudad, que fuessen derocando todas las casas
de ellas, de un lado y del otru; por manera que
no fuessemos un passo adelante sin la dejar todo
asolado y que lo que era agua hacerlo tierra firme ;
aunque hubiesse todo la dilacion que se pucliesse
seguir. Lorenzana, No. xxxiv.) For this pur-
pose I assembled the lords and chiefs of our allies ;
and IT explaincd to them the resolution which |
had formed. I engaged them to send a great
number of labourers with their coas, which are
somewhat like the hoes which are used in Spain
for excavations; and our allies and friends ap-
proved my project, for they hoped that the city
would be laid in complete ruins, which they had
ardently desired for a long time. ‘Three or four
days passed without fighting, for we waited the
arrival of the people from the country, who were
to aid us in demolishing.”
After reading the naif recital of this commander
in chief to his sovereign, we are not to be sur-
prised at finding almost no vestige cf the ancient
fexican edifices. Cortes relates that the Indians,
to revenge themselves for the oppressions which
they had suffered from the Aztec kings, flocked
in great numbers, even from the remotest pro-
vinces, whenever they learned that the destruction
of the capital was going on. The rubbish of the
demolished houses served to fill up the canals.
The streets were made dry to allow the Spanish
cavalry to act. ‘The low houses, like those of
Pekin and China, were partly constructed of wood
and partly of ¢etzontli a spongy stone, light, and
easily broken. ‘* More than 50,000 Indians as-
sisted us,”’ says Cortes, ‘ that day, when, march.
ing over heaps of carcases, we at length gained
the great street of ‘Tacuba, and burned the house
of King Guatimucia.”” The true name of this un-
fortunate king, the last. of the Aztec dynasty, was
Quauhtemotzin. He is the same to whom Cortes
caused the soles of the feet to be gradually burned,
after having soaked them in oil. This torment,
however, did not induce the king to declare in
what place his treasures were concealed. His end
was the same as that of the king of Acolhuacan
(Tezcuco), and of Tetlepanguetzaltzin, king of
Tlacopan (‘Tacuba.) These three princes were
hung on the same tree, and, as Humboldt saw in a
hieroglyphical picture possessed by Father Pi-
chardo (in the convent of San Felipe Neri), they
were hung by the feet to lengthen out their tor-
ments. This act of cruclty in Cortes, which re-
cent historians have the meanness to describe as
the effect of a far-sighted policy, excited mur-
murs in the very army. ‘ The death of the young
king,”’ says Bernal Diaz del Castillo (an old sol-
dier full of honour and of naivety of expression),
“was a very unjust thing; and it was accord.
ingly blamed by us all, so lone as we were in
the suite of the captain, in his march to Coma-
jahua.”’)
The Abbe Clavigero observes, on what autho.
rity we know not, that this cruelty made Cortes
very melancholy, and gave him a few sleepless |
/ send a great
oas, Which are
used in Spain
nd friends ap-
1 that the city
which they had
‘Three or four
we waited the
ntry, who were
this commander
not to be sur-
of the ancient
hat the Indians,
pressions which
kings, flocked
remotest pros
, the destruction
rubbish of the
up the canals.
ow the Spanish
3, like those of
tracted of wood
tone, light, and
000 Indians as-
y, when, march
t length gained
urned the house
name of this un-
ec dynasty, was
to whom Cortes
adually burned,
This torment,
g to declare in
ealed. His end
of Acolhuacan
altzin, king of
e@ princes were
mboldt saw ina
by Father Pi-
lipe Neri), they
out their tor-
ortes, which re-
is to describe as
> excited mur-
ith of the young
ilo (an old sol-
of expression),
it was accords
as we were in
march to Coma-
~~
on what autho-
Ity made Cortes
a few sleepless |
MEXICO. 121
fnighta, una gran malinconia, ed alcune vegghie.
ell indeed it might; but whether we are in-
debted for these cegghie to the native suggestions
of his own conscience, or to the murmurs of his
army, is not so casy to be determined ; for heroes
consciences are made of stern stuff, as many can
witness, who have known several of them perform
certain actions in a certain neighbouring country,
and neither eat nor sleep the worse for it; at the
bare recital of which other people’s cheeks turn
either pale or flushed as their different tempera-
ments depose them. We must not think that the
Spaniards monopolized cruelty in foreign scttle-
ments. Mr.Orme, in his excellent History of
Hlindostan, celebrates some feats of our own coun-
trymen, and those the bravest of our countrymen,
which yield very little to any thing in the Mexi-
can annals, ‘Three or four hundred of the brave
grenadiers who long distinguished themselves so
gallantly on the plains of Trichinopoly, and who,
rushing on certain destruction, swore, in their
energetic way, ‘¢ they would follow their leader to
hell,”’ on taking possession of a fortified town in
Arcot put every soul in it to death, man, woman,
and child, for no other reason than that the place
had been gallantly defended. Heroes are nearly
the same all the world over.
But, to be sure, the poor Mexican kings were bet-
ter off. Juande Varillas, a friar of the order of Nu-
estra Sefora de la Merced, confessed them, and
comforted them in their sufferings, that they were
good Christians, and that they died in good prepa-
ration, seeing they were baptized : li confessd e cone
fortd nel supplicio: Weglino erano buoni Cristiani,
eche morirono ben disposti: ond’ é manifesto ch’ erano
stato battezzati. (Clavigero, iii. p. 233, note.)
But to continue the observations of Cortes :—
** No other ting accordingly,” observes he, ‘* was
done than burn and demolish houses. Those
of the city said to our allies, that they did wrong
in assisting us to destroy, because one day they
would have to re-construct with their hands the
very same cdifices, cither for the besieged if they
were to conquer, or for us Spaniards, who, in rea-
lity, now compel them to rebuild what was de-
molished.” (Lorenszana, p. 286.) In going over
the Libro del Cabildo, Humboldt found a manu-
script containing the history of the new city of
Mexico, from the year 1594 to 1529, in all the
pages of which there was nothing but names of
people who appeared before the alguazils ‘to de-
mand the situation (solar) on which formerly stood
the house of such or such a Mexican lord. Even
at present they are occupied in filling and drying
up the old canals which run through the capital,
VOL, WI,
9
The number of these canals has diminished in a
particular manner since the government of the
Count de Galvez, though, on account of the great
breadth of the strects of Mexico, the canals are
less inimical to the passage of carriages than in the
most part of the cities of Holland.
We may reckon among the small remains of
Mexican antiquities which interest the intelligent
traveller, either in the bounds of the city of Mex-
ico, or in its environs, the ruins of the Aztec dikes
(albaradones) and aqueducts ; the stone of the sa-
crifices, adorned with a relievo which represents
the triumph of a Mexican king; the great calendar
monument (exposed with the foregoing at the
plaza mayor ;) the colossal statue of the goddess
Teoyaomiqui, stretched out in one of the galleries
of the edifice of the university, and habitually co-
vered with three or four inches of earth ; the Aztec
manuscripts, or hieroglyphical pictures, painted
on agave paper, on stag skins and cotton cloth, (a
valuable collection unjustly taken away from the
Chevalier Boturini, (the author of the ingenious
work, Ydea de una nueva Iistoria general de la
America Septentrional), very ill preserved in the
archives of the palace of the viccroys, displaying
in every figure the extravagant imagination of
a people who delighted to see the palpitating heart
of human victims offered up to gigantic and mon-
strous idols ; the foundations of the palace of the
kings of Alcolliwacan at Tezcuco ; the colossal re-
lievo traced on the w. face of the porphyritical
rock, called the Peiiol de los Batios ; as well as
several other objects which recal to the intelligent
observer the institutions and works of people of
the Mongol race, of which descriptions and draw-
ings are promised to be given by Humboldt, in the
historical account of his travels to the equinoctial
regions of the new continent.
The only ancient monuments in the Mexican
valley which from their size or their masses can
strike the eyes of an European, are the remains of
the two pyramids of San Juan de Tcotihuacan,
situated to the 2. e. of the lake of ‘Tezcuco, conse-
crated to the sun and moon, which the Indians
called Tonatiuh Ytzaqual, House of the Sun, and
Meatli Ytzaqual, House of the Moon. According
to the measurements made in 1803, by a young
Mexican savant, Dr. Oteyza, the first pyramid,
which is the most s. has in its present state a base
of 208 metres (682 fect English) in length, and 55
metres (66 Mexican vara, containing exactly 3
inches of the old pied du rot of Paris), or 180 feet,
of perpendicular elevation. ‘The second, the py-
ramid of the moon, is eleven metres, or 36 feet,
lower, and its base is much less, ‘These monu- |
R
ESS
122
[ments, according to the accounts of the first tra-
vellcrs, and from the form which they yet exhibii,
were the models of the Aztec ‘Teocallis. The na-
tions whom the Spaniards found seitled in New
Spain attributed the pyramids of 'Teotihuacan to
the Toultec nation ; consequently their construc-
tion goes as far back as the eighth or ninth cen-
tury; for the kingdom of 'Tolula lasted from 667
to 1031. Siguenza, however, in his manuscript
notes, believes them to be the work of the Olinec
nation, which dwelt round the Sicrra de Tlascala,
called Matlacueje. If this hypothesis, of which
we are unacquainted with the historical founda-
tions, be true, these monuments would be still more
ancient. For the Olmecs belong to the first na-
tions mentioned in the Aztec chronology as exist-
ing in New Spain. It is even pretended that the
Olmecs are the only nation of which the migration
took place, not from the n. and ». w. (viz.
Asia), but from tle e. (Europe.) The faces
of the above edifices are to within 52’ exactly
placed from x. tos. and from e. tow. Their in-
terior is clay mixed with small stones. This
kernel is covered with a thick wall of porous
amygdaloid. We perceive, besides, traces of a
bed of lime which covers the stones (the ¢ctzontli)
on the outside. Several authors of the 16th cen-
tury pretend, according to an Indian tradition,
that the interior of these pyramids is hollow. Bo-
turini says, that Siguenza, the Mexican scome-
trician, in vain endeavoured to pierce these edi-
fices by a gallery. They formed four layers, of
which three are only now perccivable, the injuries
of time and the vegetation of the cactus and agaves
having exercised their destructive influence on the
exterior of these monuments. A stair of large
hewn stones formerly led to their tops, where, ac-
cording to the accounts of the first travellers, were
statues covered with very thin laminz of gold.
Kach of the four principal layers was subdivided
into small gradations of a metre, or three feet three
inches, in height, of which the edges are still dis-
tinguishable, which were covered with fragments
of obsidian, that were undoubtedly the edge instrn-
ments with which the Toultec and Aztec priests
in their barbarous sacrifices (Papahua Tlemacaz-
que or Teopixqui) opened the chest of the hu-
man victims. We know that the obsidian (its¢l/)
was the object of the great mining undertakings,
of which we still see the traces in an innumerable
quantity of pits between the mines of Moran and
the village of Atotonilco el Grande, in the por-
phyry mountains of Oyamel and the Jacal, a ree
gion called by the Spaniards the Mountain of
Knives, I! Cerro de las Navajas.
MEX
ICO.
It would be undoubtedly desirable to have the
question resolved, whether these curious edifices,
of which the one (the Tonatiuh Yizaqual), accord.
ing to the accurate measurement of M. Oteyza,
has a mass of 128,970 cubic toises, or 33,743,201
cubic feet, were entirely consiructed by the nand
of man, or whether the 'Toultecs took advantage of
some natural hill which they covered over with
stone and lime? This very question has been re-
cently agitated with respect to several pyramids
of Giza and Sacara ; and it has become doubly in-
teresting from the fantastical hypotheses which
M. Witte has thrown out as to the origin of the
monuments of colossal form in gypt, Persepolis,
and Palmyra. As neither the pyramids of ‘Teoti-
huacan, nor that‘of Choluia, have been diametri-
cally pierced, it is impossible io speak with cer-
tainty of their interior structure. ‘The Indian trae
ditions, from which they are believed to be hol-
low, are vague and contradictory. Their situa.
tion in plains where no other hill is to be found,
renders it extremely probable that no natural rock
serves for a kernel to these monuments, What is
also very remarkable (especially if we call to mind
the assertions of Pococke, as to the symmetrical po-
sition of the lesser pyramids of Egypt) is, that
around the Houses of the Sun and Moon of ‘Teoti-
huacan we find a group, we may say a system,
of pyramids, of scarcely nine or 10 metres of cle-
vation, or 29 or 32 fect. These monuments, of
which there are several hundreds, are disposed in
very large streets, which follow exactly the direc-
tion of the parallels and of the meridians, and
which terminate in the four faces of the two great
pyramids. ‘The lesser pyramids are more frequent
towards the s. side of the ‘Temple of the Moon than
towards the Temple of the Sun; and, according
to the tradition of the country, they were dedi-
cated to the stars. It appears certain cnough that
they served as burying-places for the chiefs of
iribes. All the plain which the Spaniards, from
a word of the language of the island of Cuba, call
Llano de los Cues, bore formerly in the Aztec and
Toultec languages the name of JZicaotl, or Road
of the Dead.
Another ancient monument, worthy of the tra-
veller’s attention, is the military entrenchment of
Xochicalco, situated to the s. s. w. of the town of
Cuernavaca, near ‘Tetlama, belonging to the parish
of Xochiteprque. It isan insulated hill of 117
metres of elevation, surrounded with ditches or
trenches, and divided by the hand of man into five
terraces covered with masonry. ‘The whole forms
a truncated pyramid, of which the tour faces are
exactly laid down according to the four cardinal]
le to have the
irious edifices,
nqual), accor
of M. Oteyza,
or 33,743,201
ed by the nand
k advantage of
ered over with
on has been re-
yeral pyramids
ome doubly in-
otheses which
1c origin of the
‘pt, Persepolis,
ninids of 'Teoti-
been diametri-
speak with cer-
The Indian trae
ved to be hol-
. Their situa.
is to be found,
no natural rock
nts. What is
we call to mind
yminetrical po-
“gypt) is, that
Moon of ‘Teoti-
say a system,
) metres of cle-
monuments, of
re disposed in
actly the direc-
meridians, and
f the two great
e more frequent
the Moon than
and, according
hey were dedi-
in enough that
the chiefs of
Spaniards, from
id of Cuba, call
the Aztec and
icaotl, or Road
. of the town of
ng to the parish
ed hill of 117
vith ditches or
lof man into five
‘he whole forms
e tour faces are
le four cardinal |
MEXICO. 123
[points. ‘The porphyry stones with basaltic bases
are of a very regular cut, and are adorned with
hieroglyphical figures, among which are to be
seen crocodiles spouting up water, and, what is
v-ry curious, men sitting cross-legged in the
Asiatic manner. ‘I'he platform of this extraordi-
nary monument contains more than 9000 square
metres, or 96,825 square feet, and exhibits the
ruins of a small square edifice, which undoubtedly
served for a last retreat to the besieged.
We shall conclude this rapid view of the Aztec
antiquities with pointing out a few places which
may be called classical, on account of the interest
they excite in those who have studied the history
of the Spanish conquest of Mexico,
The palace of Motezuma occupied the very
same site on which at present stands the hotel of
the Duke de Monteleone, vulgarly called Casa del
Estado, in the plaza mayor, s.w. from the cathe-
dral, This palace, like those of the emperor of
China, of which we have accurate descriptions
from Sir George Staunton and M. Barrow, was
composed of a great number of spacious but very
low houses. ‘They occupied the whole cxtent of
ground between the Empedradillo, the great strect
of Tacuba, and the convent Dela Professa. Cortes,
after the taking of the city, fixed his abode oppo-
site to the ruins of the palace of the Aztec kings,
where the palace of the viceroy is now situated.
But it was soon thought that the house of Cortes
was more suitable for the assemblies of the audien-
cia, and the government consequently made the
family of Cortes resign the Casa del Estado, or the
old hotel belonging to them. ‘This family, which
bears the title of the Marquesado del Valle de
Oaxaca, received in exchange the situation of the
ancient palace of Motezuma, and they there con-
structed the fine edifice in which the archives Del
Estado are kept, and which descended, with the
rest of the heritage, to the Neapolitan Duke de
Montcleone.
At the first entry of Cortesinto ‘Tenochtitlan, on
the Sth November 1519, he and his small army
were lodged, not in the palace of Motezuma, but in
an edifice formerly possessed by King Axajacatl,
It was in this edifice that the Spaniards and the
Tlascaltecs, their allies, sustained the assault of
the Mexicans ; it was there that the untortunate
King Motezuma perished of the consequences of a
wound which he received in haranguing his people.
We still perceive inconsiderable remains of these
quarters of the Spaniards in the ruins behind the
convent of Santa ‘Teresa, at the ccrner of the streets
of Tacuba and Del Indio Triste.
A small bridge near Bonavista preserves the
name of Alvarado’s Leap (Salto de Alvarado), in
memory of the prodigious leap of the valorous Don
Pedro de Alvarado, when in the famous melan-
choly night, (noche triste, July 1, 1520), the dike
of Tlacopan having been cut in several places by
the Mexicans, the Spaniards withdrew from the
city to the mountains of Tepayacac. It appears
that even in the time of Cortes the historical truth
of this fact was disputed, which, from popular
tradition, is familiar to every class of the inhabi-
tants of Mexico. Bernal Diaz considers the his-
tory of the leap as a mere boast of his companion
in arms, of whose courage and presence of mind
he, however, elsewhere makes honourable mention,
Ie affirms that the ditch was much too broad to
be passed at a leap. We have, however, to ob-
serve, that this anecdote is very minutely related
in the manuscript of a noble Mestizoe of the repub-
lic of ‘Tlascala, Diego Muiioz Camargo, which
Humboldt consulted at the convent of San Felipe
Neri, and of which Father 'Torquemada appears
also to have had some knowledge. ‘This Mestizoe
historian was the contemporary of Hernan Cortes,
He relates the history of Alvarado’s leap with much
simplicity, without any appearance of exaggcras
tion, and without mentioning the breadih of the
ditch. We imagine we perceive in his naif re-
cital one of the heroes of antiquity, who, with his
shoulder and arm supported on his lance, takes an
enormous leap to escape from the hands of his
enemies, Camargo adds, that other Spaniards
wished to follow the example of Alvarado, but
that, having less agility than he had, they fell into
the ditch (azequia.)
Strangers are shown the bridge of Clerigo, near
the pluza mayor de Tlatelolco, as the memorable
place where the last Agtee King Quauhtemotzin,
nephew of his predecessor King Cuitlahuatzin,
and son-in-law of Motezuma II. was taken. But
the result of the most careful researches which
Humboldt and the Father Pichardo could make,
was, that the young king fell into the hands of
Garci Holguin, ina great basin of water which was
formerly between the Garita del Peralvillo, the
square of Santiago de ‘Tlatelolco, and the bridge
of Amaxaca. This event happened on the 3Ist
of August 1521, the 75th day of the siege of
Venochtitlan, and Saint Hyppolitus’s day. ‘The
same day is still celebrated every year by a tour
round the city by the viceroy and otdores on horses
back, following the standard. Cortes was upon
the terrace of a house of ‘Tlatelolco when the youn
king was brought a prisoner to him, ‘¢ I made}
rn
124
pec sit down,” says the conqueror in his third
etter to the Emperor Charles V. ¢ and I treated
him with confidence ; but the young man put his
hand on the poniard which 1 wore at my side and
exhorted me to kill him, because, since he had done
all that his duty to himself and his people de-
manded of him, he had no other desire but death.”
This trait is worthy of the best days of Greece and
Rome. Under every zone, and whatever be the
*colour of men, the language of energetic minds
struggling with misfortune is the same,
After the entire destruction of the ancient Te-
novhtitlan, Cortes remained with his people for
four or five months at Cojohuacan, a place for
which he constantly displayed a great predilec-
tion. He was at first uncertain whether he should
reconstruct the capital on some other spot around
the lakes. He at last determined on the old situa-
tion, ‘* because the city of 'Temixtitlan had ac-
quired celebrity, because its position was delight-
ful, and because in all times it had been considered
as the head of the Mexican provinces,” (como
principal y senora de todas estas provincias.) It
cannot, however, admit of a doubt, that, on ac-
count of the frequent inundations suffered by Old
and New Mexico, it would have been better to
have rebuilt the city to the e. of Tezcuco, or on
the heights between Tacuba and Tacubaya. ‘The
capital was, in fact, about to be transferred to these
heights by a formal edict of King Philip ILI. at
the period of the great inundation in 1607. The
ajuntamicnto, or magistracy of the city, represented
to the court that the value of the honses condemned
to destruction amounted 105,000,000 of francs, or
4,375,350/. sterling. ‘They appeared to be igno-
rantat Madrid that the capital of a kingdom, con-
structed for more than 88 years, is nota flying
camp, which may be changed at will. It is, how-
ever, to be confessed, that the most part of the
great cities of the Spanish colonies, however new
their appearance may be, are in disagrecable situa-
tions. We do not here speak of the site of Ca-
racas, Quito, Pasto, and several other cities of
S. America, but merely of the Mexican cities; for
example, Valladolid, which might have been
built in the beautiful valley of Tepare; Guada-
laxara, which is quite near the delightful plain of
the Rio Chiconahuatenco, or San Pedro; Paz-
cuaro, which we cannot help wishing to have been
built at T'zintzontza, One would say that every
where the new colonists of two adjoining places
have uniformly chosen cither the one most moun-
tainous, or most exposed to inundations. But in-
deed the Spaniards have constructed almost no new
MEXICO.
cities; they merely inhabited or enlarged those
which were already founded by the Indians.
It is impossible to determine with any certainty
the number of inhabitants of old ‘Tenochtitlan,
Were we to judge from the fragments of ruined
houses, and the recital of the first conquerors, and
especially from the number of the combatants whom
the kings Cuitlahuatzin and Quauhtimotzin op-
posed to the ‘Tlascaltecs and Spaniards, we should
pronounce the population of Tenochtitlan three
times greater than that of Mexico in our days.
Cortes asserts, that after the siege, the concourse of
Mexican artisans who wrought for the Spaniards,
iis carpenters, masons, weavers, and founders, was
so enormous, that in 1524 the new city of Mexico
already numbered 30,000 inhabitants. Modern
authors have thrown out the most ey
ideas regarding the population of this capital.
‘The Abbe Clavigero, in his excellent work on the
ancient history of New Spain, proves that these
estimations vary from 60,000 to 1,500,000 of inhae
bitants. (Clavigero, iv. p. 278, note p.) We
ought not to be astonished at these contradictions,
when we consider how new statistical researches
are even in the most cultivated parts of Ku-
rope.
According to the most recent and least uncertain
data, the actual population of the capital of Mex-
ico appears to be (including the troops) from 135
to 140,000 souls. ‘I'he enumeration in 1790, by
orders of the Count de Revillagigedo, gave a ree
sult of only 112,926 inhabitants tor the city ; but
we know that this result is one-sixth below the
truth, The regular troops and militia in garrison
in the capital are composed of from 5 to 6000
men inarms. We may admit with great proba-
bility that the actual population consists of
2,500 white Europeans.
65,000 white Creoles,
33,000 indigenous (copper-coloured.)
26,500 Mestizocs, mixture of whites and Indians,
10,000 Mulattoes,
157,000 inhabitants.
There are consequently in Mexico 69,500 men
of colour, and 67,5U0 whites ; but a great number
of the Mestizoes are almost as white as the Euro-
peans and Spanish Creoles !
In the 23 male convents which the capital con-
tains there are nearly 1200 individuals, of whom
580 are priests and choristers. In the 15 female
convents there are 2100 individuals, of whom
neai-y 900 are professed religieuses.
The clergy of the city of Mexico is extremely]
enlarged those
Indians,
Lany certainty
Tenochtitlan,
ents of ruined
conquerors, and
mbatants whom
ultimotzin op.
rds, we should
ochtitlan three
o in our days.
he concourse of
the Spaniards,
1 founders, was
cily of Mexico
ants. Modern
| contradictor
f this capital
‘nt work on the
oves that these
00,000 of inhae
note p.) We
contradictions,
ical researches
parts of Mu-
least uncertain
capital of Mex-
yops) from 135
jon in 1790, by
do, gave a ree
the city; but
xth below the
itia in garrison
rom 5 to 6000
h great proba-
sists of
od.)
es and Indians,
lo 69,500 men
great number
as the Euro-
e capital con-
tals, of whom
the 15 female
als, of whom
is extremely}
MEXICO. 125
mda, though less numerous by one-fourth
an at Madrid. ‘The enumeration of 1790 gives
Individuals,
573 priests and choristers,
Intheconvents § 59 hovi pa 867
be 235 lay brothers,
Inthe convents §888 professed religieuses 2 gog
of nuns. 35 novices, :
Prebendaries > ‘ ‘ é : 26
Parish priests (curés) ’ F ‘ 16
Curates ; f ? ‘ . ‘ 43
Secular ecclesiastic ‘ ; F 517
Total 2392
and without including lay-brothers and novices,
2068. The clergy of Madrid, according to the
work of M. de Laborde, (which received several
contributions from M, de Humboldt), is composed
of 3470 persons: consequently the clergy is to the
whole population of Mexico as 14 to 100, and at
Madrid as 2 to 100.
The archbishop of Mexico possesses a revenue
~ of 682,500 livres, or 18,490/. sterling. ‘This sum
is somewhat less than the revenue of the convent of
Jeronimites of the Escurial. Anarchbishop of Mex-
ico is, consequently, much poorer than the arch-
bishops of Toledo, Valencia, Seville, and Santiago.
The first of these possesses a revenue of 3,000,000
of livres, or 125,000/. sterling. M. de Laborde
has proved, and the fact is by no means generally
known, that the clergy of France, before the re-
volution, was more numerous, compared to the total
population, and richer as a body than the Spanish
clergy. ‘The revenues of the tribunal of inquisi-
tion of Mexico, a tribunal which extends over the
whole kingdom of New Spain, Guatemala, and the
Philippine islands, amount to 200,000 livres, or
8334/. sterling.
The number of births at Mexico, for a mean
term of 100 years, is 5980; and the number of
deaths 5050. In the year 1802 there were even
6155 births, and 5166 deaths, which would give,
supposing a population of 137,000 souls, for every
22} individuals, one birth, and for every 264
one death, ‘They reckon in general, in the coun-
try parts, in Nueva Espaiia, the relation of the
births to the population as one to 17; and the rela-
tion of the deaths to the population as one to SO.
There is consequently, in appearance, a very great
mortality and a very small number of births in the
capital. ‘The conflux of patients to the city is con-
siderable, not only of the most indigent class of the
people, who seek assistance in the hospitals, of
which the number of beds amounts to 1100, but
also of persons in easy circumstances, who are
brought to Mexico because neither advice nor re-
medies can be procured in the country. This cir-
cumstance accounts for the great number of deaths
on the parish registers. On the other hand, the con-
vents, the celibacy of the clergy, progress of luxe
ury, the militia, and the indigence of the Saragates
Indians, who live like the Lazaroni of Naples, in
idleness, are the principal causes which influence the
disadvantageous relation of the births to the popu
lation.
MM. Alazate and Clavigero, from a comparison
of the parish registers of Mexico with those of se-
veral Kuropean cities, have endeavoured to prove
that the capital of Nueva Espaiia must contain
more than 200,000 inhabitants; but how can we
suppose in the enumeration of 1799 an error of
87,000 souls, more than two-fifths of the: whole
population ? Besides, the comparisons of these two
earned Mexicans can, from their nature, lead to no
certain results, because the cities of which they
exhibit the bills of mortality are situated in very
different elevations and climates, and because the
state of civilization and comfort of the great mass
of their inhabitants afford the most striking con-
trasts. At Madrid the births are one in 34, and at
Berlin one in 28. ‘The one of these proportions
can no more, however, than the other, be appli-
cable to calculations regarding the population of
the cities of Equinoctial America, Yet the dif-
ference between these proportions is so great, that
it would alone, on an annual number of 6000
births, augment or diminish to the extent of 86,000
souls the population of the city of Mexico, The
number of deaths or births is, perhaps, the best
of all means for determining the number of the ine
habitants of a district, when the numbers which
express the relations of the births and deaths to
the whole population in a given country have been
carefully ascertained; but these numbers, the re-
sult ofa long induction, can never be applied to
countries whose physical and moral situation are
totally diffesent. ‘They denote the medium state
of prosperity of a mass of population, of which the
greatest part dwell in the country ; and we cannot,
therefore, avail ourselves of these proportions to
ascertain the number of inhabitants of a capital.
Mexico is the most populous city of the new
continent. It contains nearly 40,000 inhabitants
fewer than Madrid; and as it forms a great square,
of which each side is nearly 2750 metres, or
9021 feet, its population is spread over a great
extent of ground. Its greatest length is nearly
3900 metres (12,794 English feet) ; of Paris 8000 |
126
[metres (26,246 English feet.) ‘The streets being
very spacious, they in general appear rather de-
serted.. ‘They are so much the more so, as in a
climate considered as cold by the inhabitants of
the tropics, people expose themselves less to the
free air than in the cities at the foot of the cordil-
lera. Hence the latter (ciudades de tierra caliente)
appear uniformly more populous than the cities of
the temperate or cold regions (ciudades de tierra
fria.) If Mexico contains more inhabitants than
‘any of the cities of Great Britain and France,
with the exception of London, Dublin, and Paris ;
on the other hand, its population is much less than
that of the great cities of the Levant and East
Indies. Calcutta, Surat, Madras, Aleppo, and
Damascus, contain all of them trom 2 to 4 and
even 600,000 inhabitants.
The Count de Revillagigedo sct on foot accu-
rate researches into the consumption of Mexico.
The following table, drawn up in 1791, may be
interesting to those who have a knowledge of the
important operations of MM. Lavoisier and Ar-
nould, relative to the consumption of Paris and all
France.
CONSUMPTION OF MEXICO,
1, Eatables.
‘Beeves ‘ ° ° : r 16,300
Calves : : ‘ : : . 450
Sheep : ‘ : . . . 278,923
Hogs ‘ ‘ ‘ : ‘ . pals
Kids and rabbits ‘ ‘ ‘ - 24,000
Towle : : . : . 1,255,340
Ducks ° ; . : ‘ 125,000
‘Turkeys : . . . » 205,000
Pigeons. . . ’ . . 65,300
Partridges . oo . » 140,000
2. Grain. F
Maize or ‘Turkey wheat, cargas o Mi
three fanegas : . ° : 117,224
Barley, cargas , ° : 40,219
3. Liquid Measure.
Wheat flour, cargas of 12 areabos 130,000
Pulque, the fermented juice of the agava,
Batale : . : ; ; ‘ 294,790
Wine and vinegar, barrels of 44 are
robas ‘ ‘ ° ‘ ‘ 4,507
Brandy, barrels . . : 12,000
Spanish oil, arrobas of 25 pounds . 5,585
Supposing, with M. Puchet, the population of
Paris to be four times greater than that of Mexico,
we shall find that the consumption of beef is nearly
proportional to the number of inhabitants of the
two cities, butthat that of mutton and pork is infi-
nitely more at Mexico. ‘The difference is as follows :
MEXICO.
Of Mexico.| Of Paris, | Consumption
of Mexico,
Beeves 16,300 70,000 65,200
Sheep 273,000 { 350,000 | 1,116,000
Hogs 50,100 35,000 200,400
M. Lavoisier found by his calculations that the
inhabitants of Paris consumed annually in his time
90,000,000 of pounds of animal food of all sorts,
which amounts to 163 pounds (797% kilogrammes,
or 175,% poundsaverd.) per individual. In estimat-
ing theanimal food yielded by the animals designated
in the preceding table, according to the principles
of Lavoisier, modified according to the localities,
the consumption of Mexico in every sort of meat
is 26,000,000 of pounds, or 189 pounds, or 204
pounds averd. per individual. ‘This difference is
so much the more remarkable as the population of
Mexico includes 33,000 Indians, who consume
very little animal food.
The consumption of wine has greatly increased
since 1791, especially since the introduction of the
Brownonian system in the practice of the Mexican
physicians. The enthusiasm with which this sys-
tem was received in a country where sithontcal or
debilitating remedies had been employed to an ex-
cess for ages, produced, according to the testimon
of all merchants of Vera Cruz, the most remarkable
effect on the trade in luscious Spanish wines (vins
liquoreux.) ‘These wines, however, are only
drunk by the wealthy class of the inhabitants,
The Indians, Mestizoes, Mulattoes, and even the
greatest number of white Creoles, prefer the fer-
mented juice of the agave, called pulque, of which
there is annually consumed the enormous quantit
of 44,000,000 of bottles, containing 48 French
cubic inches each, or 58,141 cubic inches English.
The immense population of Paris only consumed
annually in the time of M. Lavisier 281,000
muids of wine, brandy, cyder, and beer, equal to
80,928,000 bottles.
The consumption of bread at Mexico is equal to
that of the cities of Lurope. This fact isso much
the more remarkable, as at Caracas, at Cumana,
and Carthagena de the Indias, and in all the cities
of America situated under the torrid zone, but on
a level with the ocean, or very little above it, the
Creole inhabitants live on almost nothing but maize
bread, and the jatropha manihot. If we suppose,
with M. Arnould, that 325 pounds of flour yield
A16 pounds of bread, we shall find that the 130,000
loads of flour consumed at Mexico yield 49,900,000]
Quadruple
of the
Consamption
of Mexico,
| 65,200
d | 1,116,000
200,400
lations that the
ally in his time
od of all sorts,
> kilogrammes,
ual, In estimat-
mals designated
» the principles
0 the localities,
pry sort of meat
pounds, or 204
jis difference is
€ population of
who consume
eatly increased
oduction of the
of the Mexican
which this sys-
re asthenical or
oyed to an ex-
o the testimon
ost remarkable
ish wines (vins
ver, are onl
ie inhabitants,
, and even the
yrefer the fer-
lque, of which
‘mous quantit
ing 48 French
iches English.
nly consumed
yisier 281,000
beer, equal to
‘ico is equal to
fact isso much
2 at Cumana,
n all the cities
1 zone, but on
above it, the
hing but maize
f we suppose,
of flour yield
at the 130,000
149,900,000}
MEXICO, 127
| pounds of bread, which amounts to 391,% pounds
averd, per individual of every age. _Lstimating
the habitual population of Paris at 547,000 inha-
bitants, and the consumption of bread at 206,788,000
pounds, we shall find the consumption of each in-
dividual in Paris 377 pounds French, or 406,%
sounds averd, At Mexico the consumption of maize
s almost equal to that of wheat. The Turkish corn
isthe food most in request among the Indians.
We may apply to it the denomination which
Pliny gives to barley (the xg: of Homer) antiquis-
simum frumentum ; for the zea maize was the only
farinaceous gramen cultivated by the Americans
before the arrival of the Europeans,
The market of Mexico is richly supplied with
eatables, particularly with roots and fruits of ever
sort, li is a most interesting spectacle, which
may be enjoyed every morning at sune-rise, to sce
these provisions, and a grent quantity of flowors,
brou ht in by Indians in boats, descending the
canals of Istacalco and Chalco. The greater part
of these roots is cultivated on the chinampas, called
by the Europeans floating gardens. There are
two sorts of them, of which the one is moveable
and driven about by the winds, and the other fixed
and attached to the shore. The first alone merit
the denomination of floating gardens, but their
number is daily diminishing.
The ingenious invention of chinampas appears
to go back to the end of the 14th century. It had
its origin in the extraordinary situation of a people
surrounded with enemics, and compelled to live
in the midst of a lake little abounding in fish, who
were forced to fall upon every meas of procuring
subsistence. It iseven probable that Nature herself
suggested to the Aztecs the first idea of floating gar-
dens. On the marshy banks of the lakes of Xochi-
milco and Chalco, the agitated water in the time of
the great rises carries away piecce of earth covered
with herbs, and bound together by roots. These
floating about for a long time as they are driven by
the wind, sometimes unite into small islands. A
tribe of men, too weak to defend themselves on the
continent, would take advantage of these portions
of ground, which accident put within their reach,
and of which no enemy disputed the property.
The oldest chinampas were merely bits of ground
joined together artificially, and dug and sown upon
by the Aztecs. These floating islands are to be met
with in all the zones. Humboldt saw them in the
kingdom of Quito, on the river Guayaquil, of
eight or nine metres (or 26 or 29 feet) in iength,
floating in the midst of the current, and bearing
young shoots of bambusa, pistia stratiotes, pon=
tederia, and a number of other vegetables, of
which the roots are ensily interlaced, He found
also in Italy, in the small /ago di aqua — of
‘Tivoli, near the hot baths of Agrippa, small islands
formed. of sulphur, carbonate of lime, and the
leaves of the u/va thermalis, which change their
place with the smallest breath of wind, Floating
ardens are, as is well known, also to be met with
in the rivers and canals of China, where an excessive
population.compels the inhabitants to have recourse
to every shift for increasing the means of sub-
sistence.
Simple lumps of earth, carried away from the
banks, have given rise to the invention of chi-
nampas; but the industry of the Aztec nation
gradually carried this system of cultivation to
perfection. The floating gardens, of which very
many were found by the Spaniards, and of which
many still exist in the lake of Chalco, were raits
firmed of reeds (¢otora), rushes, roots, and branches
of brushwood, The Indians cover these light and
well-connected materials with black mould, na-
turally impregnated with muriate of soda. The
soil is gradually purified from this salt by washing
it with the water of the lake; and the ground
becomes so much the more fertile as this lixivia-
tion is annually repeated. This process succeeds
even with the salt water of the lake of Tezcuco,
because this water, by no means at the point of
its saturation, is still capable of dissolving salt as
it filtrates through the mould. The chinampas
sometimes contain even the cottage of the Indian
who acts as guard for a group of floating gardens.
They are towed or pushed with long poles when
wished to be removed from one side of the banks to
the other,
In proportion as the fresh-water lake has become
more distant from the salt-water lake, the noveable
chinampas have been fixed. We sce this last class
allalong the canal De laViga, in the marshy ground
between the Inke of Chalco and the lake of Tez-
cuco, Every chinampa forms a parallelogram of
1€O metres in Jength, and from five to six metres
(or 328 by 16 or 19 feet) in breadth. Narrow dit-
ches, communicating symmetrically between them,
separate these squares. The mould fit for cultiva-
tion, purified from salt by frequent irrigations, rises
nearly a metre, or 3.28 feet above the surface of the
surrounding water. On these chinampas are culti-
vated beans, small peas, pimento (chile, capsicun),
potatoes, artichokes, cauliflowers, and a great
varicty of other vegetables. The edges of these
squaics are generally ornamented with flowers,
and sometimes even witha hedge of rose bushes.
The promenade in boats around the chinampas of
Istacalco is one of the most agreeable that can be]
Seen oe
128
[enjoyed in the environs of Mexico, ‘The vegeta-
tion is extremely vigorous on a soil continually
refreshed with water.
The valley of ‘Tenochtitlan offers to the exami-
nation of naturalists two sources of mineral water,
that of Nuestra Sefiora de Guadalupe, and that of
the Peiion de los Baios. ‘These sources contain
carbonic acid, sulphate of lime and soda, and mu-
riate of soda. Baths have been established there
in a manner equally salutary and convenient. The
Indians manufacture their salt near the Peiton de
los Baiios. ‘They wash clayey lands full of muriate
of soda, and concentrate water which has only 12
or 13 to the 100 of salt. ‘Their caldrons, which
are very ill constructed, have only six square fect
of suiface, and from two to three inches of depth.
No other combustible is employed but the mules
and cow dung. The fire is so ill managed, that
to produce twelve pounds of salt, which sells at
35 sous, or Is, 54d. they consume 12 sous, or
52d. worth of combustibles. ‘This salt-pit existed
in the time of Moiezuma, and no change has taken
place in the technical process, but the substitution
of caldrons of beaten copper to the old carthen
vats.
The hill of Chapultepec was chosen by the
young viceroy Galvez as the site of a villa (Chateau
Je Plaisance) for himselfand his successors. ‘The
castle has been finished externally, but the apart-
ments are not yet furnished. ‘This building cost
the king nearly 1,500,000 livres, or 62,505/. ster-
ling. The court of Madrid disapproved of the
expence, but, as usual, after it was laid out. The
plan of this edifice is very singular. It is fortified on
the side of the city of Mexico. We perceive salient
walls and parapets adapted for cannon, though
these parts have all the appearance of mere archi-
tectural ornaments. ‘Towards the ». there are
fosses and yast vaults capable of containing provi-
sions for several months, ‘The common opinion at
Mexico is, that the house of the viceroy at Cha-
pultepec is a disguised fortress. Count Bernardo
de Galvez was accused of having ccaceived the
project of rendering Nueva Espaia independent
of the peninsula; and it was supposed that the
rock of Chapultepec was destined for an asylum
and defence to him in case of attack from the Eu-
ropean troops. Men of respectability in the first
situations are said to have entertained this suspicion
against the young viceroy. It is the duty of a
historian, however, not to yield too easy an ac-
quiescence to accusations of so grave a nature.
The Count de Galves belonged to a family that
King Charles III. had suddenly raised to an extra-
ordinary degree of wealth and power. Young,
MEXICO.
amiable, and addicted to pleasures and magnifi-
cence, he had obtained from the munificence of
his sovereign one of the first places to which an
individual could be exalted; and without more
undeniable proofs of conviction, we cannot but
consider it as highly unnatural that he should have
endeavoured to break the ties which for three
centuries had united the colonies to the mother
country. ‘The Count de Galves, notwithstanding
his conduc. was well calculated to gain the favour
of the populace of Mexico, and notwithstanding
the influence of the Countess de Galvez, as beauti-
ful as she was generally beloved, would have
experienced the fate of every Luropean viceroy
who aims at independence. In a great revolu-
tionary commotion, it would never have been
forgiven him that he was not born an Ame-
rican,
The castle of Chapultepec should be sold for the
advantage of the government. As in every coun-
try it is difficult to find individuals fond of pur-
chasing strong places, several of the ministers of
the Real Hacienda have begun, by selling to ihe
highest bidder the glass and sashes of the windows.
This vandalism, which passes by the name of
economy, has already much contributed to degrade
on edifice on an elevation of 2325 metres, or 7626
feet, and which, in a climate so rude, is exposed
to all the impetuosity of the winds. It would,
perhaps, be prudent to preserve this castle as the
only place in which the archives, bars of silver,
anccooin could be placed, and the person of the
viceroy could be in saiety, in the first moments of
a popular commotion. ‘The commotions of the
12th February 1608, 15th January 1624 and 1692,
are still in remembrance at Mexico. In the last of
these, the Indians, from want of maize, burned the
palace of the viceroy Don Gaspar de Sandoval,
Count of Galves, who took retuge in the garden
of the convent of St. Francis. But it was only in
those tives that the protection of the monks
was equivalent to the security of a fortified
castle.
'To terminate the description of the valley of
Mexicy, it remains for us to give a rapid bydro-
graphical view of this country, so intersected with
lakes and small rivers. ‘This view, we flatter our-
selves, will be equally interesting to the naturalist
and the civil engineer. We have already said,
that the surface of the four principal lakes occu-
pies nearly a tenth of the valley, or 22 square
froiites; The lake of Xochimilco (and Chalco)
contains 64, the lake of 'Tezcuco 10,5, San Chris-
tobal 3,5, and Zumpango 1); square leagues (of
25 to the equatorial degree.) ‘The valley of 'Te-|
and magnifi-
nunificence of
s to which an
without more
ve cannot but
ec should have
ich for three
to the mother
otwithstanding
ain the favour
otwithstanding
vez, as beauti-
» would have
opean viceroy
great revolu-
er have been
orn an Ame-
be sold for the
in every coun-
s fond of pur-
@ ministers of
y selling to the
f the windows.
the name of
ited to degrade
tres, or 7626
le, is exposed
Is. It would,
is castle as the
bars of silver,
person of the
rst moments of
iotions of the
624 and 1692,
In the last of
ze, burned the
de Sandoyal,
in the garden
it was only in
ft the monks
bt a fortified
the valley of
rapid bydro-
tersected with
we flatter our-
the naturalist
already said,
al lakes occus
or 22 square
(and) Chateco)
lsy San Chris-
alley of ‘Tee |
ire leagues (of
fnochtitlan, or Mexico, is a basin surrounded by a
circular wall of porphyry mountains of great
elevation. This basin, of which the bottom is cle
vated 2977 metres, or 7468 fect, above the level of
the sea, resembles, on a small scale, the vast basin
of Bohemia, and (if the comparison is not too bold)
the valleys of the mountains of the moon, describ-
ed by MM. Herschel and Schroeter. All the humi-
dity furnished by the cordilleras which surround
the plain of ‘Tenochtitlan is collected in the val-
ley. No river issues out of it, if we except the
smali brook (arroyo) of 'Tequisquiac, which, in a
ravine of small breadth, traverses the 2. chain of
the mountains, to throw itself into the Rio de Tula,
or Moteuczoma.
The principal supplies of the lakes of the val-
ley of Tenochtitlan are, 1. The rivers of Papalotla,
Tezcuco, ‘Teotihuacan, and ‘Tepeyacac (Guada-
lupe), which pour their waters into the lake of
Tezcuco ; 2. The rivers of Pachuca and Guautitlan
(Quauhiitlan), which flow into the lake of Zum-
pango. ‘The latter of these rivers (the Rio de
Cuautitlan) has the longest course; and its volume
of water is more considerable than that of all the
other supplies put together.
The Mexican lakes, which are so many natural
recipients, in which the torrents deposit the waters
of the surrounding mountains, rise by stages, in
proportion to their distance trom the centre of the
valley, or the site of the capital. After the lake
of 'Tezcuco, the city of Mexico is the least cle.
vated point of the whole valley. According to
the very accurate survey of MM. Velasquez and
Castera, the plaza mayor of Mexico, at the s.
corner of the viceroy’s palace, is one Mexican
vara, (the Mexican vara being equal to 0™.839),
one foot and one inch bigher than the mean level
ot the lake of Tezeuco, which again is four varas
and eight inches lower than the lake of San
Christobal, whereof the . part is called the
lake of Xaltocan. The elevation of the plaza
mayor, therelore, above Tezcuco is 47.245 inches,
and that of San Christobal 8.863 inches. In
the aforesaid 2. part, on iwo small islands, the
villages of Xaltocan and ‘Touanitla are situated.
"The lake of San Christobal, properly so called,
is separated from that of Naltocan by a very
ancient dike which leads to the villages of San
Pablo and San ‘Tomas de Chiconautla, ‘The most
n. lake of the valley of Mexico, Zumpango (‘Tzom-
pango), is 10 varas 1 foot 6 inches, or 29 fect 1
inch 888 English, higher than the mean level of
the lake of 'Tezcuco. A dike (la Calzada de la
Cruz del Rey) divides the lake of Zumpango into
VOL. IN.
MEXICO. 129
two basins, of which the most zw. bears the name of
Laguna de Zitlaltepec, and the most ¢. the name
of Laguna de Coyotepec, The Inke of Chaico
is at the s. extremity of the valley. It contains
the pretty little village of Nico, founded on a
small island ; and it is separated trom the lake of
Xochimilco by the Calzada de San Pedro de
Tlahua, a narrow dike which rans from ‘lulia-
gualco to San Francisco Tlaltengo. ‘The level of
the fresh-water lakes of Chaleo and Xochimilco
is only Ivara LLinches, or 3 feet 9 inches, higher
than the plasa mayor of the capital. Humboldt has
given these details as thinking they might be inter-
esting to civil engineers wishing to form an exact
idea of the great canal (desague) of Huchuetoca,
The difference of elevation of the four great
reservoirs of water of the valley of ‘Tenochtitlan
was sensibly felt in the great inundations to which
the city of Mexico for a long series of ages has
been exposed. In all of them the sequence of the
phenomena has been uniformly the same. ‘The
lake of Zumpango, swelled by the extraordinary
increases of the Rio de Guautitlan, and the in-
fluxes from Pachuca, flows over into the lake of
San Christobal, with which the cienegas of Te-
pejuclo and 'Tlapanahuiloya communicate. The
lake of San Christobal bursts the dike which sepa-
rates it from the lake of Tezcuco, Lastly, the
water of this last basin rises in level from the ac«
cumulated inflax move than a metre, or 39.37]
inches, and traversing the saline grounds of San
Lazaro, flows with impetuosity into the streets of
Mexico, Such is the general progress of the
inundations : they proceed from the 2. and the
mw. ‘The drain or canal called the Desague
Real de Huchuetoca is destined to prevent any
danger from them ; but it is certain, however, that
from a coincidence of several circumstances, the
inundations of the s. (avenidas del sur), on which,
unfortunately, the desague has no influence, may
be equally disastrous to the capital, The lakes of
Chalco and Xochimileo would overflow, if in a
strong eruption of the volcano Popocatepetl, this
colossal mountain should suddenly be stripped of
its snows. While Humboldt was at Guayaquil,
on the coast of the province of Quito, in 1802,
the cone of Cotopaxi was heated to such a degree
by the effect of the volcanic fire, that almost in
one night it lost the enormous mass of snow with
which it is covered. In the new continent erup-
tions and great earthquakes are often followed
with heavy showers, which last for whole months.
With what dangers would not the capital be
threatencd were these phenomena to take place in]
8
130
[the valley of Mexico, under a zone, where, in
years by no means humid, the rain which falls
amounts to 15 decimetres, or 59 inches.
The inhabitants of Nueva Espaia think that
they can perceive something like a constant period
in the number of years which intervene between
the great inundations. [xjecrience has proved
that the extraordinary inundations in the valley of
Mexico have followed nearly at intervals of 25
years, Toaldo pretends to be able to deduce from
a great number of observations, that the very rainy
years, and consequently the great inundations, re-
turn every 19 years, according to the terms of the
cycle of Saros. Since the arrival of the Spaniards
the city has expericnced five great inundations,
viz. in 1553, under the viceroy Don Luis de Ve-
lasco (el Viejo), constable of Castile; in 1580,
under the viceroy Don Martin Enriquez de Ala-
manza ; in 1604, under the viceroy Montesclaros ;
in 1607, under the viceroy Don Luis de Velasco
(el Segundo), Marquis de Salinas ; and in 1629,
under the viceroy Marquis de Ceralvo. ‘This last
inundation is the only one which has taken place
since the opening of the canal of Huchuetoca ; and
we shall see hereafter what were the circumstances
which produced it. Since the year 1629 there
have still been, however, several very alarming
swellings of the waters, but the city was preserved
by the desague. These seven very rainy years
were 1648, 1675, 1707, 1752, 1748, 1772, 1795.
Comparing together the foregoing 11 epochas, we
shall find for the period of the fatal recurrence the
numbers of 27, 24, 3, 26, 19, 27, 32, 25, 16, 24,
and 23; a series which undoubtedly denotes some-
what more regularity than what is observed at Lima
in the return of the great earthquakes.
The situation of the capital of Mexico is so
much the more dangerous, that the difference of
level between the surface of the lake of ‘Tezcuco
and the ground on which the houses are built is
every year diminishing. This ground is a fixed
plane, particularly since all the streets of Mexico
were paved under the government of the Count de
Revillagigedo; but the bed of the lake of 'Tez-
cuco is progressively rising, from the mud brought
down by the small torrents, which is deposited in
the reservoirs into which they flow. ‘To avoid a
similar inconvenience, the Venetians turned from
their Jagunas the Brenta, the Piave, the Livenza,
and other rivers, which formed deposits in them,
If we could rely on the results of a survey exe-
cuted in the 16th century, we should no doubt
find that the plaza mayor of Mexico was formerly
more than 11 decimetres, or 43,3, fect, clevated above
MEXICO.
the level of the lake of Tezcuco, and that the
mean level of the lake varies from year to year,
If, on the one hand, the humidity of the atmo.
sphere and the sources have diminished in the
mountains surrounding the valley, from the dee
struction of the forests; on the other hand, the
cultivation of the land has increased the deposi-
tions and the rapidity of the inundations. Genc-
ral Andrcossi, in his excellent work on the Canal
of Languedoc, has insisted a great deal on these
pauses, which are common to all climates. Wa-
ters which glide over declivities covered with
sward, carry much less of the soil along with them
than those which run over loose soil. Now the
sward, whether formed from gramina, as in Eu-
rope, or small alpine plants, as in Mexico, is only
to be preserved in the shade of a forest. The
shrubs and underwood oppose also powerful ob-
stacles to the melted snow which runs down the
declivities of the mountains. When these decli-
vities are stripped of their vegetation, the streams
are less opposed, and more easily unite with the
torrents which swell the lakes in the neighbour.
hood of Mexico.
It is natural enough, that in the order of hy-
draulical operations undertaken to preserve the
capital from the danger of inundation, the system
of dikes preceded that of evacuating canals or
drains. When the city of ‘Tenochtitlan was in-
undated to such a degree in 1446, that none of the
streets remained dry, Motezuma I. (/Zuehue Mo-
teuczoma), by advice of Nezahualcojotl, king of
'Tezcuco, ordered a dike to be constructed of more
than 12,000 metres in length, and 20 in breadth,
viz. 395,369 by 65.6 fect. This dike, partly
constructed in the lake, consisted of a wall of stones
and clay, supported on each side by a range of
palisadoes, of which considerable remains are yet
to be seen in the plains of San Lazaro. ‘This dike
of Motezuma I. was enlarged and repaired after
the great inundation in 1498, occasioned by the
imprudence of King Ahuitzotl. This prince, as
we have already observed, ordered the abundant
sources of Huitzilopochco to be conducted into the
lake of 'Tezcuco. He forgot that the iake of
Tezcuco, however destitute of water in time of
drought, becomes so much the more dangerous in
the rainy season, as the number of its supplies is
increased. Alhuitzotl ordered 'T'zotzomatzin, citi-
zen of Coyohuacan, to be put to death, because he
had courage enough to predict the danger to which
the new aqueduct of Huitzilopochco would expose
the capital. Shortly afterwards tlhe young Mexi-
can king very narrowly escaped drowning in his]
and that the
year to year,
of the atmo-
inished in the
from the de.
her hand, the
ed the deposi-
“lions. Gene-
on the Canal
deal on these
imates. Wa.
covered with
ong with them
oil. Now the
na, as in Eu-
Texico, is onl
1 forest. The
- powerful ob-
‘uns down the
en these decli-
on, the streams
mite with the
the neighbour.
order of hy-
) preserve the
mn, the system
‘ine canals or
Mitlan was in-
hat none of the
(uchue Mo-
ojotl, king of
ucted of more
0 in breadth,
dike, partly
wall of stones
by a range of
mains are yet
0. ‘This dike
repaired after
ioned by the
is prince, as
the abundant
iake of
ler in time of
dangerous in
ts supplies is
romatzin, citi-
h, because he
nger to which
would expose
young Mexi-
vning in his]
MEXICO. 131
[palace. The water increased with such rapidity,
that the prince was grievously wounded in the
head, while saving himself, by a door which led
from the lower apartments to the street.
The Aztecs had thus constructed the dikes (cal-
zadas) of Tlahua and Mexicaltzingo, and PAlba-
radon, which extends from Iztapalapan to Tepe-
yacac (Guadalupe), and of which the ruins at pre-
sent are still very useful to the city of Mexico.
This system of dikes, which the Spaniards con-
tinued to follow till the commencement of the 17th
century, afforded means of defence, which, if not
quite secure, were at least nearly adequate, at a
period when the inhabitants of Tenochtitlan, sail-
ing in canoes, were more indifferent to the effects of
the more trifling inundations. The abundance of
forests and plantations afforded them great facili-
ties for constructions on piles. The produce of
the floating gardens (chinampas) was adequate to
the wants of a frugal nation. A very small por-
tion of ground fit for cultivation was all that the
people required. The overflow of the lake of
‘Tezcuco was less alarming to men who lived in
houses, many of which could be traversed by
canoes.
When the new city, rebuilt by Hernan Cortes,
experienced the first inundation in 1553, the vice-
roy Velasco I. caused the Albaradon de San La-
zaro to be constructed. ‘This work, executed after
the model of the Indian dikes, suffered a great
deal from the second inundation of 1580. In the
third of 1604 it had to be wholly rebuilt. The
viceroy Montesclaros then added, for the safety of
the capital, the Presa d’Oculma, and the three
calzadas of Nuestra Seiiora de Guadalupe, San
Christobal, and San Antonio Abad.
These great constructions were scarcely finished,
when, from a concurrence of extraordinary cire
cumstances, the capital was again inundated in
1607. 'Two inundations had never before fol-
lowed so closely upon one another ; and the fatal
period of these calamities has never since been di-
vided by a lapse of more than 16 or 17 years.
Tired of constructing dikes (aliaradones) which
the water periodically destroyed, they discovered
at last that it was time to abandon the old hydrau-
lical system of the Indians, and to adopt that of
canals of evacuation, This change appeared so
much the more necessary, as the city inhabited
by the Spaniards had no resemblance in the least
to the capital of the Aztec empire. The lower
part of the houses was now inhabited ; few streets
could be passed through in boats ; and the incon-
veniences and real losses occasioned by the inun-
dations were consequently much greater than what
they had been in the time of Motezuma. }
The extraordinary rise of the river Guautitlan
and its tributary streams being looked upon as the
principal cause of the inundations, the idea natu-
rally occurred of preventing this river from dis-
charging itself into the lake of Zumpango, the
mean level of the surface of which is 7} metres, or
216, feet, higher than the plaza mayor of Mexico.
In a valley circularly surrounded by high moun-
tains, it was only possible to find a vent for the
Rio de Guautitlar, through a subterraneous gal-
lery, or an open canal through these very moun-
tains. In fact, in 1580, at the epoch of the great
inundation, two intelligent men, the Licenciado
Obregon, and the Maestro Arciniega, proposed to
government to have a gallery pierced between the
Cerro de Sincoque and the Loma of Nochistongo.
This was the point which more than any other was
likely to fix the attention of those who had studied
the configuration of the Mexican ground. It was
nearest to the Rio de Guautitlan, justly considered
the most dangerous enemy of the capital. No
where the mountains surrounding the valley are
less elevated, and present a smaller mass than to
the n.n.w. of Huehuetoca, near the hills of No-
chistongo. One would say, on examining atten-
tively the marl soil, of which the horizontal strata
fill a porphyritical defiie, that the valley of 'T'e-
nochtitlan formerly communicated at that place
with the valley of Tula.
In 1607, the Marquis de Salinas, viceroy, em-
ployed Enrico Martinez to carry through the arti-
ficial evacuation of the Mexican lakes. It is ge-
nerally believed in New Spain that this celebrated
engineer, the author of the Desague de Huehue-
toca, was a Datchman or a German. His name
undoubtedly denotes that he was of foreign de-
scent; but he appears, however, to have received
his education in Spain. The king conferred on
him the title of cosmographer ; and there is a trea-
tise of his on trigonometry, printed at Mexico,
which is now become very scarce. Enrico Mars
tinez, Alonso Martinez, Damian Davila, and Juan
de Ysla, made an exact survey of the valley, of
which the accuracy was ascertained by the opes
rations of the learned geometrician Don Joaquim
Velasquez in 1774. ‘Phe royal cesmographer,
Esrico Martinez, presented two plans of canals,
the one to evacuate the three lakes of Tezcuco,
Zumpango, and San Christobal, and the other the
lake of Zumpango alone; and, agreeably to both
projects, the evacuation of the water was to take
place through the subterrancous gallery of Nochis- |
8 2
,
|
i}
132 MEXICO.
[tongo, Propoved in 1580 by Obregon and Arci-
nlega. But the distance of the lakes of Tezcuco
from the mouth of the Rio de Guautitlan being
nearly 32,000 metres, or 104,987 feet, the govern-
ment confined themselves to the canal of Zum-
pango. ‘This canal was so constructed as to re-
ceive at the same time the waters of the lake, and
those of the river of Guautitlan ; and it is conse-
quently not true that the desague projected by
Martinez was negative in its principle, that is to
say, that it merely prevented he Rio de Guautit-
Jan from discharging itself into the lake of Zum-
pango. The branch of the canal which con-
ducted the water from the lake to the gallery was
filled up by depositions of mud, and the desague
was only useful then for the Rio de Guautitlan,
which was turned from its course ; so that when
M. Mier recently undertook the direct evacuation
of the lakes of San Christobal and Zumpango, it
was hardly remembered at Mexico that 188 years
before the same work had already been carried
into execution with respect to the latter of these
great basins.
The famous subterraneous gallery of Nochis-
tongo was commenced on the 28th November
1607. ‘The viceroy, in presence of the audiencia,
applied the first pick-axe: 15,000 Indians were
employed at this work, which was terminated with
extraordinary celerity, because the work was car-
ried on ina number of pits at the same time. The
unfortunate Indians were treated with the greatest
severity. ‘The use of the pick-axe and shovel was
sufficient to pierce such loose and crumbling earth.
After eleven months of continued labour, the gal-
lery (e/ socabon) was completed. Its length was
more than 6600 metres, or 21,653 feet, (1.48 com-
mon leagues, of 25 to the sexagesimal degree, 4443
metres cach); its breadth 8".5, or 11.482 feet ;
and its height 4.2, or 13.779 feet. In the
month of December 1608, the viceroy and arch-
bishop of Mexico were invited by Martinez to re-
pair to Huehuetoca, to sec the water flow trom the
Jake of Zumpango and the Rio de Guautitlan
through the gallery, It actually began to flow
for the first time on the 17th September 1608.
The Marquis de Salinas, the viceroy, according
to Zepeda’s account, entered more than 2000
metres, or G561 feet, on horseback into this sub-
terrancous passage. On the opposite side of the
hill of Nochistongo is the Rio de Moctezuma (or
Tula), which runs into the Rio de Panuco. From
the n. extremity of the socabon, called the Boca
de San Gregorio, Martinez carried on an open
trench for a direct distance of 8600 metres, or
28,214 feet, which conducted the water from the
allery to the small cascade (salto) of the Rio de
‘ula. From this cascade the water has yet to
descend, according to Humboldt’s measurement,
before it reaches the gulf of Mexico, near the bar
of ‘Tampico, nearly 2153 metres, or 7056 feet,
which gives for a length of 323,000 metres, or
1,059,714 feet, a mean fall of G3 metres in the
1000.
A subterraneous passage serving for a canal of
evacuation, of 6600 metres in length, and an aper-
ture of 14.7 square metres in section (correspond-
ing to 158 square feet), finished in less than a
year, is a hydraulical operation which in our times,
even in Europe, would draw the attention of en-
gineers. It is only, in fact, since the end of the
17th century, from the example set by the illus-
trious Francis Andyeossi in the canal of Langue.
doc, that these subterrancous apertures have be-
come common. ‘The canal which joins the
Thames with the Severn, passes near Sapperton,
for a length of more than 4000 metres, or 13,123
feet, through a chain of very elevated mountains,
The great subterraneous canal of Bridgewater,
which, near Worsley, in the neighbourhood of
Manchester, serves for the carriage of coals, has
an extent, including its different ramifications, of
19,200 metres, or 62,991 feet, (or 4; common
leagnes.) The canal o. Picardy, which is at pre-
sent going on, ought, according to the first plan,
to have a subterraneous navigable passage of
13,700 metres, or 45,800 feet, in length; seven
metres, or 26.246 fect, in breadth ; and eight metres,
or 26.965 feet, in height.
Scarcely had a part of the water of the valley of
Mexico began to flow towards the Atlantic ocean,
when Enrico Martinez was) reproached — with
having dug a gallery neither broad nor durable,
nor deep enough to admit the water of the great
swellings. The chief engineer (Maestro del De-
sague) replied, that he had presented several
plans, but that the government had chosen the
remedy of most prompt execution. In fact, the
filtrations and erosions occasioned by the alternate
states of humidity and aridity caused the loose
earth frequently to crumble down. They were
soon compelled to support the roof, which was
ouly composed of alternate strata of inarl anda
still’ clay called tepetate. ‘They made use at first
of wood, by throwing planks across, which rested
on pillars 5) but as resinous wood was not very
plentiful in that part of the valley, Martinez sub-
stituted masonry in its place. ‘This masonry, if
we judge of it from the remains discovered in the}
water from the
) of the Rio de
ter has yet to
measurement,
o, near the bar
or 7056 feet,
}00 metres, or
. metres in the
for a canal of
1, and an aper-
n (correspond-
in less than a
sh in our times,
ittention of en-
the end of the
et by the illus-
al of Langue-
tures have be-
ich joins the
sar Sapperton,
‘tres, or 13,123
ited mountains,
f Bridgewater,
rhibourhood of
¢ of coals, has
amifications, of
yr 43, common
vhich is at pre-
the first plan,
le passage of
length 5 seven
d eight metres,
pf the valley of
Atlantic ocean,
roached — with
1 nor durable,
er of the great
vestro del De-
sented several
ad chosen the
In fact, the
y the alternate
tsed the loose
They were
4, which was
pfoanarl and a
de use at first
Which rested
was not very
Martinez sub-
s masonry, if
overed in the |
[obra del consulado, was very well executed ; but
it was conducted on an erroneous principle. ‘The
engineer, in place of fortifying the gallery from
top to bottom with a complete vault of an ellip-
tical form (as is done in mines whenever a gallery
is cut through loose sand), merely constructed
arches, which had no suflicient foundation to rest
on. ‘The water, to which too great a fall was
iven, gradually undermined the lateral walls, and
deposited an enormous quantity of earth and
gravel in the water-course of the gallery, because
no means were taken to filtrate it, as might have
been effected by making it previously pass, for
example, through reticulations of petate, executed
by the Indians with filaments of the shoots of palm
trees. ‘I'o ubyiate these inconveniences, Martinez
constructed in the gallery at intervals a species of
small sluices, which, in opening rapidly, were to
clear the passage. This means, however, proved
insufficient, and the gallery was stopt up by the
perpetual falling in of earth.
From the year 1608 the Mexican engineers be-
gan to dispute whether it was proper to enlarge
the socabon of Nochistongo, or to finish the wall-
ing, or to make an uncovered aperture by taking
off the upper part of the vault, or to commence a
new gallery farther down, capable of also receiv-
ing, besides the waters of the Rio de Guautitlan,
and the lake of Zumpango, those of the lake of
Tezcuco. ‘The archbishop Don Garcia Guerra, a
Dominican, then viceroy, ordered new surveys to
be nade in 1611 by Alonso de Arias, superinten-
dant of the royal arsenal (armero mayor ), and in-
spector of fortifications (maestro mayor de fortifi-
caciones), a man of probity, who then enjoyed
great reputation. Arias seemed to approve of the
operations of Martinez, but the viceroy could not
fix on any definitive resolution. ‘The court of
Madrid, wearied out with these disputes of the en-
gineers, sent to Mexico in 1614 Adrian Boot, a
Dutchman, whose knowledge of hydraulic archi+
tecture is extolled in the memoirs of those times
preserved in the archives of the viccroyalty. This
stranger recommended to Philip LIL. by his am-
bassador at the court of France, held forth again
in favour of the Indian system; and he advised
the construction of great dikes and well protected
mounds of earth around the capital. He was un-
able, however, to bring about the entire relinquish.
ment of the gallery of Nochistongo till the year
1623, A new viceroy, the Marquis de Guelves,
had recenily arrived at Mexico ; and he had con=
sequently never witnessed the inundations pro-
dluced by the overflow of the river of Guaatitlan.
He had the temerity, bowever, to order Martinez
MEXICO. 133
to stop up the subterrancous passage, and make
the water of Zumpango and San Christobal return
to the lake of Tezcuco, that he might sec if the
danger was, in fact, so great as it had been repre-
sented to him. This last lake swelled in an ex-
traordinary manner; and the orders were recalled.
Martinez recommenced his operations in the. gal-
lery, which be continued till the 20th June (though,
according to some manuscript memoirs, the 20th
September) 1629, when an event occurred, the
true causes of which have ever remained secret.
The rains had been very abundant; and the
engineer stopt up the subterrancous passage. The
city of Mexico was in the morning inundated to
the height of a metre, or 31 fect. The plaza
mayor, La Plaza del Volador, and the suburb of
Tlatelolco, alone remained dry. Boats went up
and down the other streets. Martinez was com-
mitted to prison. It was pretended that he had
shut up the gallery to give the incredulous a
manifest and negative proof of the utility of his
work; but the engineer declared, that seeing the
mass of water was too considerable to be received
into his narrow gallery, he preferred exposing the
capital to the temporary danger of an inundation,
to seeing destroyed in one day, by the impetuosity
of the water, the labours of so many years. Cone
trary to every expectation, Mexico remained ine
undated for five years, from 1629 to 1634. (Se«
veral memoirs, however, state that the inundation
only lasted till 1631, but that it broke out afresh
towards the end of the year 1683.) Be this as it
may, the streets were passed in boats, as had been
done before the conquest in the old ‘Tenochtitlan.
Wooden bridges were constructed along the sides
of the houses for the convenience of foot passens
gers.
In this interval four different projects were pre-
sented and discussed by the Marquis de Ceralyo,
the viceroy. An inhabitant of Valladolid, Simon
Mendez, affirmed in a memoir, that the ground of
the valley of Tenochtitlan rose considerably on
the n. w. side towards Huchuetoca and the hill
of Nochistongo; that the point where Martinez
had opened the chain of mountains which circue
larly shuts in the valley corresponds to the mean
level of the inmost elevated lake (Zumpango), and
not to the level of the lowest (Tezeuco): and that
the ground of the valley falis considerably to the
”. of the village of Carpio, e. from the fakes of
Zumpango and San Christobal. Mendez pro-
posed to draw off the water of the lake of 'Vezcuca
by a gallery which should pass between Xaltocan
and Santa Lucia, and open into the brook (arroyo)
of Pequisquiac, which, as has been alicady ob-}
134
[served, falls into the Rio de Moctezuma or Tula.
Mendez began this desague, projected at the lowest
point; and four pits of ventilation (/umbreras)
were already completed, when the government,
perpetually irresolute and vacillating, abandoned
the undertaking as being too long and too expen-
sive. Another desiccation of the valley was pro-
jected in 165) by Antonio Roman and Juan Al-
varez de Toledo, at an intermediate point, by the
lake of San Christobal, the waters of which were
proposed to be conducted to the ravine (barranca)
of Huiputztla, 7. of the village of San Mateo, and
four leagues w. fron the small town of Pachuca.
The viceroy and audiencia paid as little attention
to this project as to another of the mayor of Ocul-
ma, Christobal de Padilla, who, having discovered
three perpendicular caverns, or natural gulfs (40-
Re dlagl even in the interior of the small town of
culma, wished to avail himself of these holes for
drawing off the water of the lakes. ‘The small
river of Teotihuacan is lost in these boquerones.
Padilla proposed to turn also the water of the lake
of 'Tezcuco into them, by bringing it to Oculma
through the farm of 'Tezquititlan.
This idea of availing themselves of the natural
eaverns formed in the strata of porous amygdaloid
gave rise to an analogous and equally gigantic pro-
ject, in the head of Francisco Calderon the Jesuit.
This monk pretended that at the bottom of the lake
of 'Tezcuco, near the Pefiol de los Bajos, there
was a hole (sumiderd), which, on being enlarged,
would swallow up all the water. He endeavoured
to support this assertion by the testimony of the
most intelligent Indians, and by old Indian maps.
The viceroy commissioned the prelates of all the
religious orders to examine this project. The
monks and Jesuit kept sounding in vain for three
months, from September till December 1635; but
no sumiderd was ever found, though, even yet,
many Indians believe as firmly in its existence as
Father Calderon. Whatever geological opinion
may be formed of the volcanic or neptunian origin
of the porous amygdaloid (blasiger Mandelstein)
of the valley of Mexico, it is very improbable that
this prc Mematical rock contains hollows of dimen-
sion enou,,. to receive the water of the lake of
Tezcuco, which even in time of drought ought to
be estimated at inore than 251,700,000 cubic
metres. It is only in secondary strata of gypsum,
as in Thuringia, where we can sometimes venture
to conduct inconsiderable masses of water into na-
tural caverns (gypsschlotien), where galleries of
discharge opened fram the interior of a mine of
coppery schistus are allowed to terminate, without
any concern about the ulterior direction taken by
2
MEXICO.
the waters which impede the metallic operations,
But how is it possible to employ this local measure
in the case of a great hydraulical operation ?
During the inundation of Mexico, which lasted
five successive years, the wretchedness of the lower
orders was singularly increased. Commerce was
at a stand, many houses tumbled down, and others
were rendcred uninhabitable. In these unfor-
tunate times the Archbishop Francisco Manzo y
Zuniga distinguished himself by his beneficence,
He went about daily in his canoe distributing
bread among the poor. ‘The court of Madrid
ave orders a second time to transfer the city
into the plains between Tacuba and Tacubaya ;
but the magistracy (cabi/do) represented that the
value of the edifices (fincas) which, in 1607,
amounted to 150,000,000 of livres, now amounted
to more than 200,000,000, or 8,334,000/. sterling.
In the midst of these calamities the viceroy ordered
the image of the Holy Virgin of Guadalupe to be
brought to Mexico. The waters, as we have be-
fore observed, retired in 1634, when from very
strong and very frequent earthquakes the ground
of the valley opened, a phenomenon whieh was
imputed in no small degree to the protecting in-
fluence of the Virgin.
The Marquis de Ceralvo, viceroy, set the en-
gineer Martinez at liberty. He constructed the
calzada (dike) of San Christobal, such nearly as
we now see it. Sluices (compertuas) admit the
communication of the lake of San Christobal with
the lake of Tezcuco, of which the level is generally
from 50 to 32 decimetres, or from 118 to 125
inches, lower. Martinez had already begun, in
1609, to convert a small part of the subterrancous
gallery of Nochistongo into an open trench. After
the inundation in 1634, he was ordered to abandon
this work as too tedious and expensive, and to
finish the desague by enlarging his old gallery.
The produce of a particular impost on the con-
suinption of commodities (derecho de sisas) was
destined by the Marquis de Salinas for the ex-
pences of the hydraulical operations of Martinez.
The Marquis de Cadereyta increased the revenues
of the desague by a new imposition of 25 piastres
on the importation of every pipe of Spanish wine.
These duties still subsist, though but a small part
of them is applied to the desague, In the begin-
ning of the 18th century the court destined the half
of tlie excise on wines to keep up the great fortifi-
cations of the castle of San Juan d’Ulua. Since
1779 the chest of the hydraulical operations of the
valley of Mexico does not draw more than five
frances of the duties levied on each barrel of wine
from Europe imported at Vera Cruz. ]
ic operations,
local measure
ration?
, which lasted
ss of the lower
‘ommerce was
yn, and others
these unfor-
isco Manzo y
s beneficence,
e distributing
rt of Madrid
isfer the city
1d Tacubaya ;
nted that the
ich, in 1607,
now amounted
000/. sterling.
iceroy ordered
uadalupe to be
s we have be-
en from very
es the ground
ion which was
protecting in-
y, set the en-
onstructed the
such nearly as
as) admit the
Christobal with
el is generally
m 118 to 125
udy begun, in
subterrancous
trench. After
ed to abandon
ensive, and to
s old gallery.
t on the con-
de sisas) was
s for the ex-
s of Martinez.
1 the revenues
of 25 piastres
Spanish wine.
nt a small part
In the begin-
btined the half
e great fortifi-
PUlua. Since
rations of the
ore than five
barrel of wine
‘J
MEXI1CO. 135
[The operations of the desague wore carried on
with very little energy from 1634 to 1637, when
the Marquis de Villena (Duke d’Escalona), vice-
roy, gave the charge of it to Father Luis Flores,
commissary general of the order of St, Francis.
The activity of this monk is much extolled, under
whose administration the system of desiccation was
changed for the third time. 1t was definitively
resolved to abandon the gallery (socabon), to take
off the top of the vault, and to make an immense
cut through the mountain (ajo abierto), of which
the old subterrancous passage was merely to be the
water-course.
The monks of St. Francis contrived to retain
the direction of hydraulical operations, It was so
much the easier for them to do this, as at that
epocha, (viz. from 9th June 1641, to 15th Decem-
ber 1673), the viceroyalty was almost consecu-
tively in the hands of Palafox, a bishop of Puebla,
Torres, a bishop of Yucatan, a Count de Baios,
who ended his brilliant career by becoming a bare-
feoted Carmelite, and Enriquez de Ribera, a monk
of St. Augustin, archbishop of Mexico. Wearied
with the monastical ignorance and delay, a
Jawyer, the fiscal Martin de Solis, obtained from
the court of Madrid, in 1675, the administration
of the desague. We undertook to finish the cut
through the chain of the mountains intwo months ;
and his undertaking succeeded so well, that 80
years were hardly sufficient to repair the mischief
which he did ina few days. The fiscal, by ad-
vice of the engineer I'rancisco Posuelo de Espinosa,
caused more earth to be thrown at one time into
the water-course than the shock of the water could
carry along. ‘The passage was stopt up. 1n 1760,
remains of what had fallen in by the imprudence
of Solis were still perceptible. The Count de
Monclova, viceroy, very justly thought that the
tardiness of the monks of St. Francis was still pre-
ferable to the rash activity of the jurisconsult.
Father #r. Manuel Cabrera was reinstated in
1687 in his place of superintendant (seperintend-
ente de la real obra del desague de Huchuetoca).
He took his revenge of the fiscal, by publishing a
book which bears the strange title of ‘Truth
cleared up and impostures put to flight, by which
a powerful and envenomed pen endeavoured to
prove, in an absurd report, that the work of the
desague was completed in 1675.” ( Verdad acla-
rada y desvanecidas imposturas, con que lo ardiente
i envencnado de una pluma poderosa en esta Nueva
Espana, en un dictamen mal instruido, quisd per-
suadir averse acabado y perfeccionao el aito de
1675, la fabrica del Real Desague de Mexico. )
The subterraneous passage had been opened and
walled in a few years. It required two centuries
to complete the open cut ina loose earth, and in
sections of from S0 to 100 metres, or from 262 to
398 feet in breadth, and from 40 to 50, or from
131 to 164 feet, in perpendicular depth, The
work was neglected in years of drought; but it
was renewed with extraordinary energy for a few
months after any great swelling or any overflow of
the river of Guautitlan. The inundation with
which the capital was threatened in 1747 induced
the Count de Guemes to think of the desague.
But a new delay took place till 1762, when after
a very rainy winter there were strong appearances
of inundation, ‘There were still at the 2. extre-
mity of the subterraneous opening of Martinez
2310 Mexican varas, viz. 1938 metres, or 6356
feet, which had never been converted into an open
trench (tajo abierto.) This gallery being too nar-
row, it frequently happened that the waters of the
valley had not a free passage towards the Salto de
Tula,
At length, in 1767, under the administration of
a Flemish viceroy, the Marquis de Croix, the body
of merchants of Mexico, forming the tribunal of
the consulado of the capital, undertook to finish
the desague, provided they were allowed to levy
the duties of sisa and the duty on wine, as an ine
demnification for their advances. The work was
estimated by the engineers at 6,000,000 of francs,
or 250,020/. sterling. ‘The consulado executed it
at an expence of 4,000,000 of francs, or 166,680/.
sterling; but in place of completing it in five
years (as had been stipulated), and in place of
giving a breadth of eight metres, or 26} feet, to
the water-course, the canal was only completed in
1789 of the old breadth of the gallery of Martinez,
Since that period they have been incessantly en-
deavouring to improve the work by enlarging the
cut, and especially by rendering the slope more
gentle. However, the canal is yet far from being
in such a state that fallings in are no more to be
apprehended, which are so much the more dan-
gerous as lateral crosions increase in the proportion
of the obstacles which impede the course of the
water. ;
On studying in the archives of Mexico the his-
tory of the bydraulical operations of Nochistongo,
we perceive a continual irresolution on the pert of
the governors, and a fluctuation of ideas, calculated
to increase the danger instead of removing it. We
find visits made by the viceroy, accompanied by
the audiencia and canons; papers drawn up by
the fiscal and other lawyers; advices given by the
monks of St. Francis ;_ an active impetuosity every
15 or 20 years, when the lakes threatened an over-}
136
[flow; and a tardiness and culpable indifference
whenever the danger was past. ‘T'wenty-five mil-
lions of livres, or 1,041,750/. sterling, were ex-
pended, because they never had courage to follow
the same plan, and because they kept hesitating
for two centuries between the Indian system of
dikes and that of canals, between the subterrancous
gallery, (socabon), and the open cut through the
mountain (¢qjo abierto.) 'The gallery of Martinez
was suffered to be choked up, because a large
and deeper one was wished; and the cut (ajo) of
Nochistongo was neglected to be finished, while
they were disputing about the project of a canal of
‘Tezcuco, which was never executed.
The desague in its actual state is undoubtedly
one of the most gigantic hydraulical operations
ever executed by man. We look upon it witha
species of admiration, particularly when we con-
sider the nature of the ground, and the enormous
breadth, depth, and length of the aperture. If
this cut were filled with water to the depth of 10
metres, or 32.8 feet, the largest vessels of war could
pass through the range of mountains which bound
the plain of Mexico to the x. e. ‘The admiration
which this work inspires is mingled, however, with
the most afflicting ideas. We call to mind at the
sight of the cut of Nochistongo the number of In-
dians who perished there, either from the igno-
rance of the engineers, or the excess of the fatigues
to which they were exposed in ages of barbarity
and cruelty. Weexamine if such slow and costly
means were necessary to carry off from a valley
inclosed in on all sides so inconsiderable a mass of
water; and we regret that so much collective
strength was not employed in some greater and
more useful object ; in opening, for example, not a
canal, but a passage through some isthmus which
impedes navigation.
The project of Henry Martinez was wisely con-
ceived, and executed with astonishing rapidity.
The nature of the ground and the form of the val-
ley necessarily prescribed such a subterraneous
opening. ‘The problem would have been resolved
in a complete and durable manner, 1. If the gal-
lery had been commenced in a iower point, that is
to say, corresponding to the level of the inferior
lake ; and, 2. If this gallery had been pierced in
an elliptical form, and wholly protected by a solid
wall equally elliptically vaulted. ‘The subterra-
neous passage executed by Martinez contained
only 15 square metres, or 161 square feet, in section,
as we have already observed. ‘To judge of the di-
mensions necessary for a gallery of this nature, we
must know exactly the mass of water carried along
by the river of Guautitlan and the lake of Zum-
MEXICO.
pango at their greatest rise. Humboldt could find
no estimation in the memoirs drawn up by Zepeda,
Cabrera, Velasquez, and by M, Castera. But
from the researches which he himself made on the
spot, in the part of the cut of the mountain (e/ corte
o tajo) called La Obra del Consulado, it appeared
to him that at the period of the ordinary rains the
waters afford a section of from eight to ten square
metres, or from 86 to 1074 square feet, and that
this quantity increases in the extraordinary swell-
ings of the river Guautitlan to 30 or 40 square
metres, or from 3923 to 4504 square feet. The
Indians assured him, that in this last case, the water-
course which forms the bottom of the ¢ajo is filled
to such a degree, that the ruins of the old vault of
Martinez are completely concealed under water.
Had the engineers found great difficulties in the
execution of an elliptical gallery of more than from
fourto five metres, or from 13 to 16 teet, in breadth,
ii would haye been better to have supported the
vault by a pillar in the centre, or to have opened
two galleries at once, than to have made an open
trench, ‘These trenches are only advantageous
when the hills are of a small elevation and small
breadth, and when they contain strata less subject
to falling down. ‘To passa volume of water of a
section in general of eight metres, or §6 square fect,
and sometimes from 15 to 20 square metres, or
from 161 to 215 square feet, it has been judged
expedient to open a trench, of which the section
for considerable distances is from 1800 to 3000
square metres, or from 19,365 to 32,275 square feet.
In its present state the canal of derivation
(desague) of Huehuetoca, according to the mea-
surements of M. Velasquez, in his ‘* Informe y
exposicion de las operaciones hechas para exami-
nar la possibilidad del desague general de la la-
gunade Mexico y otros fines a el conducientes,
1774, (manuscript memoir, folio 5,),” contains,
From thesluice of Vertiderosto Mex.varas. Metres.
the bridge of Huehuetoca - 4870 or 4087
From the bridge of Huehuetoca
to the sluice of Santa Maria 2660 2232
T'rom the Compuerta de Santa
Maria to the sluice of Valderas 1400 1175
Irom the Compuerta de Valderas
to La Boveda Real - - 3290 §= 2761
From La Boveda Real to the re-
mains of the old subterraneous
gallery called Techo basso 650 39545
From Techo Basso to the gallery
of the viceroys - - 1270 =: 1066
_ Carry over - 14,140 11,866
Milt ag! find
up by Zepeda,
Casiera, P But
f made on the
intain (e/ corte
0, it appeared
inary rains the
to ten square
feet, and that
rdinary swell-
or AO square
ire feet. The
ase, the water-
c tajo is filled
e old vault of
under water.
cultics in the
lore than from
et, in breadth,
supported the
have opened
nade an open
advantageous
tion and small
ta less subject
of water of a
<6 square feet,
re metres, or
been judged
h the section
1800 to 3000
/5 square feet.
pf derivation
to the mea-
‘6 Informe y
para examie
ral de la la-
conducientes,
” contains,
.varas. Metres.
A870 or 4087
R660 2932
400 1175
5290 2761
650 545
270 1066
140 11,866
MEXICO. 137
(Mex.varas, Metres,
Brought over - 14,140 11,866
From the Cafion de los Vireyes to
La Bocca de San Gregorio 610 512
From the Bocca de San Gregorio
to the demolished sluice - 1400-1175
From La Presa Demolida to the
cascade bridge —- - 7950 = 6671
From La Puente del Salto to the
cascade itself (Salto del Rio de
Tula) - . . - 430 361
Length of the canal from
Vertideros to the Salto 24,530 or 20,585
equal to 67,535 feet,
In this length of 43 common leagues, the chain
of the hills of Nochistongo (to thee. of the Cerro
de Sincoque), constituting a fourth part of it, has
been cut to an extraordinary depth. At the point
where the ridge is highest near the old well of Don
Juan Garcia, for more than a length of 800
metres, or 2624 feet, the cut in the mountains is
from 45 to 60 metres, or from 147 to 196 feet, in
perpendicular depth. From the one side to the
other, the breadth at top is from 85 to 110 metres,
or from 278 to 360 fect. ‘To have a clearer idea
of the enormous breadth of this trench in the Obra
del Consulado, we have only to recollect that the
breadth of the Seine at Paris is at Port Bonaparte
102 metres, (334 English feet), at Pont-Royal 136
metres, (446 feet), and at the Pont d’Austerlitz,
near the botanical garden, 175 metres, (574 feet).
The depth of the above cut is from 30 to 50 metres,
or from 98 to 131 feet, fora length of more than 3500
metres, or 11,482 feet. ‘The water-course is gene-
rally only from three to four metres, or from 9.84
to 13.1 feet, in breadth ; but ina great part of the
desague the breadth of the cut is by no means in
proportion to its depth, so that the sides in place
of having a slope of 40° or 50° are much too rapid,
and are perpetually falling in. It is in the Obra
del Consulado where we principally see the enor-
mous accumulations of moveable earth which na-
ture has deposited on the porphyries of the valley
of Mexico. Humboldt reckoned, in descending
the stair of the viceroys, 25 strata of hardened clay,
with as many alternate strata of marl, containing
fibrous calcareous balis of a cellular surface. It
was in digging the trench of the desazue that he
discovered some elephant bones, mentioned in his
© Recueil des Observutions de Avvlogie et d’ Anato-
mie comparée.”’
On both sides of the cut we see considerable
hills formed of the rubbish, which are gradually
beginning to be covered with vegetation. The
VOL. JU
extraction of the rubbish having been an infinitely
laborious and tedious operation, the method of
Enrico Martinez was at last resorted to. They
raised the level of the water by small sluices, so
that the force of the current carried along the
rubbish thrown into the water-course. During
this operation, from 20 to 30 Indians have some-
times perished at a time. Cords were fastened
round them, by which they were kept susp nded
in the current for the sake of collecting the rubbish
into the middle of it; and it frequently happened
that the impetuosity of the stream dashed them
against detached masses of rock, which crushed
them to death.
We have already observed that from the year
1643, the branch of Martinez’s canal, directed to-
wards the lake of Zumpango, had filled up, and
that by that means (to use the expression of the
Mexican engineers of the present day) the desague
had become simply negative ; that is to say, it pre-
vented the river of Guautitlan to discharge itself
into the lake. At the period of the great rises
the disadvantages resulting from this state of things
were sensibly felt in the city of Mexico. ‘The Rio
de Guautitlan, in overflowing, poured part of its
water into the basin of Zumpango, which, swelled
by the additional confluents of San Mateo and
Pachuca, formed a junction with the lake of San
Christobal. It would have been very expensive
to enlarge the bed of the Rio de Guautitlan, to cut
its sinuosities, and rec.ify its course; and even
this remedy would nei have wholly removed the
danger of inundation ‘The very wise resolution
was therefore adopte4, at the end of the last cen-
tury, under the direction of Don Cosme de Mier
y ‘Trespalacios, superintendant-general of the de-
sague, of opening two canals to conduct the water
from the lakes of Zumpango and San Christobal
to the cut in the mountain at Nochistongo. The
first. of these canals was begun in 1796, and the
second in 1798. ‘The one is $900 metres, or
29,298 feet, and the other 13,000 metres, or
42,650 fect, inlength. ‘The canal of San Chris-
tobal joins that of Zumpango to the s. e. of Hue-
huctoca, at 5000 metres, or 16,404 feet, distance
from its entry into the desague of Martinez. ‘These
two works cost more than 1,000,000 of livres, on
Al,6701. sterling, ‘They are water-courses, ig
which the level of the water is from eight to 19
metres, or from 26 to 39 feet, lower than the
neighbouring ground; and they have the same
detects on a small scale with the great trench of
Nochistongo. Their slopes are much too rapid ;
in several places they are almost perpendicular.
Hence the loose earth falls so frequently in, that it |
v
SR eRe eee
vm ere
=
> omer
naatiinm
—
a ee, ~—
i wit
.
ui
“Rt
gee
SE en eT
—
138
[requires from 16,000 to 90,000 francs, equal to
from 6662, to 833/, sterling, annually to keep
these two canals of M. Mier in a proper condition.
When the viceroys go to inspect (hacer la visita)
the desague (a two days journey, which formerly
brought them in a present of 3000 double piastres,
or 6567, sterling), they embarked near their palace
from the s. bank of the lake of San Christobal, and
went even farther than Huchuetoca by water, a
distance of seven common leagues. ‘The above
Palacio de los Vireyes, from which there is a
magnificent view of the lake of Tezcuco, and the
volcano of Popocatepec, covered with eternal
snow, bears more resemblance to a great farm-
house than to a palace.
It appears from a manuscript memoir of Don
Ignacio Castera, present inspector (maestro mayor)
of hydraulical operations in the valley of Mexico,
that the desague cost, including the repairs of the
dikes (albaradones), between 1607 and 1789, the
sun of 5,547,670 double piastres. 1f we add to
this enormous sum from 6 to 700,000 piastres ex-
pended in the 15 following years, we shall find
that the whole of these operations (the cut through
the mountains of Nochistongo, the dikes, and the
two canals from the upper lakes) have not cost
less than 31,1.00,000 of livres, or 1,291,7702. ster-
ling. ‘The c ‘timate of the expence of the canal
Du Midi, of + hich the length is 258,648 metres,
or 782,966 feet, (notwithstanding the construction
of 62 locks, and the magnificent reservoir of St.
Ferreol) was only 4,897,000 francs, or 204,057/.
sterling; but it has cost from. 1686 to 1791 the
sum of 22,999,000 of francs, or 958,368/. ster-
ling, to keep this canal in order, (Andreossi,
Histoire du Canal du Midi, p. 289.)
Resuming what we have been stating relative to
the hydraulical operations carried on in the plains
of Mexico, we sce that the safety of the capital
actually depends, 1,On the stone dikes which
prevent the water of the lake of Zumpango from
flowing over into the lake of San Christobal, and
San Christobal from flowing into the lake of 'Tez-
cuco; 2. On the dikes and sluices of Tlahuac and
Mexicaltzingo, which prevent the lakes of Chalco
and Xochimilco from overflowing ; 3. On thede-
sague of Enrico Martinez, by which the Rio de
Guautitlan makes its way through the mountains
into the valley of Tula; and, 4. On the two
canals of M. Mier, by which the two lakes of
Zumpango and San Christobal may be thrown
dry at pleasure.
However, all these multiplied means do not
secure the capital against inundations proceeding
from the x. and n. w. Notwithstanding all the
MEXICO.
expence which has been laid out, the city will
continue exposed to very great risks till a canal
shall be immediately opened from the lake of 'Tez-
cuco, The waters of this lake may rise, without
those of San Christobal bursting the dike which
confines them. The great inundation of Mexico
under the reign of Ahuitzotl was solely occasioned
by frequent rains, and the overflowing of the most
s. lakes, Chalco and Xochimilco. The water
rose to five or six metres, or 16 and 19 feet, above
the level of the streets. In 1763, and the begin-
ning of 1764, the capital was from a similar cause
in the greatest danger. Inundated in every quar.
ter, it formed an island for several months, with-
outa single drop from the Rio de Guautitlan en.
tering the lake of Tezcuco. ‘This overtlow was
merely occasioned by small confluents from the
e. w. and s, Water was every where seen to
spring up, undoubtedly from the hydrostatical
pression which it experienced in filtration in the
surrounding mountains. On the 6th of Septem-
ber 1772, there fell so sudden and abundant a
shower in the valley of Mexico, that it had all the
Ahora of a water spout, (manga de agua.)
ortunately, however, this phenomenon took place
only inthe 2. and 2, w. part of the valley.. The
canal of Huehuctoca was then productive of the
most beneficial effects, though a great portion of
greune between San Christobal, Ecatepec, San
fateo, Santa Iiies, and Guautitlan, were inun-
dated to such a degree that many edifices became
entire ruins. If this deluge had burst above the
basin of the lake of Tezcuco, the capital would
have been exposed to the most imminent danger.
These circumstances, and several others which we
have already adverted to, sufticiently prove how
indispensable a duty it becomes for the govern.
ment to take in hand the draining the lakes which
are nearest to the city of Mexico. This necessity
is daily increasing, because the bottoms of the ba-
sins of Tezcuco and Chalco are continually be-
coming more elevated, from the depositions which
they receive.
In fact, while Humboldt was at Huehuetoca in
the month of January 1804, the viceroy Iturri-
garay gave orders for the construction of che canal
of Tezcuco, formerly projected by Martinez, and
more recently surveyed by Velasquez. ‘This canal,
the estimate of the expence of which amounts to
3,000,000 of livres tournois, or 125,010/. sterling,
is to commence at the n. w. extremity of the lake
of Tezcuco, in a point situated at a distance of
4593 metres, or 15,067 feet, s. 36° e. from the first
sluice of the Calzada de San Christobal. It isto pass,
first, through the great arid plain containing the |
t, the city will
isks till a canal
the lake of 'Tez-
M rise, without
he dike which
uion of Mexico
ely occasioned
ing of the most
0. The water
d 19 feet, above
and the begin.
a similar cause
in every quar-
| months, with.
Guautitlan ene
is overtlow was
uents from the
where secn to
e hydrostatical
filtration in the
ith of Septem.
nd abundant a
at it had all the
anga de agua.)
enon took place
evalley.. The
ductive of the
reat portion of
Ecatepec, San
an, were inun-
difices became
rst above the
capital would
inent danger.
hers which we
itly prove how
br the govern.
he Inkes which
This necessity
oms of the ba-
tontinually be-
ositions which
uehuetoca in
iceroy Iturri-
n of che canal
Martinez, and
z. ‘This canal,
h amounts to
0102. sterling,
ity of the lake
a distance of
from the first
I. Itisto pass,
pntaining the |
MEXICO. 139
{insulated mountains of Las Cruces de Ecatepec
and Chiconautla, and it will then take the direc-
tion of the farm of Santa Iiies towards the canal of
Huebuetoca; the former of those summits, ac-
cording to the geodesical measurements of M. Ve-
lasquez, being 404, and the latter 378 Mexican
varas (339 and 317 metres) above the mean level
of the lake of Tezcuco, Its total length to the
sluice of Vertideros will be 37,978 Mexican
varas, (viz. 31,901 metres, or 104,660 feet) ; but
what will render the execution of this plan the
most expensive, is the necessity of deepening the
course of the old desague all the way from Verti-
deros to beyond the Boveda Real; the first of
these two points being 9".078 above, and the
second 9" ,181, (viz. 357.108 inches, and 361.464
inches), lower than the mean level of the lake of
‘ezcuco. ‘lo complete the description of this
great hydraulical undertaking, we shall here insert
the principal results of M. Velazquez’s survey.
These results, on correcting the error of the re-
fraction, and reducing the apparent to the true
level, coincide well enough with those obtained by
Enrico Martinez and Arias in the commencement
of the 17th century ; butthey prove the erroncous-
ness of the surveys executed in 1764 by Don
Hldefonso Yniesta, according to which the drain-
ing of the lake of Tezcuco appeared a much more
difficult problem to resolve than it is in realty.
We shall designate by + the points which are
more elevated, and by — the points which are less
elevated than the mean level of the water of Tez-
cuco, in 1773 and 1774, or the signal placed
near its bank, at the distance of 5475 Mexican
varas, s. 36° e. from the first sluice of the Calzada
de San Christobal.
The channel of the Rio — varas. Paimes, Dedos. Granos.
de Guautitlan near the
sluice of Vertideros + 10.3. 2
The channel of the de- ;
sague under the port
of Huchuctoca = +
Jd. near the sluice of
Santa Maria - + 4
Id. below the sluice of
Valderas - = + @ 1... g
The channel of the de-
sague below the Bo-
. 3
@
°
©
in
veda Real - — 10.83. 9.8
Id. below the Bovedade
Techo Baxo - — 15.0. 6.1
Id. below the Bocca de
SanGregorio - — 93.1.411. 2
Id. above the Salto del
Rio . . — 90
The channel of the de- Varas. Palmos, Dedos. Granos.
sague below the Salto
delRio + - —107.2. 9.0
It is to be observed, that the vara is divided into
four palmos, 48 dedos, and 192 granos; that a
toise is equal to 2.32258 Mexican varas, and that
a Mexican vara is .839i169 metres, according to
the experiments made on a vara preserved in the
Casa del Cabildo of Mexico since the time of King
Philip IT.
Thus then a toise being equivalent to 2.59958
Mexican varas, a vara being equal to .839169
of a metre, 2.52258 varas correspond to 1,949
metres = 6.394 English feet = | toise.
But, to return to the plan of the canal, the dis-
tance from the aforesaid points, Vertederos to bee
yond the Boveda Real, is almost 10,200 metres
(33,464 feet English.) ‘io avoid deepening the
bed of the present desague for a still more consi-
derable length, it is proposed to give to the new
canal a fall of only O".2 in 1000 metres. ‘The
plan of the engineer Martinez was rejected in 1607,
purely because it was supposed that a current
ought to havea fall of half'a metre in the hundred,
Alonso de Arias then proved on the authority of
Vitruvius (L. VIII. C. 7.), that to convey the
water of the lake of 'Tezcuco into the Rio de ‘Tula
a prodigious depth would be requisite for the new
canal, and that even at the foot of the cascade
near the Hacienda del Salto, the level of its water
would be 200 metres, or 656 fect, below the river.
Martinez could not stand against the power of
prejudices and the authority ofthe ancients!
When we take into consideration the expence
of the excavations required in the Rio del De-
sague, from the sluice of Vertideros or that of Val-
deras to the Boveda Real, we are tempted to be-
lieve that it would be, perhaps, easier to secure
the capital from the dangers with which it is still
threatened by the lake of Tezcuco, by recurring
to the project attempted to be carried into execu-
tion by Simon Mendez during the great inunda-
tion from 1629 to 1634. M. Velasquez examined
this project in 1774, Afiersurveying the ground,
that geometrician affirmed that 28 pits of ventila-
tion, and a subterrancous gallery of 13,000 metres,
or 42,650 feet, in length, for bringing the water
of ‘Tezcuco across the mountain of Citaltepec to-
wards the river of ‘Tequixquiac, could be sooncr
finished, and at less expence, than the enlarging
the bed of the desague, deepening it for a course
of more than 9000 metres, or 29,597 feet, and
cutting a canal from the lake of ‘Vezcuco to the
sluice of Vertideros near Huchuetoca. Humboldt
was present at the consultations which took place]
r2
140
fin 1804, before deciding that the water of ‘T'ez-
cuco should pass through the old cut of Nochis-
tongo. ‘The advantages and disadvantages of
Mendez’s project were never discussed in these
conferences,
It is to be hoped that in digging the new canal
of ‘Tezeuco more attention will be paid Ao the si-
tuation of the Indians than has hitherto been done,
even so late as 1796 and 17Y8, when the courses
of Zumpango and San Christobal were executed,
The Indians entertain the most bitter hatred against
the desague of [uchuetoca, A hydraulical opera-
tion is looked upon by them in the light of a
pare calamity, not only because a gryeat num-
er of individuals have perished by unfortunate
accidents in Martinez’s operations, but especially
because they were compelled to labour to the ne-
glect of their own domestic affairs, so that they fell
intothe greatest indigence while the desiccation
was going on. Many thousands of Indian labour-
ers have been almost constantly occupied in the
desague for two centuries; and it may be consi-
dered as a principal cause of the poverty of the
Indians in the valley of Mexico. The great hu-
midity to which they were exposed in the trench
of Nochistongo gave rise to the most fatal maladies
among them. Only a very few years ago the
Indians were cruclly bound with ropes, and forced
to work like galley slaves, even when sick, till they
expired on the spot. From an abuse of law, and
especially from an abuse of the principles intro-
duced since the organization of intendancies, the
work at the desague of Huchuetoca is looked upon
as an extraordinary corvée. It is a personal ser-
vice cxigible from the Indian, a remain of the
mita, which we should not expect in a country
where the working of the mines is perfectly volun-
tary, and where the Indian enjoys more personal
liberty than in the 2. e. part of Europe. ‘The In-
dian is paid at the desague at the rate of two reals
ot plata, or 25 sous per day (=ls. Ofd.) In
Martinez’s time, in the 17th century, the Indians
were only paid at the rate of five reals or three
francs per week (=2s. 6d.), but they also re-
ceived a certain quantity of maize for their main-
tenance,
Amongst other proofs of the light in which these
hydraulical operations were considered, there are
numerous testimonies contained in the Informe de
Zepeda, Inevery passage of it we read, ‘ that
the desague has diminished the population and
prosperity ofthe Indians, and that such or such a
hydraulical project dare not be carried into execu-
tion, because the engineers have no longer so great
a number of labourers at their disposal as in the
5)
MEXICO.
time of the viceroy Don Luis de Velasco II."
It is consoling, however, to observe, as we have
elsewhere endeavoured to explain, that this pro-
gressive depopulation has only taken place in the
central part of the old Anahuac, and ought there-
fore by no means to be considered general,
In all the hydraulical operations of the valley of
Mexico, water has been always regarded as an
enemy, against which it was necessary to be dee
fended either by dikes or drains, We have already
proved that this mode of proceeding, especially
the European method of artificial desiccation, has
destroyed the germ of fertility in a great part of
the plain of Tenochtitlan, Efflorescences of cars
bonate of soda (tequesqui(e) have increased in pro-
portion as the masses of running water have dimi-
nished, Tine savannas have gradually assumed
the appearance of arid steppes. For great spaces
the soil of the valley appears merely a crust of
hardened clay (tepetate), destitute of vegetation,
and cracked by contact with the air. It would
have been easy, however, to profit by the natural
advantages of the ground, in applying the same
canals fur the drawing of water from the lakes for
watering of the arid plains, and for interior naviga-
tion. Large basins of water ranged as it were in
stages above one another facilitate the execution
of canals of irrigation. ‘To the s.e. of Huehue-
toca are three sluices, cal'-4 Los Vertideros, which
are opened when the R’ — + Guautitlan is wished
to be discharged into t ‘ of Zumpango, and
the Rio del Desague to -. wirown dry for the sake
of cleaning or deepening the course. ‘The channel
of the old mouth of the Rio de Guautitlan, that
which existed in 1607, having become gradually
obliterated, a new canal has been cut from Ver
tideros to the lake of Zumpango. In place of
continually drawing the water from this lake, and
from San Chiristobal, out of the valley towards
the Atlantic ocean, in the interval of 18 or 20
years, during which no extraordinary rise takes
place, the water of the desague might have been
distributed to the great advantage of agriculture in
the lower parts of the valley. Reservoirs of water
might have been constructed for seasons of drought.
It was thought preferable, however, blindly to fol-
low the order issued from Madrid, which bears,
¢ that not a drop of water ought to enter into the
lake of ‘Tezcuco from the lake of San Christobal,
unless once a year, when the sluices (Las Compuer-
tas de la Calzada) are opened for the sake of fish-
ing in the basin of San Christobal.” This fishing
isa grand rural festival for the inhabitants of the
capital. The Indians construct huts on the banks
of the lake of San Christobal, which is thrown]
: Velasco II.”
e, as we have
, that this pro.
en place in the
1d ought there.
rencral,
of the valley of
egarded as an
ssary to be dee
‘ehave already
ng, especially
esiccation, has
, great part of
cences of cars
creased in pro-
er have dimi-
ually assumed
tr great spaces
‘ly a crust of
of vegetation,
air, Jt would
by the natural
ying the same
m the lakes for
ntcrior naviga-
d as it were in
the execution
. of Huehue-
tideros, which
tlan is wished
umpango, and
ry for the sake
The channel
uautitlan, that
ame gradually
ut from Vere
{n place of
this lake, and
alley towards
| of 18 or 20
ry rise takes
rht have been
agriculture in
tvoirs of water
ns of drought.
blindly to fol-
which bears,
enter info the
n Christobal,
Las Compuer-
: sake of fish-
This fishing
bitants of the
on the banks
h is thrown |
MEXICO, 14)
falmost dry during the fishing. This bears some
resemblance to the fishing which Herodotus re-
lates the Egyptians carried on twice a year in
the lake Mocris, on opening the sluices of irri-
gation,
The trade of the Indians of Tezcuco languishes
for whole months from the want of water in the
salt lake which separates them from the capital ;
and districts of ground lie below the mean level of
the water of Guautitlan and of the vn. lakes; and
yet no idea has ever been entertained for ages of
supplying the wants of agriculture and interior
navigation. From a remote period there was a
small canal (sanju) from the lake of ‘Tezcuco to
the lake of San Christobal. A lock of four
metres, or 13 feet, of fall would have admitted
canoes from the capital to the latter of these lakes ;
and the canals of M. Mier would have even con-
ducted them to the village of Huehuetoca. In this
manner a communication would have been esta-
blished from the s. bank of the lake of Chalco to
the n. bounds of the valley, for an extent of more
than 80,000 metres, or 262,468 fet. Men of the
best information, animated witli: the noblest pa-
triotic zeal, have had the courage to propose these
measures, (M. Velasquez, for example, at the end
of his Informe sobre el Desague, MS.); but the
government, by rejecting the best conceived pro-
jects for such a length of time, seems to be resolved
to consider the water of the Mexican lakes merely
as a destructive clement, from which the environs
of the capital must be freed, and to which no other
course ought to be permitted than that towards the
Atlantic ocean.
Now that the canal of Tezcuco, by order of the
viceroy Don Josef de Iturrigary, is to be opened,
there will remain no obstacle to a free navigation
through the large and beautiful valley of ‘Tenoch-
titlan. Corn and the other productions of the
districts of Tula and Guautitlan will come by water
to the capital. ‘The carriage of a mule load,
estimated at 300 pounds weight, costs from Hue-
huetoca to Mexico five reals, or 3s.4d. It is com-
puted that when the navigation will be set on foot,
the freight of an Indian canoe of 15,000 pounds
burden will not be more than four or five piastres,
or 1, 1s, 10d. sterling ; so that the carriage of
300 pounds (which make a carga) will only cost
nine sous, or 44d. Mexico, for example, will get
lime at six or seven piastres, or 1/, 10s. 7d. the
cart load (carretada), while the present price is
from 10 to 12 piastres, or from 2/. 39, 9d. to 2/.
12s. 6d.
But the most beneficial effect of a navigable
canal from Chalco to Huehuetoca will be expe-
rienced in the commerce of the interior of Nueva
Espaiia, known by the name of Comercio de
‘Tierra Adentro, which goes in a straight line from
the capital to Durango, Chibuhua, and Sante Fé,
in New Mexico, Huehuetoca may hereafler be-
come the emporium of this important trade, in
which from 50 to 60,000 beasts of burden (requas)
are constantly employed, ‘The muleteers (arte.
ros) ot New Biscay and Santa Fé fear nothing so
much in the whole road of 500 leagues as the
journey from Huchuetoca to Mexico, ‘The roads
in the 7. w. part of the valley, where the basaltic
amygdaloid is covered with a large stratum of clay,
are almost impassable in the rainy season. Many
mules perish in them. ‘lhose which stand out
cannot recover from their fatigues in the environs
of the capital, where there is no good pasturage
and no large commons (evidos), which Huchue-
toca would easily supply. It is only by remain-
ing some length of time in countries where all
commerce is carried on by caravans, cither of ca-
mels or mules, that we can correctly appreciate the
influence of the objects under discussion on the
prosperisy and comfort of the inhabitants.
The lakes situated in the s. part of the valley of
Tenochtitlan throw off from their surface mias-
mata of sulphuretted hydrogen, which become
sensible in the streets of Mexico every time the s.
wind blows. ‘This wind is theretore considered
in the country as extremely unhealthy. ‘The Aztecs
in their hieroglyphical writing represented it by a
death’s head. Mhe lake of Xochimilco is partly
filled with plants of the family of the junci and cype-
roides, which vegetate atasmall depth under a
of stagnating water. It has been recently proposed
to the government to cut a navigable canal in a
straight line from the small town of Chalco to
Mexico, a canal which would be shorter by a
third than the present one ; and it has at the same
time been projected to drain the basins of the lakes
of Xochimilco and Chalco, and sell the ground,
which from having been for centuries washed with
fresh water is uncommonly fertile. The centre of
the lake of Chalco being somewhat deeper than the
lake of Tezcuco, its water will never be completely
drawn off. Agriculture and the salubrity of the
air will be equally improved by the execution of
M. Castera’s project ; for the s, extremity of the
valley possesses in general the soil best adapted for
cultivation. ‘The carbonate and muriate of soda
are less abundant, from the continual filtrations oc-
casioned by the numerous rills which descend from
the Cerro d’Axusco, the Guarda, and the volca-}
Ul
42
[nocs. It must not, however, be forgotten that the
draining of the two lakes will have a tendency to
increase still farther the dryness of the atmosphere
ina valley where the hygrometer of Deluc fre-
quently descends to 15. This evil is inevitable,
if no attempt is made to connect these hydraulical
operations with some general system; the multi-
plying at the same time canals of irrigation, form-
Ing reservoirs of water for times of draught, and
constcucting sluices for the sake of counteracting
tl. different pressures of the inequality of levels,
and for receiving and withholding the increases of
the rivers. ‘These reservoirs of water distributed
at suitable clevations might be employed at the
same time in cleaning and working periodically
the streets of the capital,
In the epocha of a nascent civilization, gigantic
projects are much more seductive than more sim-
ple ideas of easier execution. ‘Thus, in place of
establishing a system of small canals for the in-
terior navigation of the valley, the minds of the
inhabitants have been bewildered since the time of
the viceroy Count Revillagigedo with vague spe-
culations on the possibility of a communication by
water between the capital and the port of ‘Tam-
pico. Seeing the water of the lakes descend by
the mountains of Nochistongo into the Rio de
Tula (called also Rio de Moctezuma), and by the
Rio de Panuco into the gulf of Mexico, they en-
tertain the hope of opening the same route to the
commerce of Vera Cruz. Goods to the value of
more than 100,000,000 of livres, or 4,167,000/.
sterling, are annually transported on mules from
the Atlantic coast over the interior table-land,
while the flour, hides, and metals descend from
the central table-land to Vera Cruz. The capital
is the emporium of this immense commerce. ‘The
road, which, if no canal is attempted, is to be
carried from the coast to Perote, will cost several
millions of piastres, Hitherto the air of the port
of ‘Tampico has appeared not so prejudicial to the
health of Europeans and the inhabitants of the cold
regions of Mexico as the climate of Vera Cruz.
Although the bar of Tampico prevents the entry
of vessels into the port drawing more than from
45 to 60 decimetres, or from 144 feet to 19 feet 8
inches, water, it would still be preferable to the
dangerous anchorage among the shallows of Vera
Cruz. From these circumstances a navigation from
the capital to Tampico would be desirable, what-
ever expence might be requisite for the execution
of so bold an undertaking.
But it is not the expence which is to be feared
ina country where a private individual, the Count
MEXICO.
de la Valenciana, dug in a single mine, near Gua-
naxuato, three pits atan expence of 8,500,000 of
francs, or 354,195/. sterling. Nor can we deny
the possibility of carrying a canal into execution
from the valley of ‘Tenochtitlan to ‘Tampico, In
the present state of hydraulical architecture, boats
may be made to pass over elevated chains of moua-
tains, wherever nature offers points of separation
which communicate with two principal recipients,
Many of these points have been indicated by
General Andreossi in the Vosges and other parts
of France (Andreossi sur le Canal du Midi). M.
de Piony made a calculation of the time that a
oat would take to pass the Alps, if by means of
the lakes situated near the hospital of mount Cenis
a communication were established by water be-
tween Lans-le-bourg and the valley of Suze. ‘This
illustrious engineer proved by his calculation how
auch, in that particular case, land carriage was
\o be preferred to the tediousness of locks, The
inclined planes, invented by Reynolds, and car-
vied to perfection by Fulton, and the locks of MM.
Huddleston and Betancourt, two conceptions
equally applicable to the system of small canals,
have greatly multiplied the means of navigation in
mountainous countries. But however great the
economy of water and time at which we can arrive,
there is a certain maximum of height, in the pre-
dominant point, beyond which water is no longer
preferable to land carriage. ‘The water of the
lake of Tezcuco, e. from the capital of Mexico,
is more than 2276 metres, or 7465 feet, elevated
above the level of the sea, near the port of ‘Tam-
pico! ‘Two hundred locks would be requisite to
carry boats to so enormous a height. If on the
Mexican canal the levels were to be distributed,
as.inthe canal du Midi, the highest point of which
(at Naurouse) has only a perpendicular clevation
of 189 metres, or 620 tect, the number of locks
would amount to S30 or 340. We know nothing
of the bed of the Rio de Moctezuma beyond the
valley of Tula (the ancient ‘Tollan); and we are
ignorant of its partial fall from the vicinity of
Zimapan and the Doctor. It is observed, how-
ever, that in the great rivers of S. America ca-
noes ascend without locks for distances of 180
leagues, against the current, either by towing or
rowing, to elevations of 500 metres, or 984 feet ;
but notwithstanding this analogy, and that of the
great works executed in Europe, we can hardly
persuade ourselves that a navigable canal from the
dain of Anahuac to the Atlantic coast is a hydrau-
if sal work, the execution of which is anywise ad-
visable. |
ine, near Gua-
f 8,500,000 of
can we deny
into execution
‘Tampico, In
jitecture, boats
hains of moun-
s of separation
ipal recipients.
1 indicated by
nd other parts
du Midi), M.
he time that a
if by means of
of mount Cenis
| by water be-
yot Suze. This
calculation how
id carriage was
of locks. The
volds, and cars
he locks of MM.
vo conceptions
of small canals,
of navigation in
wever great the
h we can arrive,
ght, in the pre-
ter is no longer
re water of the
ital of Mexico,
DD feet, elevated
e port of ‘Tam-
Kt be requisite to
cht. If on the
be distributed,
t point of which
icular clevation
umber of locks
re know nothing
uma beyond the
in); and we are
the vicinity of
observed, howe
s. America ca-
istances of 180
ar by towing or
bs, or OSé feet ;
and that of the
we can hardly
e canal from the
bast is a hydrau-
b is anywise ad-
MEXICO. 143
(The following are the remarkable cities and
towns of the intendancy of Mexico.
Mexico, the capital of the kingdom of New
Spain, height 2277 metres, or 7470 fect, population
137,000 ;
‘ "'Tezcuco, Zacatula,
Taoubaya, Lerma,
Cuyoacan, Tolaca,
Tacuba, Pachuca,
Cuernavaca, Cadercita, :
Chilpansingo, San Juan del Rio,
Tasco, Queretaro.
Acapulco,
The most important mines of this intendancy,
considering them only in the relation of their pre-
sent wealth, are:
La Veta Biscaina de Real del Monte, Near
Pachuca; Zimapan, El Doctor, and Tehulilote-
pec, near ‘Tasco.
Cuapr. IT,
Recent mediation between Spain and her colonies,
being concise particulars of the secret sittings
of the Cortes on that subject.
tT isah vy known that the commissioners ap-
pointed to go out to Spanish America to mediate
between them and the mother country, have re-
turned to England without proceeding to fulfil the
objects of their intended mission. The reason was
the obstinate refusal of the Cortes to give thera the
powers wiich were necessary to success ; for they
would not consent to include Mexico in the com-
mission, or-permit them to go thither at all. It
had been considered to be in vain to proceed to
the execution of the trust under these circum
stances; and the measure was abandoned. Such
is still the conduct of the Cortes ; and we lament
to say they came to this decision after the arrival
of the Duke de l’Infantado at Cadiz. But thet a
more correct opinion may be formed of this me-
diation ; and that a more specific idea may be*had
of the grounds on which England has entered on
this business, we have collected the following con-
cise particulars of the secret sittings in the Cortes,
in which the mediation was discussed.
On the proposals made by the British govern-
ment for the ground-work of their interference, be-
ing laid before the Cortes, a committee was by
them chosen to take cognizance of the affair, and
report thereon, ‘The persons named were Messrs.
Morales Gallego, Gutierrez de la Huerta, Navarro,
Cea, Alcour, Mexia, and Jauregui. The tour
first Europeans, and the other three Americans.
The votes of the committee were equal; that is,
three were of opinion that the mediation ought to
he accepted, and three that it ought tobe rejected,
the remaining vote, which was that of Cea, being
withheld, and not given on either side.
On the 10th of July 1812, secret sittings were
held in the Cortes on this question, when the report
of the committee was read, afier which Senor
Villa Gomez proposed the reading of the opinion
of the regency. Senor Morales Gallego answered,
that the opinion of the regency was expressed in
the answers of the ministers of foreign relations to
the notes of the English ambassador, and that he
proposed the reading of the whole correspondence
that had passed between both parties since the af-
fair was first agitated.
Senor Asnarez was of opinion, that the council
of state ought to be consulted on this affair, to
which Senor Arguelles objected, by saying, that
the council of state being recently installed, was
not in any manner informed thereon, as it had
been in agitation for more than a year, adding,
that notwithstanding the regency, in conformity
to the constitution, might listen to the opinion of
the council of state, the Cortes were not under any
such obligation, much less, when the members
thereof (Cortes) were better informed on the affair,
from having had it before them since its commence-
ment, The president then observed, that as it was
then too late to read the whole of the aforesaid cor.
respondence, it might be done next day in the sit-
tings which were to commence at 12 o'clock pre-
cisely.
Sitting of the Nth July 1819.
In the secret sittings of this day, which lasted
from 12 till two and a quarter p. 7t.--the greatest
part of the said notes from the English ambas-
sador, and the answers of the minister of foreign
relations, were read.
Sitting of the 12th.
The sitting of this day commenced at 11 0’clock,
and the reading of the remaining part of the said
correspondence was concluded ; which done, a
profound silence ensued for some time in the
Cortes, which was broken by Senor Arguelles
(European), who observed, that in an affair of such
importance to the nation, he had resolved to give
hie pinion in writing, when he read a paper con-
tainin> the same, the purport of which was, to
shew the state of the revolution in America, the
conduct which had been observed by the Spanish
government, in employing pacific measures and
conciliatory means to regain the ill-affected pro-
vinces; the conduct observed by the English go-
vernment in receiving the rebels, and in holding
correspondence with them; and lastly, he argued
that the nature of the revolution in New Spain was |
i i
{
|
|
i
|
a
144
jentitaly different from those of the other points of
merica; after which statements, he concluded,
that English mediation ought not to be extended
to the said kingdom of Mexico.
Senor Mexia (American) retorted by observing,
that the causes of the revolutions in America, in their
beginning, had been a wish for the removal of the
authorities which governcd therein despotically, and
were inclined to deliver them up to the French ;
for which reason the inhabitants considered it ne-
cessary to establish local governments under the
dependence of Ferdinand VII. which just and ne-
cessary measure of precaution on the part of the
Americans alarmed the Spanish government, who,
considering it as an act of rebellion, in concert
with the mercantile junta of Cadiz, declared war
against Caracas; which violence, together with
other acts of a similar nature, had progressively
continued to exasperate the minds of the Ameri-
cans, driving at length some sections to the ex-
treme of declaring their independence ; and that
the Spanish government, as far as it had been able,
had used nothing but force against America, even
resorting to the impolitical measure of availing
themselves of the Portuguese against Buenos
Ayres; that in New Spain the acts of violence
used by the military chiefs against the revolu-
tionary parties were notorious; that their com-
plaints were yei unheard ; and that they had been
assassinated in the very act of parleying under a
flag of truce. In short, he supported with most
solid reasons the opinion of the Americans of the
committee, in which state of the argument the pre-
sident closed the sitting.
Sitting of the 13th.
At 12 this day the secret sitting commenced,
when Senor Villa Gomez (European) rose and ob-
served, that New Spain was not a dissentient pro-
vince, even in the opitjon of the English; because
Captain Flemming had exhorted some of the pro-
vinces of S. America to follow the example of
Mexico in sending their deputies to the Cortes.
Senor Vegas (European) read a sound discourse,
in which he retorts against the report of the Euro-
pean members of the committec, as well as the al-
legations of Senor Arguclles, concluding by de-
manding that the opinion of the three American
members should be followed. (Reference is here
made to a certain singular correspondence which
Captain Flemming addressed to the government of
Chile, in which, in the name of his government,
he opposes the establishment of the new govern-
ments in those regions; which officious interference
has been the cause of so much animosity to the
English. The date of this memorable correspond-
MEXICO.
ence is 27th July, 2d August, and 3d October,
811.)
Senor Gutiernez de ia Huerta (European) en-
deavoured to sustain the opinion he had given as a
member of the committee, in a heated and decla-
matory style. Amongst other things he said, that
in an English club it had been asserted, that the
felicity of the English nation depended on the in-
dependence of Spanish America. He treated the
views of the English in the mediation in a most
mysterious manner, giving to understand that this
nation was interested in the disturbances of Ame-
rica. Senor Ribera (European) answered him
with great warmth, and clearly demonstrated
the futility of his arguments. ‘The sitting then
ended.
Sitting of the 1Ath.
This secret sitting commenced by the reading of
an address of Vigodet, governor of Monte Video,
in which he observed, that notwithstanding his re-
peated remonstrances, the Spanish government did
not aid him with the necessary succours, and that
if 4000 men at least were not sent out to him, he
could not answer for the holding out of the for-
tress, which it would be necessary either to deliver
up to the Portuguese, or to the insurgents, In
consequence of which, Senor Mexia (American)
observed, that the passage just read proved the
certainty of what he had already stated in the
Cortes ; that is, that a great number of European
troops were necessary to pacify the different sec-
tions of America; that it was not ag ephemeral
or partial movement, but a general and well-orga-
nized rising on the part of the natives; and that as
it was impossible for the peninsula to send sjich
forces in the present situation of things, there re-
sulted the absolute necessity of acceding to the
proposed mediation on the part of the British.
Senor Ramos Arispe (American) answered and
denied that part of Senor Arguelles’ speech, in
whi&h he asserted, that since the mediation was
first agitated in the Cortes, the regency had ab-
stained from taking active and hostile measures to
subject the provinces of America; adding, that
the Cortes had not hindered the regency from em-
ploying the means in its power to preserve the
union of the American provinces; that this au-
thority had never been considered as belonging to
the Cortes, but to the executive power; and
finally, that the Cortes, by virtue of a proposition
made by Senor Del Moute, and approved, had
urged the regency to send troops to quell the re-
volutions, ‘The said Senor Ramos Arispe then
proceeded to shew the necessity of English media-
tion in the kingdom of Mexico, founding his argu- |
ind 3d October,
(European) en-
e had given asa
ated and decla-
igs he said, that
sserted, that the
nded on the in-
He treated the
iation in a most
rstand that this
bances of Ame-
answered him
y demonstrated
he sitting then
y the reading of
f Monte Video,
standing his re-
government did
cours, and that
out to him, he
out of the for-
either to deliver
insurgents, In
cia (American)
ead proved the
stated in the
2r of European
e different sec-
, ay ephemeral
cand well-orga-
es ; and that as
1 to send spich
ings, there re-
eceding to the
he British,
) answered and
les’ speech, in
mediation was
egency had ab-
ile measures to
; adding, that
rency from em-
0 preserve the
; that this au-
as belonging to
2 power; and
f a proposition
approved, had
o quell the re-
os Arispe then
English media-
ding his argue |
MEXICO. 145
ment on the fact of the co -nted authorities in
that country having openly et sed to treat with
the insurgents, violating in this ywanner every prin-
ciple of reason, equity, and prudence; that up
o the present time, neither the Cortes, the re-
gency, nor any one else, had sufficient knowledge
of the causes and motives of the revolutions of
America; and that it was not contrary to the de-
corum of the Spanish nation to treat with the in-
surgents, in order to accord with them, and scttle
matters, in like manner as Charles II]. had capi-
tulated with the insurgents of Madrid, and as the
Cortes themselves had treated with the people of
Cadiz on the 25th October 1811, when the latter,
in opposition to the sovereignty of the nation and
the inviolability of a deputy of the Cortes, de-
manded the head of Senor Valiente, contrary to
every sentiment of justice.
Senor Golfin (European) remarked, that there
was a deviation from the subject in question, for
the point in agitation was, whether the Cortes
ought, or ought not, to take cognizance of the
matter? El Senor Conde de Torieno (European)
endeavoured to support that part of the discourse
of Senor Arguelles which had been answered by
Senor Ramos de Arispe, by saying, that the views
of the English iv pretending the mediation for
Mexico were too well known; that the notes of the
English ambassador manifested that in fact there
was a wish to acknowledge the independence of
the American provinces, and make of them states
federated with the peninsula, which was not only
contrary to the constitution, but also to the treaty
made with England, who had contracted to sup-
port the integrity of the Spanish monarchy. The
sitting then ended.
Si(ting of the 15th.
In the secret sitting of this day, Senor Alcocer
(American) rose and said, that the mediation affair
exclusively belonged to the Cortes, in conformity
to several articles of the constitution, which he
quoted ; that of consequence it was there that it
ought to be discussed, whether or not the same
was to be extended to Mexico? He proved, b
the most solid arguments, that it was not only ad-
visable, but even absolutely necessary, to adopt
the proposed plan of mediation; that without it
there remained not even the most distant hope of
tranquillizing those provinces; and that besides
the Spanish government was exposed to incur the
displeasure of the British, which might be ate
tended with the most fatal consequences ; that
every possible measure ought to be adopted to
spare the effusion of blood ; that the means of ree
conciliation aught to be preferred to force and ri-
VOL. Ill. :
gour, even when the latter measures had the ap-
pearance of better answering the end proposed ;
that, in short, Spain was not able to oppose to the
insurgents a force capable of reducing them, be:
cause the insurrection every day became greater
and more general, as well in numbers as from the
increasing discipline of the troops which sustain
the cause; ending his discourse by addressing him-
self to the feelings of the Cortes, in favour of the
American provinces.
Senor Garcia Herreros (European) observed,
that he was surprised to hear the American depu-
ties speak so strongly in favour of the bandittis of
New Spain, and that they should forget those who
remained there faithful to the Spanish govern-
ment; that the blood of the Europeans and other
faithful subjects spilt by the insurgents, ought to
be more interesting to the Cortes than that of the
latter. He asserted, at the same time, that the in-
surrection hid ‘considerably increased in consc-
quence of the means of rigour not having been
sufficiently resorted to; but that with regard to
the proposed mediation, the views of the English
were sinister, as they had been proved in ihe last
sitting by Ll Senor Torreno; that every thing
possibly might be settled by means of a coniuicrs
cial treaty with the English, the only object they
had in view; that in the last note of the English
ambassador he observed, that the latter ungene-
rously reproached Spain with the succours which
the British had expended, rather for their own in-
terest, in order to sustain the war against the com-
mon enemy of Europe; and that Spain would
still, at all times, be grateful for these services,
and would recompence them with liberality, even
more than the ambition of the English could ex-
pect. ‘The sitting then closed.
Sitting of the 16th.
In the secret sitting of this day, El Senor Mo-
rales (European) observed, that the question of
mediation belonged exclusively to the regency,
and not to the Cortes, Senor Perez (American)
read a long speech, contradicting what had been
alleged by the American deputies. He confessed
that the insurgents in New Spain had a form of
government, or junta; but in order to turn the
same into ridicule, he read a decree which, he
said, was issued by the same junta, giving power
to a curate to dispense in a case of a marriage,
He added, that the insurgents had been heard,
which he proved by a private letter from Mexico,
mentioning, that the bishop of La Puebla had sent
two curates to treat with Rayon, and that they
had returned without having been able to do any
thing ; that it was false that pacific measures had }
u
146 MEXICO.
{not been adopted towards the insurgents; for the
sail bishop had published a pastoral letter, in
which he offered pardon to all those who should
return to the obedience of the mother country.
He ended by observing, that he was of opinion
that the mediation of the English ought not to be
accepted ; that what the Cortes had to do was to
strengthen the regency by placing at its head a
royal personage, and that, in the mean time, all
possible troops ought to be sent out in order to
act offensively and defensively against the insur-
ents.
Senor Jauregui (American) read a discourse, in
which he asserted, that since he had heard the opi-
nion of the minister of foreign relations, in a mect-
ing of the committee to which he was called, no
doubt had been left on his mind of the necessity of
the mediation in the kingdom of Mexico, not only
because the government was unacquainted with the
forces the insurgents had there collected, and the
progress they were likely to make hereafter, but
because it was of importance to the whole nation
to have their allies impressed with favourable sen-
timents, and not to give them any cause of com-
plaint, as this might be injurious to the general
cause.
Senor Lespergues (American) read a discourse
proving the necessity of the mediation.
Finally, Senor Felice (American) also read an
eloquent discourse in favour of the mediation.
The question being then declared to be suffi-
ciently discussed, a small altercation took place re-
specting which of the two reports ought to be pro-
posed for voting, when it was resolved, that the
vote was first to be taken on the report of the three
European members of the committee, which ap-
proved the refusal of the regency to adopt the
mediation.
‘The question being then put to the vote, it re-
sulted that this proposal was approved by 101
votes against 46, Of the first, two only were
Americans, viz. Senor Perez and Senor Maniau,
both from New Spain; the rest were all Euro-
peans; of the minority, six were Europeans, and
the remaining 40 all Americans. Thus terminated
the famous mediation affair, which would appear
to seal the independence of Spanish America,
Amongst all the disturbances which have shaken
the power of Spain in her Transatlantic possessions,
that of Mexico is the most interesting, as well
trom its importance in being the head seat of the
deputed government, as from the deeply stained
traces of bloodshed) which have, even at this
early period, marked its career. It were impossi-
ble to give au adequate idea of the causes which
Y
have led to these revolutions, without an impar-
tial retrospect of events relating alike to S. Ame-
rica and to the mother country. Similar causes
of disccitent appear to have operated in Mexico,
Caracas, and Buenos Ayres, in short in the whole
S. American possessions ; but the effects have ne-
cessarily varied according to circumstances, which
will, in their proper places, be treated of with a
minuter attention. ‘The former part, therefore, of
the facts we are about to communicate, may be
considered as attaching, in a great measure, to the
whole of the Spanish colonies, whilst the latter
contain specific accounts of the revolution ot
Mexico alone.
Cuap. Ill.
Account of the present revolution.
Tre population of the Spanish colonies may be
considered as divided into five classes; Ist, Spa-
niards born in Old Spain ; .2dly, The descendants
of Europeans, without any mixture of African or
Indian blood, called Creoles ; 3dly, The different
races of Mulattoes and Mestizoes, or the issue of
the crossings of the European, Indian, and African
blood ; 4thly, The Indians or Aborigines; 5thly,
The imported African slaves. The first two classes,
from their political importance, chiefly deserve
our attention.
What the old Spaniards are, when transplanted
to their American colonies, or what peculiar turn
their national character takes in that particular
situation, would not be a difficult point for conjec-
ture, even if we were deprived of facts and obser-
servations. Prejudices are strong in proportion to
their range, and evidently derive activity from the
numbers which adopt them. Family prejudices
are more tenacious than those of individuals, and
national prejudices exceed both, in violence anc
duration. ‘Those, especially, which are grounded
on pretensions to superiority over a particuiar set
or nation, are so early imbibed by all classes of the
state, so indissolubly blended with every individual
feeling, that their conjoint or national effects are
astonishing, even when culture has scarcely left any
visible traces of them in the common intercourse
of life.
We may conceive what the national prejudices
of the Spaniards, with respect to their colonies,
now are, from the manner in which their ancestors
took possession of them, and the authority which
the descendants of those conquerors have enjoyed
there during four centuries. ‘The Spanish adven-
turers who flocked to America, immediately atter
the discovory of those countries, considered theia
in the light of'a wilderness occupied merely by four,
an impar-
to S. Ame-
ilar causes
in Mexico,
n the whole
sts have ne-
nces, which
el of with a
therefore, of
ite, may be
sure, to the
st the latier
volution of
lion.
nies may be
3 Ist, Spa-
descendants
f African or
Che different
[and two footed game, of which they might dis-
pose at their pleasure. ‘The avowed and infinite
cruelties which they committed withuut the least
feeling of remorse, would demonstrate, if other
proofs were wanting, the general opinion which
prevailed for some time among them, of the irra-
tionality of the Indians, F
It will be easily conceived that the overbearing
pride of the first conquerors, swelled with the
destruction or submission of the Indians, was trans-
mitted in full force to the adventurers whom the
thirst of go'd, and the desire of living freely at an
immense distance from the seat of government,
allured to those fertile regions. ‘Those whose
haughty and turbulent character was scarcely to
be curbed by the authority of a powerful sovereign,
must have exerted a dreadful sway over the con-
quered Indians. Every Spaniard thought himself
a sovereign from the moment that he set his foot
on the shores of America; and the kings of Spain
would have soon lost their newly acquired domi-
nions, but for the uncontroulable pride of the adven-
MEXICO. 147
which considered the Creoles as inferior to their
own countrymen. With respect to the town
corporations, nothing could be more insignificant.
‘The seats were, for the most part, filled up by the
court of Spain; several were the property of
particular families, and all of them were considered
as empty honours, with which the timid ambition
of some wealthy Creoles might be amused,
The viceroy was, in fact, as absolute as the
monarch whom he represented ; and, although by
law responsible for his conduct to the council of
Indies resideat at Madrid, on the expiration of
his commission, the same laws declared that the
viceroy was to be obeyed as the king in person.
It would be needless to expatiate upon the futility
of such responsibily. ‘The hope of redress is but
a feeble consolation for actual oppression, even
when the redresser is at hand, Let those, then, who
are not biind to every abuse of power, and know
how easily it is made the instrument of oppression
when not checked by some effective restraint,
consider what sort of government the Spanish
‘the issue of
and African
‘ines; 5thly,
t two classes,
efly deserve
turers, which operated as a check on their mutual colonists must have enjoyed, under nine European
ambition. Spaniards, who had nothing to dread but an
The first generation of Creoles, though born examination of their conduct at 2000 leagues dis-
upon the soil of America, naturally considered tance from the theatre of their injustice.
themselves as true Spaniards, since they could ‘The consequences of this system were sufficiently
boast no other title to the superiority which they apparent. Prosperity and its foundation, security,
claimed over the natives; and it is probable that were only to be found in interest and favour. The
many years elapsed before any degree of national crowds of flatterers who thronged the palace of the
aes
os
SEER ERE
a ae
transplanted
yeculiar turn
t particular
nt for conjec-
ts and obser-
roportion to
vity from the
ly prejudices
viduals, anc
Violence anid
re grounded
articuiar set
classes of the
ry individual
al effects are
rcely left any
n intercourse
al prejudices
eir colonies,
reir ancestors
iority which
lave enjoyed
anish adven-
diately atter
sidered thera
prely by four |
interest was felt by those new natives of the
American continent. But when they began to
multiply, and the ties of parentage between them
and the European Spaniards were successively
weakened ; when, in the course of centuries, the
natural connections which arise from a native soil,
made the Creoles consider themselves as a people,
seeds of jealousy against the mother country sprung
up, the growth of which nothing could check but
a system of equity and moderation, seldom, if
ever, observed by any government with respect to
colonies or conquered countries : by none less than
the despotic and tyrannical court of Madrid.
The government of the Spanish colonies was
entirely confided to the hands of viceroys and
captains-general, who had under them several
military governors and intendants; the admins-
tration of justice being committed to the audiencias
or tribunals, which resided in the capitals, and
were presided over by the respective viceroys and
captains-general, ‘Lhe people, though nominally
represented by the cabildos, or town corporations,
had, in fact, no check upen the authority of their
governors, ‘The members of the audiencias were
old Spaniards, and partook of the haughty spirit
Spanish monarch fell infinitely short of those which
surrounded the viceroy of Mexico. His secretary
was generally the favourite, the mediator through
whom petitions reached the idol; and the grants
descended to those who could enforce them with
the most suitable offerings. Dreadful as the cor-
ruption of the late court of Madrid was, it must
have appeared pure and exemplary when compar-
ed with the venality of the viceroyal courts of
Spanish America, ‘That honourable exceptions
are to be found among the Spanish viceroys, we
are far from bringing into question; but how
crucliy must that people be oppressed, whose
moments of happiness are to be counted by excep-
tions !
Oppression can never bear equally upon all
classes, and especially when the community is
divided into casts, as in Spanish America, With-
out speaking of those which are constitutionally
degraded, as the Indians and Mestizoes, we shall
merely point out the effect which the unlimited
powers of the Spanish governors naturally pro-
duced on that numerous and powerful class, the
Spanish Creoles. We shall not enter into a sepa-
rate discussion about the state ot opinion among
u2
ee ae
ty
eR —aae ee Ae
ON ER, RTI ae EY Sy er ee, eae pe aR a ed an
——
j
i
;
148
[the Indians, for this poor degraded race have none
atall. But we do not pretend to say that this state
of mental degradation renders them insignificant
in the present contest. On the contrary, we reckon
them « most powerful tool. Their number, in
Spanish America, is about 7,000,000, which forms
more than one half the population of the country.
Enjoying very little or no property, they are ready
to follow any leaders who will conduct them to war
against the Spaniards.
Those who are thoroughly acquainted with the
character and circumstances of the two rival parties,
the old Spaniards and Creoles, in Spanish America,
will rather feel inclined to wonder at the extraor-
dinary forbearance of the latter, than at the war
which they are now waging against the former.
Let it be considered that the number of Spaniards
in the colonies, bears no proportion to the Creole
population ; that these Creoles, being the descen-
dants of Spanish merchants, enjoy considerable
wealth, and an education far superior to that of
which their fathers could boast; while, on the
other hand, very few of their rivals have the least
title, from birth, education, or any other circum-
stance, to that superiority which they claim.
Exclusively of those who are employed in the
higher situations of government, the Spaniards
who resort to the colonies to acquire a fortune,
are, with few exceptions, a low, plodding set of
people, who would never have risen from the hum-
blest situations had they remained in the peninsula,
and who generally commence their operations in
America in the same way. Biscay, Asturias,
Galicia, and Catalonia, have constantly sent out
swarms of adventurers, among whom, those who
expected to begin their career behind a counter
in one of the shops of Vera Cruz or Mexico,
thought too highly of themselves to associate with
the rest of their companions. But the means of
making a fortune are so easy in Spanish America,
for those who object to no sort of occupation, that
there is hardly one of these adventurers who, in
the course of a few years, is not enabled to vie in
riches with the old families of the country. At
first they limit their pride to that superiority which
Spaniards of all ranks claim in the colonies, and
to the privilege of hidalguia or nobility, which is
to be found even among Spanish beggars : but no
sooner have they acquired property, than a part of
it is destined to purchase honours at the court of
Madrid. The wealthy drudge enjoys them behind
his counter; and nothing is more common than
to see people of this description, in their tawdry
uniforms of captains or colonels, with a badge of
one of the orders of Spain on their breasts, sitting
MEXICO.
in their shops, and occasionally helping their
clerks to dispatch the customers who come for a
yard of cloth or calico.
While the proud pretensions of this gross un-
educated party, supported by the Spaniards in
power, naturally excite dissatisfaction in the Creole
gentry, the oppressive measures which they pro-
mote against the interest of the land, cannot fail to
produce hatred, and an eager thirst for revenge,
The Spanish merchants of America consider them-
selves exclusively entitled to the profits of trade, —
trade, not grounded upon the mutual advantages
of buyer and seller, but rather an oppressive mono-
poly, by which they oblige a whole population to
take whatever they import from the mother country,
extorting the most extravagant prices, by all the
means which a market that excludes competition
can afford.
The Spanish merchants were not, however, the
only monopolists in the colonies, ‘The govern.
ment which supported them was the first to derive
a paltry profit trom shackling the industry of the
Americans. The well known simile of the savage,
who cut down the tree in order to pluck its fruit,
(used by Montesquieu to exemplify the effects of
despotism), was literally applicable to the Spanish
colonial system. A Spanish colonist could not
enjoy the advantages so lavishly bestowed on those
beautiful countries. ‘The eyes of a suspicious
and oppressive government were constantly watch-
ing the progress of his industry. ‘To sow or
plant, he was not to consult the nature of the soil,
but the government. Vines and olives, the two
great blessings of temperate countries, were for-
bidden to grow in his fields, by proclamation.
Some individuals had planted vineyards in Mexico.
Whether the viceroy winked at this infraction of
the colonial regulations, or was ignorant of it, we-
cannot say; the Spanish merchants, however,
who were quicker sighted, gave the alarm to their
correspondents at Cadiz. Complaint was instantly
made to the court of Madrid, whence an order
issued for rooting up the vines, in pursuance of
the right enjoyed by the Cadiz merchants of
administering to the wants of the American people
at their own discretion,
It would be endless to enumerate the grievances
which the colonies suffered, from the combined
action of tyranny and monopoly. Mr. Walton’s
account of this system of exclusion on the part of
Old Spain, appears more than suflicient to account
for the state of habitual discontent, to which the
Creoles were imperceptibly brought, not less by
this palpable injustice, than by the civilization
which the natural progress of human societies must }
elping their
o come for a
is gTOss UNn-
Spaniards in
in the Creole
ch they pro-
cannot fail to
for revenge.
mnsider them.
's of trade,—
lt advantages
essive mono-
opulation to
ther country,
8, by all the
competition
1owever, the
Che govern-
irst to derive
lustry ot the
ifthe savage,
uck its fruit,
he effects of
the Spanish
st. could not
wed on those
& suspicious
antly watche
To sow or
¢ of the soil,
es, the two
Sy were for-
roclamations
Is in Mexico.
infraction of
ant of it, we:
s, however,
larm to their
vas instantly
ce an order
pursuance of
rerchants of
rican people
e grievances
1 combined
{r, Walton’s
n the part of
ht to account
o which the
not less by
civilization
ieties must }
; 4
BA
4
MEXICO. 149
pray increase, in spite of the trammels imposed
the blindest of governments. . :
While the Creoles conceived that their security
against the Indians, the Negro slaves, and the
mixed casts, depended on the union of the whole
European race, the Spaniards could oppress them
with impunity. From this principle, Humboldt
very satisfactorily accounts for the passive state ot
the Spanish colonies, during the succession-war in
Spain. But the Indians have been so completely
subdued, and the Creole population has so much
increased since that period, that the same trans
quillity and passiveness could not be looked for,
when the late shock of the Spanish throne awakened
them to the hopes of bettering their condition.
There was a period, when the whole mass of
native population entertained such an opinion of
the knowledge and power of the mother country,
that they would have shut their eyes, in reverential
awe, to whatever injustice she might commit; but
the political events of our own times have destroy-
ed all traces of this powerful illusion, ‘I'he Ameri-
ean war, in which Spain engaged with the most
unaccountable degree of folly, could not but excite
the attention of the Spanish Creoles. ‘They must
have compared their own situation with that of
their neighbours, and perceived how much more
galling were their own grievances, than those which
produced the successful resistance of the English
colonies. ‘They must have reflected on the incon-
sistency and injustice of the Spanish government,
who with one hand was helping English subjects
to throw off their allegiance, and with the other
binding its own in the most intolerable chains ever
devised by oppression. About that period, the
works of the French philosophers found their way
into Spanish America, in despite of the terrors of
the inquisition. This circumstance, which was
scarcely noticed at the time, proved momentous in
the highest degree, and amidst silence and obscurity,
operated with fearful effect in undermining the ta-
bric of despotism.
Reading is one of those pleasures which a certain
degree ce case and comfort will never fail to gene-
rate among all sorts of people. The higher classes
inthe “panish colonies had long arrived at that
state, in consequence of their wealth, and books
were an article not a little in request among them.
Books, of course, were always put in the assort-
ment of those cargoes of trash of all kinds, which
were constantly sent out from Spain to the colonies.
The glass beads which the first adventurers bartered
for gold with the simple tribes of Indians, were
real treasures in comparison of the literary filth
t
which the Spaniards exported to the colonies, with
the certainty of selling it at the most extravagant
tice,
With the inconsistency peculiar to despotic
governments, universities had been established at
Mexico and Lima, to which even professors of
mathematics were appointed. ‘Thus, while they
exalted the thirst for knowledge, they foolishly
expected that the American youth would be still
contented to seek it in those ponds of ignorance
which had been prescribed to them.
‘he consequences of such a system may be
easily guessed. No sooner had the works of the
French philosophers found their way into the
colonies, than they were read with an ayidity
beyond expression. ‘The facility with which their
general principles are seized, the common-place
knowledge with which they enable young people
to shine in conversation, the contempt and hatred
which they breathe against what they derominate
oppression, occasioned them to be looked on as
invaluable treasures. The danger which attended
their perusal, naturally enhanced the interest which
they excited. ‘There are instances of people who
retired from all sorts of business into the country,
to devote themselves wholly to the study of the
French political and moral writers.
We, who have witnessed the effect of their
doctrines in this free and happy country, during
the ferment of the French revolution, when they
threatened to overthrow the majestic tabric of our
constitution, may easily conceive how they must
have operated where every civil institution tends
to countenance the bold assertions of those artful
apostles of anarchy and atheism.
It would be difficult, without these premises, to
account for the contrast which Humboldt observed
between the people of the interior provinces of
Mexico, and the enlightened classes of the capital.
This part of his work deserves the attention of our
readers, as it will be a clue to the knowledge of
the character and principles of the present distur-
bances, of which we now hasten to give a passing
sketch,
“¢'The words European and Spaniard (says Hum-
boldt)are become synonymons in Mexico and Peru.
The inhabitants of the remote provinces haye there-
forea difficulty in conceiving, that there can be Euro-
peans who do not speak their language ; and they
consider this ignorance as a mark of low extraction,
because every where around them, all, except the
very lowest class of the people, speak Spanish. Bet-
teracquainted with the history of the sixteenth cen-
tury, than with that of our own times, they imagine}
39 cereals i ep >
STR Sag gap Te + ee
SA hn
i
150 MEXICO,
Ethat Spain continues to possess a decided prepon-
derance over the rest of Europe, To them, the
peninsula appears the very centre of Luropean
civilization :—It is otherwise with the Americans
of the capital. Those of them who are acquainted
with French or English literature, fall easily into
a contrary extreme, and have a still more unta-
vourable opinion of the mother country than the
French had, at a time when communication was
less frequent between Spain and the rest of Europe.
They prefer strangers from other countries to the
Spaniards ; and they flatter themselves with the
idea, that intellectual cultivation has made more
rapid progress in the colonies, than in the peninsula.”
The public opinion being thus divided with
respect to the mother country, it is evident that if
the first class lost their enthusiasm for Spain, they
might easily be led into rebellion by that more
enlightened part of the community, who dispised
and hated her government.
The news of the invasion of the French, together
with that of the captivity of the king, and the
resignations of Bayonne, produced a kind of stupor,
which pervaded the whole population of Spanish
America; but this was soon followed by a general
enthusiasm in favour of the mother country. The
prevailing sentiments were abhorrence of the French,
and desire to support the Spaniards against their
tyranny and injustice. If we wanted arguments
to confirm the correctness of Humboldt’s descrip-
tion, we should find a very strong one in the
confidence with which the Americans looked for
a speedy and successful issue to the Spanish cause.
If there were any who doubted of that success,
they were to be found among the higher classes,
and even among the Spanish authorities. Those
who, according to Humboldt, considered Spain
just as if only a day had passed since the battle of
Pavia, hourly expected to hear of the patriotic
armies having reached Paris, and of Buonaparte
being a prisoner at Madrid.
Few examples can be found of such an atiach-
ment, between what might be called two nations,
as that which was evinced by the American popu-
Jation towards the mother country. ‘The opinion
in favour of supporting Spain was so general and
decided, that not a single voice was heard from
the discontented Creoles, who had been long
meditating arevolution. Had the Spanish govern-
mented acted wisely, the French invasion would
have strengthened the ties of union between Spain
and her colonies; and what force had at first
established, friendship, gratitude, and compassion
would have sanctioned and confirmed for centuries.
The news of the general insurrection of Spain
reached Mexico on the 29th July 1808. The
enthusiasm which it had produced was still in full
force, when the arrival of two deputies from the
junta of Seville was announced, who were come to
claim the sovereign command of Spanish America
for that corporation, which had assumed the title
of Supreme Gubernative Junta of Spain and the
Indies. Such was the general disposition in favour
of the peninsula, that it appears probable, from
existing documents, that the Mexicans would have
acceded to the demands of the junta, if, during
the deliberation of a meeting of the public autho-
rities, which the viceroy had convened, dispatches
had not arrived from London, in which the deputies
of the junta of Asturias announced their installation,
and warned the Mexicans expressly against the pre-
tension of the Andalusian junta. We may easily
conceive how this declared rivalship must have af-
fected the opinion which the Mexicans had formed
of the spirit of the Spanish revolution.
The resignations of the royal family produced
no diminution of American loyalty. the accla-
mations of ‘¢ Ferdinand VII.”’ were as sincere as
they were general: but the biind submission which
the old Spaniards demanded for whoever called
himself his representative in the peninsula, was not
so readily accorded. In Mexico the cabildo, or
town corporation, had suggested the propriety of
forming a junta which should govern that kingdom
in the name of the captive sovereign. ‘The viceroy
appeared inclined to the measure, and the old
Spaniards were in consequence determined to depose
him. Had this chief made use of his power, and
ordered to the capital the troops which, to the
number of 1200, were stationed between Mexico
and Vera Cruz, the country would probably have
been spared the horrors which are now laying it
waste. But the viceroy had no fixed plan: he
was old, and wanted vigour: he was besides afraid
of exciting suspicions against his loyalty, and had
even proposed to resign his authority.
This weakness was soon perceived by the Spa-
niards, One of the wealthiest merchants among
them, a personal enemy of the viceroy, was placed
at the head of the conspiracy. ‘The oflicers who
were to command the guard on the appointed day
were bribed ; and this person, followed by about
200 Spaniards taken from the shops of Mexico,
entered the palace of the viceroy at midnight,
without resistance, and seizing him and his lady,
committed the latter to a nunnery, and the former
to the prison of the inquisition.
The audiencia, or supreme court of justice, had |
NL ae
Seieese ss at!
of Spain
8. The
ill in fall
from the
e come to
America
1 the title
y and the
in favour
ble, from
yuld have
f, during
ic autho-
lispatches
> deputies
stallation,
it the pre-
lay easily
t have af
id. formed
produced
‘he accla-
sincere as
ion which
rer called
a, Was not
abildo, ox
opriety of
kingdom
he viceroy
the old
to depose
bwer, and
lh, to the
n Mexico
nbly have
laying it
plan: he
des afraid
, and had
the Spa-
ts among
as placed
icers who
inted day
by about
* Mexico,
midnight,
his lady,
he former
tice, had }
| secretly supported this measure, and the imprison-
ment of the viceroy was announced to the Bee
together with the circumstance of their having
taken upon themselves to nominate a new viceroy.
"Though no disturbance followed this act of violence,
the Creoles were by no means pleased or satisfied
with it: not that they had any particular fondness
for the deposed viceroy, but because the power
which the Spaniards were assuming was now
become intolerable to them,
When the news of this event reached the penin-
sula, the central junta was still in the full enjoy-
ment of that tranquil slumber at Seville, during
which the French, trembling for their safety, and
hopeless of succour, on account of the Austrian war,
found leisure to recover their spirits, and recruit
their armies. On hearing that the viceroy of
Mexico had been brought a prisoner to Spain upon
suspicion of treachery, the joy of the junta was
unbounded, — It never occurred to them to examine
the grounds of accusation; nor did they once
condescend to reflect how greatly the ties of sub-
ordination must be relaxed, when a handful of
persons, under no legitimate authority, could force
the seat of government, and seize the chief magis-
trate with impunity. The junta was weak, and of
course suspicious: a denunciation therefore, in any
shape, was welcome to them.
Meanwhile advices of the ferment, which was
rapidly spreading through the colonies, arrived by
every packet. The declarations of their attach-
ment had been sincere ; but some time had now
elapsed, and as the first impressions of sympathy
grew fainter, the colonists began to reflect upon
their situatior., and to grow weary of the protracted
hopes of that amelioration which had been promised
to them in the most positive terms, ‘The central
junta conceived that the repetition of these pro-
mnises would be suflicient to lull them again into
apathy; and a pompous proclamation was issued,
in which the colonies were declared equal to the
mother country, and the Spanish Americans
told, in direct terms, that ‘ they belonged to
nobody ; and that they were masters of their own
fate.”
W hat this fate would haye been, had the cause
of Spain been crowned with the early successes
which was anticipated, it is necdless now to con.
jecture. In justice, however, to the Americans,
we must say, that from the sentiments which they
constantly manifested with regard to Spain, there
is every reason to conclude that they would have
continued faithful to her, if the unhappy course
of events in the peninsula, and th. more unhappy
system of the central government, had not obliged
MEXICO. 151
them to take those steps which have progressively
conducted them to a state of open rebellion.
Two years had elapsed since the Spanish Ame-
ricahs had heard ofthe victories of Baylen, Valen-
cia, &c, and of the unprincipled invader of their
mother country being driven to collect his scattered
forces behind the Ebro. A supreme government
had been created, and every blessing was hoped
from the political principles which its members had
ostensibly adopted. But while the distance of the
scene raised the expectations of the Spanish Ame-
ricans to the highest pitch, and they were daily
expecting to hear of the restoration of Ferdinand
VIL. news arrived that Buonaparte was master of
Madrid ; that the central junta had with difficulty
escaped to Andalusia; that several’ generals had
been massacred by their troops on a suspicion of
disaffection ; that others, among whom was Morla,
had openly betrayed their country ; and that the
public opinion had scarcely any one in whom‘it
could venture to repose the slightest confidence.
‘Though the disappointment of the Americans must
have been proportioned to the exaltation of their
hopes, not a symptom of commotion appeared
through the whole extent of the Spanish colonies.
Supplies were regularly dispatched to the mother
country; subscriptions raised among all classes of
people; and it seemed as if their loyalty had
increased with the misfortunes of their European
brethren. These misfortunes were attributed to
treason, and the opinion of the Spanish superiority
remained unshaken.
The Austrian war restored them tothe plenitade
of their first hopes, and the news of the victory of
‘Talavera came in time to confirmthem. But, alas!
this was but a passing gleam of sunshine—a long
period of gloom rapidly followed:—the Spanish
arinies completely defeated ; the juntas of Seville
and Valencia protesting against the central govern-
ment; the brave Romana publishing a manifesto,
in which the power of the supreme government
was declared illegal ! All this regularly dispatched,
and carefully spread through the colonies by the
discontented parties of the peninsula, naturally
weakened their confidence, and gave the first shocis
to their enthusiasm.
‘The decisive blow was now impending. ‘The
French had dispersed the whole Spanish army at
Ocata, and nothing could stop them in their way
to Andalusia. The boasted works of Sierra Morena
were found to be a deception on the people, and
ihe French entered Seville without the loss of a
man, while the members of the central junta, dis-
persed and insulted in their flight, could scarcely
escape the popular fury. These men, prhiicty |
152 MEXICO,
[ppaslaimed as traitors, assembled in the isle of
seon, and still trembling at the death with which
they had been threatened, hastened to deposit their
powers in the hands of a regency, chosen by them-
selves,
A government thus formed was little calculated
to re-establish the confidence of the colonies: so
conscious, indeed, were the members of their weak-
ness, that they did not dare to communicate their
installation to them, before they had been counte-
nanced by a manifesto of the merchants of Cadiz ;
a species of support which, while it ensured them
the attachment of the Spanish factors in the colo-
nies, was certain to produce the contempt and ab-
horrence of the rest of the people.
The Spaniards themselves must have foreseen
the consequences of these events. Caracas was
the first province where the news arrived, and the
first also to effect a revolution. A month after, the
information reached Buenos Ayres, and a similar
event took place. The fermentation now began
to spread through the s. continents the alarm of
the old Spaniards was general, but instead of in-
spiring them with a spirit of moderation, it seemed
to embitter their animosities against the natives.
The governor of the province of Socorro, in the
kingdom of Santa Fé, ordered the military to fire
on the unarmed people, who had assembled to pee
tilion him. An immense multitude flocked from
the neighbouring country to revenge this act of
cruelty; the governor took refuge in a convent,
where he was surrounded and taken. Another in-
sult from an European had a similar effect in the
capital of Santa Fé. Quite became a scene of
carnage, Carthagena formed a junta, which de-
prived the governor of his command. Lima was
threatened with an insurrection ; and every thing
announced that a general explosion was at hand.
That these commotions were the effect of some
general causes, and not of partial intrigues, is evi-
dent from the simultaneous movements in provinces
which have scarcely any communication, such as
those of Caracas and Buenos Ayres. ‘These two pro-
vinces knew nothing of each other’s revolution till
some months after it was effected. Had both been
the consequence of the same plan, the leaders
would not have failed to cheer the public expecta-
tion with the hopes at least of having partners in
their enterprise.
But although, wherever the insurrection broke
out, the mass of the Creole population had eagerly
declared in its favour, they were far from intend-
ing a total separation from the mother country.
The motives alleged at the same moment in the
most distant provinces, bear an extraordinary si-
milarity, and shew that they were the genuine ex.
pression of the public opinion. ‘The supreme
government of the peninsula (they said) has been
declared infamous and treacherous: the members
of it are even accused by the people of Spain, of
having betrayed the country into the hands of the
enemy. Can we then trust to the suspicious offs
spring of such a corrupted stock? Shall we wait
till they choose to make their peace with Buonae
parte, by betraying us into his hands? It was
owing to our decided determination that the orders
sent from Bayonne by the French ruler were not
put into execution by our European governors,
“hey were then ready to submit to his treachery,
They will scarcely be less so now, wheo they have
lost all hopes of succeeding in the peninsula, But
setting all this aside, how can the ephemeral go-
vernments of Spain pretend (o rule us, when the
are manifestly incompetent to direct the people
among whom they dwell! If they represent Ferdi-
nand VI], let them exercise their power over those
who have elected then—we will do the same in
our own country—we will create a government in
the name of our beloved sovereign, and that we will
obey. Our brethren of the peninsula shall have
our aid, our friendship, and our good wishes.”
Such is the tenor of all the early proclamations
of the insurgents of Spanish America. Wedo not
pretend to say that they contained the genuine
sentiments of the leaders; but they evidently were
a correct statement of the prevailing sentiments of
the people. The difference of opinion which
divided the Creoles with respect to the mother
country, and which we have noticed from Hum.
boldt, was certainly the cause of this forbearance
in the chiefs of the revolution. ‘They hated the
Spanish government, and were for the most part
ardent and enthusiastic admirers of the metaphy-
sical principles of liberty, which they had imbibed
from the French publications; ut they were
obliged to yield to the more general opinion of
their countrymen, who were heartily attached to
Ferdinand VII. and had a great regard for Spain,
which the misconduct of her revolutionary govern-
ments had only weakened, after two years of per-
petual disappointment. Instead of tostering this
excellent disposition, the Spanish government
listened only to the dictates of wounded pride,
and adopted every measure that was calculated to
alienate the well disposed, and strengthen the party
of their inveterate cnemics.
The first step of the regency, upon hearing of
the occurrence of Caracas, was to declare their
proceedings rebellious, and to blockade their ports.
The declaration itself was conceived in the most j
renuine ex
he supreme
1) has been
1@ members
i Spain, of
ands of the
picious offs
all we wait
vith Buonae
Is? It was
1 the orders
er were not
governors,
s treachery,
n they have
nsula. But
emeral goe
, when the
the people
escnt Ferdi-
v over those
the same in
vernment in
that we will
1 shall have
vishes.”
‘oclamations
Wedo not
the genuine
dently were
cntiments of
1ion which
the mother
from Hume
forbearance
y hated the
2 most part
e metaphy-
ad imbibed
they were
opinion of
attached to
1 for Spain,
ary govern-
ars of per-
stering this
government
ided_ pride,
alculated to
pn the party
hearing of
clare their
their ports.
1 the most J
SS. 2 ae
MEXICO. 153
violent and outrageous terms; the governors of
the surrounding districts were ordered to stop all
communication with the insurgent provinces, and
to intercept their supplies. ‘The effect of that un-
feeling and insulting decree was to increase the
contempt of a government, which, while it was
obliged to court the protection of a handful of
merchants in the peninsuls, was thundering ven-
geance against 2,000,000 of people, who had the
Atlantic between them and their pretended mas-
ters. In fact, the regency was the mere tool of the
Cadiz merchants, and the orders—the dictates of
their alarmed avarice, A singular fact, which we
have it in our power to state, made this sufficiently
evident in the eyes of the Spanish Americans.
So strong was the persuasion of the enlightened
part of the Spanish people, that the news of the
dispersion of the central junta would excite com-
motions in America, that the regency, in spite of
its short-sighted policy, found it necessary to do
something in favour of the colonies, which might
reconcile them to their government, and preserve
their union with Spain. ‘The measure of granting
them a free trade was proposed by the minister of
the Indies, and ardently seconded by his under-
secretary, a man distinguished in the revolution of
Spain for his zeal and patriotism, This was a
few days after the installation of the regency, when
the new government, though timid and irresolute,
had not entirely submitted to the yoke of the mer-
cantile junta of Cadiz, The measure was put in
practice after the pitiful intriguing manner of the
old court. The order was signed by the minister
and'secretly printed ; precautions were then taken
to send it with the same secrecy to the colonies,
that when the merchants came to the knowledge of
it, it might be too late to repeal it. ‘The whole
transaction, however, transpired; and the rage of
the mercantile junta knew no bounds. The re-
gents were intimidated, and submitted to the dis-
grace of charging their minister and his under-
secretary with having forged the order. Both of
them were arrested; a counter order was issucd,
and the two prisoners were then set at liberty, with-
out any farther inquiry.
Bat the most lamentable part of ihe American
revolution was now at hand. The kingdom of
Mexico had enjoyed an apparent tranquillity since
the conspiracy of the Spaniards against the vice-
roy. The central junta had given the civil com-
mand of that kingdom to the archbishop, who,
though an European by birth, was belo ded by the
Creoles for his moderation. ‘I'he Spanish govern-
sa Ay happily stumbled on one good measure ;
the rest, however, were calculated to increase the
disaffection,
The viceroy had been mapoent merely because
he appeared favourable to the plan of erecting a
junta for the government of Mexico, when Spain
was without a supreme power, ‘The Spaniards of
the capital, who had defeated this plan, were al-
ready become unpopular from the intoxication of
success; when intelligence arrived that the central
junta had lavished on them its highest honours,
The state of the Creoles became intolerable, when
in addition to the insults which they had borne,
their friend the archbishop was removed from the
command ; and the high court of justice, whom
they considercd as their most violent enemies,
made temporary governors of the kingdom, until
the artlvalof the viceroy Venegas, nominated by
the new regency of Cadiz.
Although the regular forces of Mexico had
checked the spirit of insurrection, those who know
the state of civilization at which that kingdom has
arrived, and which puts it, according to Hum-
boldt, at the head of the Spanish colonies in every
respect, will easily suppose that discontented and
enterprising individuals could not be wanting,
who would watch every opportunity of shaking off
the Spanish yoke. | In tact, several of this descrip-
tion were to be found among the military and
clergy, and even among the monks of New Spain.
‘The most conspicuous was a country vicar of the
name of Hidalgo, who enjoyed a valuable living in
Dolores, a considerable town in the province of
Valladolid Mechoacin, Hidalgo was a man of
no vulgar talents, and of a knowledge far superior
to that of the clergy of New Spain; this, as was
commonly the case, had excited suspicions of his
orthodoxy. We find that he had been accused to
the inquisition, but had the good fortune or the art
to remove their jealousy. He had thoroughly
gained the affections ot the Indians, whom he had
taken great pains to enlighten. Several manufac-
tories had risen by his care, and he had even esta-
blished a foundry of cannon, alleging the immense
advantage which might accrue to the crown from
it, there being some rich copper mines in the neigh-
bourhood of his parish.
When the viceroy was deposed by the Spaniards
of Mexico, the troops constantly stationed, in times
of war, between that capital and Vera Cruz, to
prevent any attempt which our cruisers might
make on that coast, were ordered into the interior.
The regiment of cavalry De la Reyna was sent to -
San Miguel cl Grande, a populous town in the:
vicinity. of Dolores. Three captains of the}
x
154 MEXICO.
{names of Allende, Aldama, and Abasolo, who
served in that regiment, were natives of the place,
and friends of the vicar Hidalgo, whom they
readily joined, Their activity was extraordinary
in disseminating discontent, and pourtraying, with
the darkest colours, whatever tended to alienate
the minds of the natives, inthe actuai circumstances
of Spain,
Allende was sent to Queretaro, one of the most
considerable towns in the kingdom of Mexico,
where he recruited a great number of partisans,
The Spaniards perceived that something was in
agitation among the Creoles, and their suspicions
fell upon the mayor or corregidor of the town, In-
formation was sent to some of the acuerdo, or core
poration, which was, at that time, split into two
parties. ‘Those who received it concealed it trom
the rest, and privately advised the Spaniards of
Queretaro to act, with respect to the corregidor,
as those of the capital had with the viceroy. The
corregidor was accordingly seized and sent to
Mexico, This second instance of insubordination,
and contempt of the law, this trampling upon all
authority in the person of a magistrate who proved
to be innocent of the crime imputed to him, fur-
nished a new pretence to the chiefs of the insurrec-
tion for instigating the Creoles against that handful
of Spaniards who considered themselves superior
to all established authority.
Venegas was now arrived at Vera Cruz, and the
report of his bringing new honours for the enemies
of the late viceroy, Yturrigaray, inflamed the
whole Creole population. Hidalgo and his as-
sociates, indignant at this fresh outrage, and dread-
ing the discovery of their plan, determined to
hasten itsexecution. On the 17th of September
1810, the vicar assembled the Indians to a sermon,
the drift of which was to point out the tyranny of
the Kuropeans, the state to which the treachery of
the Spaniards had brought the peninsula, and the
danger of being delivered up to the French or the
English, who would assuredly extirpate the holy
catholic religion.
Nothing could more strongly affect the minds of
the poor Indians, who have ever submitted to be
implicitly governed at the nod of a priest. Hidalgo
ended his discourse with calling his Indians to
arms; and to arms they flew with incredible fury.
Allende appeared at the side of Hidalgo, and they
led the mob to the town of St. Miguel ei Grande,
where the houses of the Spaniards were pillaged.
No sooner wis the insurrection at Dolores known,
than the mass of the inhabitants of the extensive
kingdom of Mechoacan acknowledged the autho-
rity of Hidalgo, Three regiments of veterans
joined his standard, the towns of Salamanca and
alladolid fell into his hands. Wherever he ap-
eared, crowds of Indians flocked to his army,
Lhe wealthy town of Guanaxuato, in the vicinity
of which lay the richest mine of Mexico, supplied
him with 5,000,000 of dollars. ‘The insurgents
possessed every thing but discipline and good
eaders.
Meanwhile Venegas, who had now taken pos-
session of his command at Mexico, was not want-
ing to himself, He secured the town of Quere-
taro, which may be considered as the key to
Mexico, He awed into submission the Creoles of
the capital by forming a camp with his troops
without the walls, The governors of St. Luis
Potosi and Guadalaxara armed the militia of the
country ; and even the wealthy Creoles of the
principal towns supported the cause of the Spa.
niards, in order to avoid suspicion.
The insurgents, instead of falling immediately
upon Mexico, marched to Vallailolid, which they
entered on the 20th of October, amidst the shouts
of the Indian and Creole population. The greatest
marks of honour were bestowed upon Hidalgo by
the corporations of the town, and 1,500,
of dollars were emptied into his military chest from
the royal treasury. ‘Iwo regiments of veteran
cavalry joined him at this place. The province
of Guadalaxara and the city of Zacatecas were
also at his devotion. His army being now exe
tremely large, he flattered himself that the viceroy
would not hazard an action, and that the capital
contained such a number of disaffected, as would
oblige him to surrender it as soon as the insure
gents came insight. In this belief he marched to
Toluca, while the troops of the viceroy fell back
on Lerma.
While Hidalgo was advancing towards Mexico,
another corps pushed through Ajusco to Cuerna-
vaca, to take possession of the neighbouring part
of the coast of the Pacific ocean, ‘The main body
of the vice-rryal troops had gone too far to the n.
and nothing was known of it in the capital.
Mexico was in imminent danger. The po-
pulace and a considerable part of the higher
classes hated the Spaniards. Venegas had but a
handful of men on whom he could rely. In this
critical moment he resorted to an expedient which,
however ridiculous it may appear in the eyes of
many, was assuredly the only thing that saved him.
He applied to the archbishop and the inquisition for
a sentence of excommunication against Hidalgo,
and all his troops and abettors. ‘The Mexicans]
pel piss Spel
an
f
Py
«
4
+]
£
.
te.
*
Ps
id.
Be
of vetcrans
amanca and
rever he aps
o his army,
the vicinity
co, supplied
e insurgents
: and good
y taken pos-
Is Not want.
nof Quere-
the key to
1e Creoles of
h his troops
of St. Luis
nilitia of the
coles of the
of the Spa-
immediately
_ which they
st the shouts
The greatest
1 Hidalgo by
1 1,500,000
‘y chest from
; of vetcran
The province
patecas were
ing now ex-
t the viceroy
; the capital
al, as would
is the insure
ep marched to
roy fell back
wds Mexico,
o to Cuerna-
bouring part
e nual bod y
) far to the n,
vpital.
. The po-
’ the higher
as had but a
cly. In this
xdient which,
1 the eyes of
at saved him.
inquisition for
nst Hidalgo,
1¢ Mexicans}
[were struck with terror ; and the whole town re-
mained quiet, as ifevery inhabitant bad been put in
shackles,
But the dreadful sentence made no impression
in the insurgent camp, where Hidalgo succeeded
in persuading his Indians that the excommunica-
tion would fall upon the archbishop. ‘The army
had now advanced to the mount of Las Cruzes,
a few miles from Mexico, where « division of the
Spanish troops defended the pass, ‘The insure
gents dispersed them without difficult ys and pre-
sented themselves before the capital. But Hidalgo
wanted decision, He summoned the town when
he should have stormed it. ‘The summons was
answered with contempt, and the next morning
ae troops were seen retiring without any further
effort.
Hlidalgo’s natural moderation and horror of
bloodshed were reported to be the causes of this
apparent timidity, It is well known that he alle.
viated the evils of war as much as possible, and
that he sometimes ordered the artillery to fire upon
his troops, when he had no other means to prevent
pillage and devastation. His summons to the
viceroy is said to have been very moderate; for he
declared that his only desire was to sce a junta
established for the government of the kingdoms
and that it was his intention to send immediate sup-
plies of money to the peninsula, ‘That Hidalgo’s
proposals were calculated to conciliate the public
opinion, we are at liberty to conjecture from the
care which the viceroy employed to conceal them
from the inhabitants of Mexico. The true cause
of Hildalgo’s retreat, however, was the informa-
tion he received of the advantages which the
main corps of the vice-royal troops had gained in
his rear. General Callejas, who commanded then,
had taken the town of Dolores, where the reyolu-
tion began, and massacred all the inhabitants,
Hidalgo wanted skill to secure his retreat and
watch the movements of the Spaniards; and he
was now obliged to fall back in confusion. Calle-
jas met the insurgents at Aculco, and completely
defeated them. He then directed his march to
Guanaxuato, which he entered on the 25th of No-
vember, taking a dreadful revenge on the inha-
bitants. Another corps of Spaniards, under Ge-
neral Cruz, entered the town of Irapurato, repeat-
ing the same cruelties and horrors.
The catastrophe ot Hidalgo was now at hand.
He had just reached the provincias internas with
a considerable body of forces, which still followed
his fortunes, when the governor of that part of the
kingdom offered him his alliance. Hidalgo and
his companions trusted to his faith, and incau.
MEXICO, 155
tiously presented themselves for a conference,
when they were seized, and immediately put to
death, as if the Spaniards were afraid of having
them rescued out of their bands,
The insurrection, however, was far from being
terminated by the death of its authors. ‘I'he whole
Creole and Indian population had now risen and
formed detached corps in every part of the kings
dom. The system of guerillas has been adopted
by the Mexican insurgents, who improve every
hour in boldness and dexterity, There are even
large organized corps commanded by more skilful
leaders than Hidalgo. One Rayon, a lawyer, had
established an insurgent government at Zitaquaro,
When that town was in danger of falling into the
viceroy’s hands, Rayon and his partisans made
ood their escape, and joined another numerous
Band of insurgents under the priest Morelos. ‘This
chief has lately obtained considerable advantages ;
and we find by accounts as late as the 7th of April
(1812,) that he is master of the whole const to the s.
and that his comrade, Sanchez, with 30,000 men,
preserves his authority in the p'xins of Puebla,
and throughout the mountainous districts of Ore-
ava,
We also find that the city of Orezava itself is
in the hands of the insurgents, and that Vera
Cruz is in alarm, its communication by Xalapa
having been entirely cut off. But it would be an
endless task to trace the actual state of the country
from the confused and partial accounts of the
viceroy, the only official information which is al-
lowed to reach Europe. Suffice it to say, that,
according to the last letters from Mexico, all the
roads froin the interior were occupied within a few
days march of the capital, the fate of which de-
pended on the resistance of an inconsiderable body
of troops, which, as its losses could not be sup-
plied, must finally perish by the effects of its own
victorics. ‘Trade was ata stand; and the mines
were totally abandoned, with the exception of one
which an insurgent chief had been working for
eight or 10 months, and with the produce of which
he had been able to support his army. Several
persons of the first rank had quitted the city, and
gone over to the insurgents; from which it was
naturally concluded that the chances of ultimate
success began to appear in their favour.
Cuap. IV.
Distances from Mexico to Acapulco,
It will be useful, for a minute acquaintance with
the country, to add the distances which the na-
tives, particularly the muletecrs, who travel as
it were in caravans to the great fair of Acapulco, |
x 2
a nn
156 MEX
bekon from one village to another. The true
distance from the capital to the port being known,
and supposing a third more for windings in a road
both straight and of easy access, we shall find the
value of tie leagues in use in these countries. ‘This
datum is interesting for geographers, who in re-
mote regions must avail themselves of simple iti-
nerarics, tis evident that the people shorten the
leagues ws the road becomes more difficult. How-
ever, under equal circumstances, we may have
some confidence in the judgments formed by the
muleteers of comparative distances ; they may not
know whether their beasts of burden go 2 or
3000 metres, or 6561 or 9842 feet English, in the
space of an hour, but they learn from long habit
if one distance be the third or fourth or the double
of another.
The Mexican muletecers estimate the road from
Acapulco to Mexicoat 110 leagues. ‘They reckon
from Acapulco to the Passo d’Aguacatillo, four
leagues; El Limon, three leagues; Los dos
Aroyos, five; Alto de Camuron, four; La Gua-
rita de los dos Caminos, three ; La Moxonera,
one-half; Quaxiniquilapa, two and a half; Aca-
guisotla, four; Masatlan, four; Chilpansingo,
four; Sampango, three; Sapilote, four; Venta
Vieja, four; Mescala, four ; Estola, five; Palula,
one and a half; La ‘Tranca del Conexo, one
and a half; Cuagolotal, one; Tuspa, or Pueblo
Nuevo, four; Los Amates, three; ‘Tepetlalapa,
five; Punte de Istla, four; Alpuyeco, six ;
Xuchitepeque, two; Cuernavaca, two; &. Maria,
three-fourths; Guchilaque, two and a_ half;
Sacapisca, two; La Cruz del Marques, two ;
Kl Garda, two; Axusco, two; San Augustin
de las Cuevas, three; Mexico, four. In this
itinerary the numbers indicate how many leagues
one place is distant from the one which imme-
diately precedes it. Other itineraries, which are
distributed to travellers who come by the 8, sea,
estimate the total distance at 104 or 106 leagues.
Now, according to Humboldt’s observations, it is
ina. straight line 151,766 toises. Adding a quarter
for windings, we shall have 189,708 toises, or 1725
toises, or 11,040 feet, for the league of the country.
Cuar. V.
General considerations on the extent and physical
aspect of the kingdom of Nueva Evpana.
In bestowing a rapid glance on the extent and
population of the Spanish possessions in the two
Americas, we must generalize our ideas, and con-
sider each colony in its relations with the neigh-
bouring colonies and with the mother country, if
we would obtain accurate results, and assign to
ICO.
the country described the place to which it is en-
titled from its territorial wealth,
The Spanish possessions of the new continent
occupy the immense extent of territory comprised
between lat. 41° 43's, and iat. 37°48’ xn, This
space of 79 degrees equals not only the length of all
Africa, but it even much surpasses the breadth of
the Russian empire, which includes about 167 de-
drees of longitude, under a_ parallel of which the
degrees are not more than half the degrees of the
equator.
The most s. point of the new continent inhabited
by the Spaniards is tort Maullin, near the small
village of Carelmapu, on the coist of Chile, op-
posite to the n. extremity of the island of Chiloe,
A road is opening from Valdivia tothis fort of Maul-
lin; a bold but useful undertaking, as a stormy
sea prevents navigators for a great part of the year
from lancing on so dangerous a coast. On the s.
and s.e. of fort Maullin, in the gulfs of Ancud
and Reloncavi, by which we reach the great lakes
of Nahuelhapi and ‘Todos los Santos, there are no
Spanish establishments; but we mect with them in
the islands near the e. coast of Chiloe, even in lat
43° 34's. where the island Caylin (opposite the
lofty summit of the Corcobado) is inhabited by
several families of Spanish origin.
The most x. point of the Spanish colonics is the
mission of San Francisco, on the coust of New
California, seven leagues to the n. w. of Santa
Cruz. The Spanish language is thus spread over
an extent of more than 1900 leagues in leneth.
Under the wise administration of Count Fiorida
Blanca, a regular communication of posts was
established from Paraguay to then. w. coast of N.
America ; and a monk in the mission of the Gua-
ranis Indians can maintain a correspondence with
another missionary inhabiting New Mexico, or
the countries in the neighbourhood of cape Men-
docin, without their letters ever passing at any
great distance from the continent of Spanish
America.
The dominions of the king of Spain in America
exceed in extent the vast regions possessed by the
Russian empire or Great Biitain in As.a,
_ ‘The Spanish possessions in America are divided
Into nine great governments, which may be re-
garded as independent of one another, Of these
nine governments, five, viz. the viceroyalties of
Peru and of New Granada, capitanias gcnerales ot
Guatemala, of Portorico, and of Caracas, are
wholly comprised in the torrid zone: the four
other divisions, viz. the viceroyalties of Mexico
aud Buenos Ayres, the capitavias eenerales of
Chile and ilavannah, including the Floridas, are |
ich it is en.
cw continent
ry comprised
48'n, This
length of all
he breadth of
bout 167 de-
of which the
grees of the
ent inhabited
“ar the small
f Chile, op-
id of Chiloe.
fort of Manl-
as a stormy
rt of the year
} On the s,
Its of Ancud
he great lakes
there are no
with them in
» even in lat.
(Opposite the
inhabited by
‘olonies is the
oust of New
w. of Santa
8 spread over
es in length.
ount Florida
of posts was
». coast of N.
of the Gua-
bondence with
Mexico, ot
of cape Men-
ssing at any
of Spanish
inin America
pseasedl by the
As.a,
na ave divided
ho may be re.
pr. OF these
eroyaltics of
rs orenerales of
Caracas, are
nes the four
's of Mexico
generates of
\ .
Mloridas, are |
[composed of countrics of which a great part is
situated without the tropics, that is to say, in the
temperate zone. We shall afterwards see that this
ition alone does not determine the nature of the
productions of these fine regions, The union of
several physical causes, such as the great height
of the cordilleras, their enormous masses, _ the
number of plains, elevated more than from 2 to
3C00 metres, or from 6561 to 9842 feet, above
the level of the ocean, give to a part of the equi-
noctial regions a temperature adapted to the culti-
vation of the wheat and fruit trees of Europe.
The geographical latitude has small influence on
the fertility of a country, where, on the ridge and
declivity of the mountains, nature exhibits a
union of every climate.
Among the colonies subject to the king of Spain,
Mexico occupies at present the fst rank, both on
acconnt of its territorial wealth, and on account
of its favourable position for commerce with Eu-
rope and Asia. e speak here merely of the po-
litical value of the country, considering it in its
actual state of civilization, which is very superior
to that of the other Spanish possessions. Many
branches of agriculture have undoubtedly attained
a higher degree of perfection in the province of
Caragas than in New Spain. The fewer mines a
colony has, the more the industry of the inhabi-
tants is turned towards the productions of the ve-
getable kingdom. The fertility of the soil is
greater in the provinces of Cumana, of New Bar-
celona, and Venezuela; and it is greater on the
banks of the Lower Orinoco, and in the ». part of
New Granada, than in the kingdom of Mexico,
of which several regions are barren, destitute of
water, and incapable of vegetation. But on
considering the greatness of the population of
Mexico, the number of considerable cities in the
proximity of one another, the enormous value of
the metallic produce, and its influence on the com-
merce of Europe and Asia ; in short, on ex: ‘nine
ing the imperfect state of cultivation observab,.. in
the rest of Spanish America we are tempted to
justify the preference which the court of Madrid
has long manifested for Mexico above its other co-
Jonies.
The denomination of New Spain designates, in
general, the vast extent of country over which the
viceroy of Mexico exercises his power. Using
the word in this sense, we are to consider as n.
and s. limits the parallels of the 38th and 10th
degrees of latitude, But the captain-general of
Guatemala, considered as administrator, depends
very little on the viceroy of New Spain. ‘The
kingdom of Guatemala contains, according to its
MEXICO. 167
political division, the governments of Costa Rica
and of Nicaragua. It is conterminous with the
kingdom of New Granada, to which Darien and
the isthmus of Panama belong. Whenever in this
art of the work we use the denominations of
New Spain and Mexico, we exclude the captania-
general of Guatemala, a country extremely fertile,
well peopled, compared with the rest of the Spa-
nish possessions, and so much the better cultivated
as the soil, convulsed by volcanoes, contains almost
no metallic mines. We consider the intendancivs
of Merida and Oaxaca as the most s. and at the
same time the most ¢. parts of New Spain. The
confines which separate Mexico from the kingdom
of Guatemala are washed by the great ocean to the
e. of the port of ‘Tehuantepec, near La Barra de
Tonala, They terminate on the shore of the At-
lantic, near the bay of Honduras,
. We are tempted to compare together the extent
and population of Mexico, and that of two em-
pires with which this fine colony is in relations
of unity and rivalry. Spain is five times smaller
than Mexico. Should no unforeseen misfortune
occur, we may reckon that in less than a century
the population of New Spain will. equal that cf
the mother country. The United States of N.
America since the cession of Louisiana, and since
they recognise no other boundary than the Rio
Bravo del Norte, contain 240,000 square leagues.
Their population is not much greater than that of
Mexico, as we shall afterwards see on examining.
Pe the population and the area of New
ain.
if the political force of two states depended
solely on the — which they occupy on the
globe, and on the number of their inhabitants ; if
the nature of the soil, the configuration of the
coast ; and if the climate, the energy of the nation,
and above all the degree of perfection of its social
institutions, were not the principal elements of this
grand dynamical calculation, the kingdom of
New Spain might, at present, be placed in opposi-
tion to the confederation of the American republics.
Both labour under the inconvenience of an uns
equally distributed population; but that of the
United States, though ina soil and climate less fae
voured by nature, augments with an infinitely
greater rapidity, Neither docs it comprehend,
like the Mexican population, nearly 2,500,000 of
aborigines. These Indians, Wegritled by the dese
potism of the ancient Aztec sovereigns, and by
the vexations of the first conquerors, though pro-
tected by the Spanish laws, wise and humane in
general, enjoy very little, however, of this pro-
tection, from the great distance of the supzeme]
Q
~
158 MEXICO.
Lenttoaliy, The kingdom of New Spain has one
decided advantage over the United States. ‘l'he
number of slaves there, either Africans or of mixed
race, is almost nothing; an advantage which
the European colonists have only begun rightly
to appreciate since the tragical events of the re-
volution of St. Domingo. So true it is, that
the fear of physical evils acts more powerfully
than moral considerations on the true interests of
socicty, or the principles of philanthropy and of
justice, so often the theme of the parliament, the
constituent assembly, and the works of the philo-
sophers,
The number of African slaves in the United
States amounts to more than 1,000,000, and con-
stitule a sixth part of the whole population. The
s. states, whose influence is increased since the ac-
quisition of Louisiana, very inconsiderately in-
crease the annual importation of these Negroes.
It has not yet been in {he power of congress, nor in
that of the chief of the confederation, the present
president, or even the former, to oppose this aug-
mentation, and to spare by that means much distress
to the generations to come.
In taking a general view of the whole surface of
Mexico, we see that one-half is situated under the
burning sky of the tropics, and the other belongs
to the temperate zone, ‘The latter contains 60,000
square leagues, and comprehends the provincias
internas, both those which are under the imme-
diate administration of the viceroy of Mexico (for
example, the new kingdom of Leon, and the faba
vince of New Santander), and those governed by
a particular commandant-general. The influence
of this commandant extends over the intendancies
of Durango and Sonora, and the provinces of Co-
habuila, ‘Texas, and New Mexico, regions thinly
inhabited, which go all under the designation of
provincias internas de la commandancia general, to
distinguish them from the provincias internas del
vireynato. ;
he n. provinces of Sonora and New Santander
stretch as far n. as 38°, and part of the s. intendan-
cies of Guadalaxara, Zacatecas, and S, Luis de
Potosi, lie s. of the tropic of Cancer. We know,
however, that the physical climate of a country
does not altogether depend on its distance from the
pole, but also on its elevation above the level of
the sea, proximity to the ocean, configuration, and
a great number of other local circumstances,
Hence, of the 50,000 square lcagues situated in
the torrid zone, more than three-fifths enjoy rather
a cold or temperate than a burning climate. The
whole interior of the viceroyalty of Mexico, espe-
cially the interior of the countrics comprised under
the ancient denominations of Anahuac and Mecho-
acan, probably even all New Biscay, form an im-
mense plain elevated 2000 or 2500 metres, or 6561
and 8201 feet, above the level of the neighbouring
seas.
There is scarcely a point on the globe where the
mountains exhibit so extrayrdinary a construction
as in New Spain. In Europe, Switzerland, Sa-
voy, and the Tyrol, are considered very elevated
countries ; but this opinion is merely founded on
the aspect of the groups of a great number of sum-
mits perpetually covered with snow, and disposed
in parallel chains to the great centralchain. Thus
the summits of the Alps rise to 3900 and even.
A700 metres, or 12,794 and 15,419 feet, while the
neighbouring plains in the canton of Berne are
not more than from 1312 and 1968 feet in height.
The former of these numbers (1312), a very mo-
derate elevation, may be considered as that of the
most part of plains of any considerable extent in
Suabia, Bavaria, and New Silesia, near the sources
of the Wartha and Piliza. In Spain, the two
Castilles are cleyated more than 580 metres, or
1902 feet. ‘The highest level in France is Au-
vergne, « } which the Mont d’Or, the Cantal, and
the Puy ae Déme repose. The elevation of this
level, according to the observations of M. de Buch,
is 720 metres, or 2360 feet. ‘These examples serve
to prove that in general the elevated surfaces of
Europe which exhibit the aspect of plains, are sel-
dom more than from 400 to 800 metres, or from
1312 to 2624 feet, higher than the level of the
occan.
In Africa, perhaps, near the sources of the Nile,
and in Asia, under lat. 34° and 37° 2. there are
plains analogous to those of Mexico ; but the tra-
vellers who have visited Asia have left us com.
pletely ignorant of the clevation of Thibet. The
elevation of the great desert of Cobi, to the n. w.
of China, exceeds, according to Father Duhalde,
1400 metres, or 5511 feet. Colonel Gordon as-
sured M. Labillardiere, that from the cape of Good
Hope to lat. 21° s, the soil of Africa rose gradu.
ally to 2000 metres, or 6561 feet, of elevation.
(Labillardiere, t. i. p. 89.) This tact, as new as
it is curious, has not been confirmed by other nas
turalists.
The chain of mountains which form the vast
plain of Mexico is the same with what, under the
name of the Andes, runs through all S.America; but
the construction, we may say the skcleton (char-
pente) of this chain, varies to the s. and 2. of the
equator. In the s. hemisphere, the cordillera is
every where torn and ale api by crevices like
open furrows, not filled with heterogenous sub-|
eae cde ae BLS yey SNS pa el ORY
SO Ra Nis esti
A aR Hie ahaa
a
oy:
eee
aes
sack a Rene one OU
Pa,
iin
ace
es
Feige
and Mecho-
form an im-
tres, or 6561
cighbouring
be where the
construction
zerland, Sa-
ery elevated
founded on
nber of sum-
ind disposed
hain. Thus
0. and even.
et, while the
f Berne are
t in height.
a very mo-
sthat of the
ble extent in
r the sources
jin, the two
) metres, or
ance is Au-
Cantal, and
tion of this
M. de Buch,
amples serve
! surfaces of
nins, are sel-
res, or from
level of the
of the Nile,
rn. there are
but the tra-
elt us come
hibet. The
fo the nw.
rr Duhalde,
Gordon as-
ape of Good
rose gradue
of elevation,
t, as new as
by other nas
rm the vast
» under the
merica; but
‘leton (chars
dn. of the
cordillera is
revices like
nous sub- |
Dinikivaie a es RALS oat Sie.
* KGS rte oo stan eee
On ay OE an ee oe eee ee een ye
RCT ee RE
Pree
MEXICO. 159
stances. If there are plains elevated from 2700 to
poo metres, or from 10,629 to 11,811 feet, as in
the kingdom of Quito, and farther 2. in the pro-
vince of Los Pastos, they are not to be compared
in extent with those of New Spain, and are rather
to be considered as longitudinal valleys bounded
by two branches of the great cordillera of the An-
des; while in Mexico it is‘the very ridge of the
mountains which forms the pia, and it is the di-
rection of the plain which designates, as it were,
that of the whole chain. In Peru, the most cele-
vated summits constitute the crest of the Andes ;
but in Mexico these same summits, Icss colossal it
is true, but still from 4900 to 5400 metres, or from
16,075 to 17,715 feet, in height, are either dis-
persed on the plain, or ranged in lines which bear
no relation of parallelism with the direction of the
cordillera. Peru and the kingdom of New Gra-
nada contain transversal valleys, of which the per-
pendicular depth is sometimes 1400 metres, or
4854 feet. ‘The existence of these valleys prevents
the inhabitants from travelling except on horse-
back, a-foot, or carried on the shoulders of In-
dians (called cargadores); but in the kingdom of
New Spain carriages roll on to Santa Fé in the
province of New Mexico, for a length of more
than 1000 kilometres, or 500 leagues. On the
whole of this road there were few difficulties for
art to surmount.
The table-land of Mexico is in general so little
interrupted by valleys, and its declivity is so gen-
tle, that as far as the city of Durango in New
Biscay, 140 leagues from Mexico, the surface is
continually elevated from 1700 to 2700 metres, or
from 5576 to 8856 feet, above the level of the
neighbouring ocean. This is equal to the height
of mount Cenis, St. Gothard, or the great St. Ber-
nard. Humboldt, that he might examine this geo-
logical phenomenon with the attention which it
deserved, executed five barometrical surveys :—
The first was across the kingdom of New Spain,
from the S. sea to the Mexican gulf, from Aca-
priao to Mexico, and from Mexico to Vera Cruz.
he second survey extended from Mexico by
Tula,{Queretaro, and Salamanca, to Guanaxuato.
The third comprehended the intendancy of Valla-
dolid, from Guanaxuato to the volcano of Jorullo
at Pascuaro. ‘The fourth extended from Valla-
dolid to ‘Toluca, and from thence to Mexico.
Lastly, the fifth included the environs of Moran
and Actopan. The number of points of which he
determined the height, either barometrically or
trigonometrically, amounts to 208; and they are
all distributed over a surface comprehended be-
tween lat. 16°50’ and 2i°0 n. and long. 102° 8
and 98°28! w. from Paris. Beyond these limits
but one place was accurately ascertained, and that
is the city of Durango, elevated, according toa
deduction from a mean barometrical altitude, 2000
metres, or 6561 feet, above the level of the sea.
Thus the table-land of Mexico preserves its extra-
ordinary elevation much farther 2, than the tropic
of Cancer.
These measurements of heights, with the astro-
nomical observations which Humboldt made on
the same extent of ground, enabled him to con-
struct the physical maps which accompany his
work. ‘They contain a series of vertical sections.
In the statistics of the kingdom of New Spain, we
must confine ourselves to plans likely to attract in-
terest from views of political cconomy. ‘The phy-
siognomy of a country, grouping of mountains,
extent of plains, elevation which determines its
temperature; in short, whatever constitutes the
construction of the globe, has the most essential
influence on the progress of population and wel-
fare of the inhabitants. It influences the state of
se fe which must vary with the difference
of climate, the means of internal commerce, the
communications which depend on the nature of
the territory, and the military defence, on which
the external security of the colony depends. In
these relations alone extensive geological views can
interest the statesman, when he calculates the force
and territorial wealth of a nation.
In S. America, the cordillera of the Andes exe
hibits at immense heights plains completely level.
Such is the plain of 2565 metres, or St13 fect, elee
vation, on which the city of Santa I'é de Bogota is
built. Wheat, potatoes, and chenopodium quinoa,
are there carefully cultivated. Such is also the
plain of Caxamarca in Peru, the ancient residence
of the unfortunate Atahualpa, of 2750 metres, or
9021 feet, clevation. The great plains of Anti-
sana, in the middle of which rises the part of the
volcano which penetrates the region of perpetual
snow, are 4100 metres, or 13,451 feet, higher than
the level of the ocean. These plains exceed in
length the summit of the Pic of ‘Teneriffe by 889
inctres, or 1541 feet ; and yet they are so level,
that at the aspect of their natal soil, those who in-
habit these countries heve no suspicion of the ex-
traordinary situation in which Nature has placed
them. But all the plains of New Granada, Quito,
or Peru, do not exceed 40 square leagues, Of
difficult access, and separate from one another by
profound valleys, they are very unfavourable for
the transport of goods and internal commerce,
Crowning insulated summits, they form as it were
small — in the middle of the aerial ocean.)
160 MEXICO.
[Those who inhabit these frozen plains remain con-
centrated there, and dread to descend into the
neighbouring regions, where a suffocating heat
prevails, prejudicial to the primitive inhabitants of
the higher Andes.
Tn Mexico, however, the soil assumes a different
aspect. Plains of a great extent, but of a surface
no less uniform, are so approximated to one an-
other, that they form but a single plain on the
lengthened ridge of the cordillera; such is the
plain which runs from lat. 18° to 40° 2. Its
length is equal to the distance from Lyons to the
tropic of Cancer, which traverses the great African
desert. ‘This extraordinary plain appears to de-
cline insensibly towards the n. No measurement,
as we have already remarked, was ever made in
New Spain beyond the city of Durango; but tra-
vellers observe, that the ground lowers visibly to-
wards New Mexico, and towards the sources of
the Rio Colorado. ‘The three sections accom-
panying Humboldt’s essay, show at a glance the
difficulty which the extraordinary configuration
of the country opposes to the transport of produc-
tions from the interior to the commercial cities of
the coast.
In travelling from the capital of Mexico to the
great mines of Guanaxuato, we remain at first for
10 leagues in the valley of Tenochtitlan, elevated
2277 metres, or 7468 feet, above the level of the
sea. The level of this beautiful valley is so uni-
form, that the village of Gueguetoque, situated at
the foot of the mowtain of Sincoque, is only 10
metres, or 328 feet, higher than Mexico. ‘The
hill of Baricntos is merely a promontory which
stretches into the valley. From Gueguetoque we
ascend near Botas.to Puerto de los Reyes, and
trom thence descend into the valley of Tula, which
is 115 metres, or 376 fect, lower than the valley of
‘Tenochtitlan, and across which the great canal of
evacuation of the lakes San Christoval and Zum-
pango passes to the Rio de Moctezuma and the
gulfof Mexico. ‘To arrive at the bottom of the
valley of ‘Tula, in the great plain of Queretaro, we
must pass the mountain of Calpulalpan, which is
only 1379 metres, or 4522 feet, above the level of
the sea, and is consequently less elevated than the
city of Quito, though it “an the highest point
of the whole road from Mexico to Chihuahua,
To the n. of this mountainous country the vast
plains of S, Juan del Rio, Queretaro, and Zelaya
begin, plains covered with villages and consider.
able cities. Their mean height equals Puy de
Déme in Auvergne, and they are near 30 leagues
in length, extending to the foot of the metalliferous
mountains of Geanaxuato. Those who have tra-
velled into New Mexico assert, that the rest of the
way consists of immense plains, appearing like so
many basins of old dried-up lakes, following one
another, and only separated by hills which hardly
rise 200 or 250 metres. (656 or 820 feet) at most
above the bottom of these basins. ‘I'he four plains
surrounding the valley of Mexico are as follows,
viz. the first, which comprehends the valley of
Toluca, 2600 metres, or 8529 feet ; the second,
or the valley of Tenochtitlan, 2274 metres, or
7459 feet; the third, or the valley of Actopan,
1966 metres, or 6447 fect; and the fourth, the
valley of Istla, 981 metres, or 3247 feet, of eleva-
tion. These four basins differ as much in their
climate as in their elevation. above the level of the
sea; each exhibits a ditferent cultivation: the
first, and least elevated, is adapted for the cultiva-
tion of sugar; the second, cotton; the third, for
European grain; and the fourth, for agava plan-
tations, which may be considered as the vineyards
of the Aztec Indians.
The barometrical survey which Humboldt exe-
cuted from Mexico to Guanaxuato proves how
much the configuration of the soil is favourable in
New Spain for the transport of goods, naviga-
tion, and even the construction of canals. It is
different in the transversal sections from the Atlan-
tic to the S. sca. These sections show the difficul-
ties opposed by nature to the communication be-
tween the interior of the kingdom and the coast.
They every where exhibit an enormous difference
of level and temperature, while from Mexico. to
New Biscay the plain preserves an equal eleva-
tion, and consequently a climate rather cold than
temperate. From the capital of Mexico to Vera
Cruz, the descent is shorter and more rapid than
from the same point to Acapulco, We might al-
most say, that the country has a better military
defence from nature against the people of Europe
than against the attack of an Asiatic enemy ; but
the constancy of the trade-winds, and the great
current of rotation which never ceases between the
tropics, almost annihilate every political influence
which China, Japan, or Asiatic Russia, in the suc-
cession of ages might wish to exercise over the
new Continent.
Taking our direction from the capital of Mexico
towards the e. in the road to Vera Cruz, we must
advance 60 marine leagues before arriving at a
valley, of which the bottom is less than 1000 me-
tres, or 3280 feet, higher than the level of the sea,
and in which, consequently, oaks cease to grow.
In the Acapulco road, dasoenal ii from Mexico
towards the S. sea, we arrive at the same tempe-
rate regions in less than 17 leagues. ‘Tbe e. de-|
Ber trite Ses
Breese Sig oe
Siac ie
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att
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ysiingi at Sp RRs Ria AEG MOEA
p rest of the
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e valley of
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metres, or
of Actopan,
fourth, the
|, of eleva-
ich in their
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the cultiva-
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2 vineyards
nboldt exe-
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ls, navigae
ials. It is
the Atlan.
he difficul-
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the coast.
| difference
Mexico. to
ual eleva-
cold than
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rapid than
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iemy ; but
the great
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zy we must
iving at a
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op
MEXICO. 161
[clivity of the cordillera is so rapid, that wuen once
we begin to descend from the great central plain,
we continue the descent till we arrive at the e.
coast.
The w. coast is furrowed by four very remark.
able longitudinal valleys, so regularly disposed,
that those which are nearest the ocean are even
deeper than those more remote from it. Casting
our eyes on the section drawn up by Humboldt
from exact measurements, we shall observe, that
from the plain of Tenochtitlan the traveller first
descends into the valley of Istla, then into that of
Mascala, then into that of Papagayo, and lastly
into the valley of Peregrino. The bottom of these
four basins rise 981, 514, 170, and 158 metres
(3217, 1685, 557, and 518 feet) above the level of
the ocean. The deepest are also the narrowest.
A curve drawn over the mountains which separate
these valleys, over the Pic of the Marquis (the old
camp of Cortes), the summits of ‘Tasco, Chilpan-
singo, and Posquelitos, would preserve an equally
regular progress. We might even be tempted to
believe that this regularity is conformable to the
type generally followed by nature in the construc-
tion of mountains ; but the aspect of the Andes of
S. America will soon destroy these systematic de-
lusions, Many geological considerations prove to
us, that at the formation of mountains, causes ap-
parently very trivial have determined .the accu-
mulation of matter in colossal summits, sometimes
towards the centre, and sometimes on the edges of
the cordilleras.
Thus the Asiatic road differs very much from
the European. For the space of 72.5 leagues,
the distance in a straight line from Mexico to Aca-
pulco, we continually ascend and descend, and ar-
rive every instant from a cold climate in regions
excessively hot. Yet the road of Acapulco may
be made fit for carriages. On the contrary, of the
84.5 leagues from the capital to the port of Vera
Cruz, one-fourth belongs to the great plain of Ana-
huac. The rest of the road is a laborious and
continued descent, particularly from the small for-
tress of Perote to the city of Xalapa, and from this
site, one of the most beautiful and picturesque in
the known world, to La Rinconada, It is the
difticulty of this descent which raises the carriage
of flour from Mexico to Vera Cruz, and prevents
it to this day from competing in Europe with the
flour of Philadelphia. ‘There is actually at pre-
sent constructing a superb causeway along this e.
descent of the cordillera, ‘This work, due to the
great and praiseworthy activity of the merchants
of Vera Cruz, will have the most decided influence
on the prosperity of the inhabitants of the whole
VOL, I,
kingdom of New Spain. The places of thou-
sands of mules will be supplied by carriages fit to
transport merchandises from sea to sea, which will
connect, us it were, the Asiatic commerce of
Acapulco with the European commerce of Vera
Cruz.
We have already stated that in the Mexican
provinces situated in the torrid zone, a space of
23,000 square leagues enjoys a cold, rather than a
temperate climate, All this great extent of coun-
try is traversed by the cordillera of Mexico, a
chain of colossal mountains which may be con-
sidered as a prolongation of the Andes of Peru.
Notwithstanding their lowness in Choco, and the
province of Darien, the Andes traverse the isthmus
of Panama, and recover a considerable height in
the kingdom of Guatemala. Sometimes their crest
approaches the Pacific ocean, at other times it oc-
cupies the centre of the country, and sometimes it
approaches the gulf of Mexico. In the kingdom
of Guatemala, for example, this crest, jagged with
volcanic cones, runs along the w. coast trom the
lake of Nicaragua towards the ba of ‘Tehuan-
tepec; but in the province of Oaxaca, between
the sources of the rivers Chimalapa and Guasacu-
alco, it occupies the centre of the Mexican isth-
mus, From lat. 18° to the 21°, in the intendan-
cies of La Puebla and Mexico, from Misteca to
the mines of Zimapan, the cordillera stretches from
s. ton, and approaches the e. coast.
In this part of the great plain of Anahuac, be-
tween the capital of Mexico, and the small cities
of Xalapa ard Cordoba, a group of mountains
appears which rivals the most elevated summits of
the new continent. It is enough to name four of
these colossi, whose heights were unknown be-
fore Humboldt’s expedition ; Popocatepetl, 5400
metres, or 17,716 feet; Iztaccihuatl, or the White
Woman, 4768 metres, or 15,700 feet; Citlalte-
petl, or the Pic d’Orizaba, 5295 metres, or 17,371
feet ; and Nauhcampatepetl, or the Cofre de Pe-
rote, 4089 metres, or 13,314 feet. This grou
of volcanic mountains bears a strong analogy with
that of the kingdom of Quito. If the height at-
tributed to mount St. Elie be exact, we may admit
that it is only under the 19° and 60° of lat. that
mountains in the ». hemisphere reach the enor-
mous elevation of 5400 metres above the level of
the ocean,
Farther to the 2. of the parallel of 19°, near the
celebrated mines of Zimapan and the Doctor,
situated in the intendancy of Mexico, the cordillera
takes the name of Sierra Madre ; and then leaving
the e. part of the kingdom it runs to the x. w. to-
wards the cities of San Miguel cl Grande and Gua-]
Y
Sea ee
162
[naxuato. To the 7. of this last city, considered
as the Potosi of Mexico, the Sicrra Madre becomes
of an extraordinary breadth. It divides imme-
diately into three branches, of which the most e.
runs in the direction of Charcas and the Real de
Catorce, and loses itsclf in the new kingdom of
Leon. The w. branch occupies a part of the in-
tendancy of Guadalaxara. After passing Balaiios
itsinks rapidly, and stretches by Culiacan and
Arispe, in the intendancy of Sonora, to the banks
of the Rio Gila. However, it acquires again a
considerable degree of height under the 30° of lat.
in Tarahumara, near the gulf of California, where
it forms the mountains De la Primeria Alta, ccle-
brated for the gold washed down from them. The
third branch of the Sierra Madre, which may be
considered as the central chain of the Mexican
Andes, occupies the whole extent of the intendancy
of Zacatecas. We may follow it through Du-
rango and the Parral in New Biscay, to the Sierra
delos Mimbres (situated to the w. of the Rio
Grande del Norte). From thence it traverses New
Mexico, and joins the Crane mountains (Mon-
tagnes de la Grue) and the Sierra Verde. ‘This
mountainous country, situated under the 40° of
lat. was examined in 1777 by Fathers Escalante
and Font. The Rio Gila rises here, of which the
sources are near: those of the Rio del Norte. It is
the crest of this central branch of the Sierra Madre
which divides the waters between the Pacific and
Atlantic ocean. It was a continuation of this
branch which Fidler and the intrepid Mackenzie
examined under the 50° and 55° of x. lat.
We have thus sketched a view of the cordilleras
of New Spain. We have remarked that the coasts
alone of this vast kingdom possess a warm climate
adapted for the productions of the West Indies.
"he intendancy of Vera Cruz, with the exception
of the plain which extends from Perote to the
Pic d’Orizaba, Yucatan, the coast of Oaxaca, the
mar.time provinces of New Santander and Texas,
the new kingdom of Leon, the province of Coha-
huila, the uncultiyated country called Bolson de
Mapimi, the coast of California, the w. part of
Sonora, Cinaloa, and New Galicia, the s. re-
gions of the intendancies of Valladolid, Mexico,
and La Puebla, are low grounds intersected with
very inconsiderable hills. The mean temperature
of these plains, of those at least situated within the
tropics, and whose elevation above the level of
the sea does not exceed 300 metres, or 984 feet, is
from 25° to 26° of the centigrade thermometer, or
77° of Fahrenheit’s; that is to say, from 8° to 9°
of the centigrade, or from 14° to 16° of Fahrenheit,
greater than the mean heat of Naples.
io)
MEXICO.
These fertile regions, which the natives call
tierras calientes, produce in abundance sugar,
indigo, cotton, and bananas. But when Euroe
peans, not seasoned to the climate, remain in these
countries for any time, particularly in populous
cities, they become the abode of the yellow fever,
known by the name of black vomiting, or vomito
prieto. The port of Acapulco, and the valleys of
Papagayo and Peregrino, are among the hottest
and unhealthiest places of the earth. On the e.
coast of New Spain, the great heats are occasion-
ally interrupted by strata of cold air, brought b
the winds from Hudson’s bay towards the parallels
of the Havannah and Vera Cruz. These impetu-
ous winds blow from October to March; they are
announced by the extraordinary manner in which
they disturb the regular recurrence of the small
atmospherical tides, or horary variations of the
barometer ; (see this phenomenon explained in the
first volume of Humboldt’s Travels, Physique
Generale, p. 92, 94); and they frequently cool
the air to such a degfte, that at Havannah the
centigrade thermometer descends to 0°, or 32° of
Fahrenheit, and at Vera Cruz to 16°, or 60° of
Fahrenheit ; a prodigious fall for countries in the
torrid zone.
On the declivity of the cordillera, at the eleva-
tion of 1200 or 1500 metres, or from 3936 to 4920
feet, there reigns perpetually a soft spring tempe-
rature, which never varies more than four or five
degrees (seven or nine of Fahrenheit). ‘The ex-
tremes of heat and cold are there equally unknown.
The natives give to this region the name of tierras
templadas, in which the mean heat of the whole
year is from 20° to 21°, or from 68° to 70° of Fah-
renheit. Such isthe fine climate of Xalapa, ‘Tasco,
and Chilpansingo, three cities celebrated for their
great salubrity, and the abundance of fruit trees
which grow in their neighbourhood. Unfortu-
nately, this mean height of 1300 metres, or 4264
feet, is the height to which the clouds ascend above
the plains adjoining to the sea ; from which cir-
cumstance these temperate regions, situated on the
declivity (for example, the environs of the city
: Xalapa), are frequently enveloped in thick
‘ags.
[t remains for us to speak of the third zone,
known by the denomination of tierras frias. It
comprehends the plains elevated more than 2900
metres, or 7217 fect, above the level of the ocean,
of which the mean temperature is under 17°, or 62°
of Fahrenheit. In the capital of Mexico, the cen-
tigrade thermometer has been known to fall several
degrees below the freezing point ; but this isa very
rare phenomenon ; and the winters are usually as |
natives call
Ince sugar,
yhen Euroe
ain in these
n populous
low fever,
r, or vomito
e valleys of
the hottest
On the e.
re occasion-
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ese impetu-
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ver in which
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» Physique
juently cool
avannah the
P, or 32° of
°, or 60° of
ntries in the
at the eleva-
936 to 4990
ring tempe-
fier or five
). The ex-
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e of tierras
lof the whole
70° of Fah-
apa, ‘Tasco,
ted for their
f fruit trees
. Unfortu.
es, or 4264
scend above
which cir-
ated on the
of the city
d in thick
third zone,
s frias, It
than 29200
bf the ocean,
r 17°, or 62°
co, the cen-
D fall several
his isa very
usually as |
eR
MEXICO. 163
[mild there as at Naples. In the coldest season, the
mean heat of the day is from 13° to 14°, from 55°
to 70° of Fahrenheit. 1n summer the thermometer
never rises in the shade above 24°, or 75° of Fah-
renheit. The mean temperature of the whole
table-land of Mexico is in general 17°, or 62° of
Fahrenheit, which is egvel to the temperature of
Rome. Yet this same table-land, according to
the classification of the natives, belongs, as we
have already stated, to the tierras frias; from
which we may see that the expressions, hot or cold,
have no absolute value. At Guayaquil, under a
burning sky, the people of colour complaiu of ex-
cessive cold, when the centigrade thermometer
suddenly sinks to 24°, (75° of Fahrenheit), while
it remains the rest of the day at 30°, (86° of Fah-
renbeit).
But the plains more elevated than the valley of
Mexico, for example, those whose absolute height
exceeds 2500 metres, or 8201 feet, possess, within
the tropics, a rude and disagreeable climate, even
toan inhabitant of the x. Such are the plains of
Toluca, and the heights of Guchilaque, where,
during a great part of the day, the air never heats
to more than 6° or 8°, (43° or 46° of Fahrenheit),
and the olive tree bears no fruit, though it is culti-
vated successfully a few hundred metres lower in
the valley of Mexico.
All those regione called cold enjoy a mean tem-
erature of from 11° to 15°, or from 51° to 55° of
‘ahrenheit, equal to that of France and Lombardy.
Yet the vegetation is less Hlascouss and the Euro-
pean plants do not grow with the same rapidity as
in their natal soil. The winters, at an elevation
of 2500 metres, are not extremely rude; but the
sun has not sufficient power in summer over the
rarefied air of these plains to accelerate the develop-
ment of flowers, an to bring fruits to perfect ma-
turity. This constant equality, this want of a
strong ephemeral heat, imprints a peculiar cha-
racter on the climate of the higher equinoctial re-
gions. Thus tke cultivation of several vegetables
succeeds worse on the ridge of the Mexican cordil-
leras than in plains situated to the x, of the tropic,
though frequently the mean heat of these plains is
i than that of the plains between the 19° and 22°
of lat.
These general considerations on the physical
division of New Spain are extremely interesting in
a political view. In France, even in the greatest
prt of Europe, the employment of the soil de-
peut almost pa on geopraphical latitude ;
ut in the equinoctial regions of Peru, New Gre-
nada, and Mexico, the climate, productions,
aspect, we may say physiognomy, of the country,
are solely modified by the elevation of the soil
above the level of the sea. The influence of geo-
graphical position is absorbed in the effect of this
elevation. Lines of cultivation similar to those
drawn by Arthur Young and M. Decandolle on
the horizontal projections of France can only be
indicated on sections of New Spain, Under the
19° and 22 of lat. with some few exceptions,
sugar, cotton, particularly cacao, and indigo, are
only produced abundantly at an elevation of trom
6 to 800 metres, or from 1968 to 2624 teet. The
wheat of Europe occupies a zone on the declivity
of the mountains, which gencrally commences at
1400 metres, or 4592 feet, and ends at 3000 metres,
or 9842 feet. Ths banana tree (musa paradisiaca),
the fruit of which constitutes the principal nourish-
ment of all the inhabitants of the tropics, bears
almost no fruit above 1550 metres, or 5084 feet;
the oaks of Mexico grow only between 800 and
3000 metres, (2624 and 9842 feet) ; and the pines
never descend towards the coast of Vera Cruz
farther down than 1850, or 6068 feet, nor rise near
the region of perpetual snow to an elevation of
more than 4000 metres, or 13,123 feet.
The provinces called internas, situated in the
temperate zone (particularly those included be-
tween the 30° and 38° of lat.) enjoy, like the rest
of N. America, a climate essentially different from
that of the same parallels in the old continent.
A remarkable inequality prevails between the
temperature of the different seasons. German
winters succeed to Neapolitan and Sicilian sum-
mers. It would be superfluous to assign here
other causes for this phenomenon than the great
breadth of the continent and its prolongation to-
wards the x. pole. ‘his subject has been dis-
cussed by enlightened natural philosophers, par-
ticularly by M. Volney, in his excellent work on
the soil and climate of the United States, with all
the care which it deserves, We shall merely ob-
serve, that the difference of temperature observable
between the same latitudes of Europe and America,
is much less remarkable in those parts of the new
continent bordering on the Pacific ocean than in
the e. parts. M. Barton has proved, from the
state of agriculture and the natural distribution of
vegetables, that the Atlantic provinces are much
colder than the extensive plains situated to the w.
of the Alleghany mountains.
A remarkable advantage for the progress of
national industry arises from the height at wh'ch
nature, in New Spain, has deposited the precious
metals. In Peru the most considerable silver
mines, those of Potosi, Pasco, and Chota, are
immensely clevated very near the region of pers)
v2? :
164 MEXICO.
{petual snow. In working them, men, provisions,
and cattle must all be brought from a distance.
Cities situated in plains, where water freezes the
whole year round, and where trees never vegetate,
can hardly be an attractive abode. Nothing can
determine a freeeman to abandon the delicious cli-
mate of the valleys to insulate himself on the top
of the Andes but the hope of amassing wealth.
But in Mexico, the richest seams of silver, those
of Guanaxuato, Zacatecas, Tasco, and Real del
Monte, are in moderate elevations of from 1700
to 2000 metres, (5576 to 6561 feet), The mines
are surrounded with cultivated ficlds, towns, and
villages ; the neighbouring summits are crowned
with forests ; and every thing facilitates the ac-
quisition of this subterraneous wealth.
In the midst of so many advantages bestowed
by nature on the kingdom of New Spain, it suffers
in general, like old Spain, from the want of water
and navigable rivers, The great river of the 2.
(Rio Bravo del Norte) and the Rio Colorado, are
the only rivers worthy of fixing the attention of
travellers, either for the length of their course, or
the mass of water which they pour into the ocean.
The Rio del Norte, from the mountains of the
Sierra Verde (to the e. of the lake of Timpanogos)
toits mouth in the province of New Santander,
has a course of 512 leagues. The course of the
Rio Colorado is 250. But these two rivers,
situated in the most uncultivated part of the king-
dom, can never be interesting for commerce, till
great changes in the social order, and other fa-
vourable events, introduce colonization into these
fertile and temperate regions. ‘These changes are
not perhaps very distant. The banks of the Ohio
were even in 1797 so thinly inhabited, (Voyage
de Michaux a Ouest des Monts Alleghanys, p.
115), that 30 families could hardly be found ina
space of 130 leagues, while the habitations are
now so multiplied that they are never more than
one or two leagues distant from one another.
In the whole equinoctial part of Mexico there
are only small rivers, the mouths of which are of
considerable size. ‘The narrow form of the con-
tinent prevents the collection of a great mass of
water. The rapid declivity of the cordillera
abounds more properly with torrents than rivers.
Mexico is in the same state with Peru, where the
Andes approach so near to the coast as to occasion
the aridity of the neighbouring plains. Among
the small number of rivers in the s. part of New
Spain, the only ones which may in time become
interesting for interior commerce are, 1. The Rio
Guasacualco, and the Rio Alvarado, both to the
3. e. of Vera Cruz, and adapted tor facilitating the
communication with the kingdom of Guatemala ;
2. The Rio de Moctezuma, which carries the
waters of the lakes and valley of Tenochtitlan to
the Rio de Panuco, and by which, forgetting that
Mexico is 2277 metres, or 7468 feet, elevated
above the level of the sea, a navigation has been
projected between the capii.:! and the w. coast;
3. The Rio de Zacatula; 4. The great river of
Santiago, formed by the junction of the rivers
Lerma and Las Laxas, which might carry the
flour of Salamanca, Zelaya, and perhaps the
whole intendancy of Guadalaxara, to the port of
San Blas, or the coast of the Pacific ocean,
The lakes with which Mexico abounds, and of
which the most part appear annually on the de-
cline, are merely the remains of immense basins
of water, which appear to have formerly existed
on the high and extensive plains of the cordillera.
We shall merely mention in this physical view
the great lake of Chapala in New Galicia, of
nearly 160 square leagues, double the size of the
lake of Constance; the lakes of the valley of
Mexico, which include a fourth part of its sur-
face; the lake of Patzcuaro, in the intendancy of
Valladolid, one of the most picturesque situations
found in either continent; and the lakes of Mex-
titlan'and Parras in New Biscay.
The interior of New Spain, especially a great
part of the high table-land of Anahuac, is destitute
of vegetation: its arid aspect brings to mind in
some places the plains of the two Castiles. Sc-
veral causes concur to produce this extraordinary
effect. The evaporation which takes place on
great plains is sensibly increased by the great
elevation of the Mexican cordillera, On the other
hand, the country is not of sufficient elevation for
a great number of summits to penetrate the region
of perpetual snow. This region commences under
the equator at 4800 metres, or 15,747 feet, and
under the 45° of lat. at 2550 metres, or 8365 feet,
above the level of the sea. In Mexico the eternal
snows commence in the 19° and 20° of lat. at 4600
metres, or 15,091 feet, of elevation. Hence, of
six colossal mountains which nature has ranged in
the same line, between the parallels of 19° and
19°3, only four, the Pic @’Orizaba, Popocatepetl,
Iztaccihuatl, and the Nevado de ‘Toluca, are co-
vered with perpetual snow, while the two others,
the Cofre de Perote, and the Volcan de Colima,
remain uncovered the greatest part of the year
To the v. and s. of this parallel of great elevations,
beyond this singular zone, in which the new
Volcan de Jorullo is also ranged, there are no
mountains which exhibit the phenomenon of per.
petual snow. |
Sito ene
Sink
Guatemala ;
carries the
ochtitlan to
getting that
et, elevated
on has been
le Ww. Coast ;
reat river of
f the rivers
it carry the
verhaps the
o the port of
pean.
unds, and of
y on the de-
1ense_ basins
erly existed
¢ cordillera.
hysical view
Galicia, of
» size of the
ic valley of
of its sur-
itendancy of
ne situations
kes of Mex-
‘ially a great
by is destitute
sto mind in
astiles. Sc-
traordinary
es place on
y the great
Jn the other
elevation for
e the region
ences under
17 feet, and
or 8365 feet,
the cternal
f lat. at 4600
Hence, of
as ranged in
of 19° and
opocatepetl,
uca, are co-
two others,
de Colima,
of the year
ht elevations,
ch the new
here are no
non of per-
es
Rs eae cra es
ts Shh
en
Sie ot ie eho
MEXICQ. 165
{These snows, at the period of their minimum,
in the month of September, never descend in the
parallel of Mexico below 4500 metres, or 14,763
feet. But in the month of January they fall as
tow as 3700 metres, or 12,188 feet: this is the
yeriod of their maximum. ‘The oscillation of the
limits of perpetual snow is, consequently, under
the lat. of 19°, from one season to the other, 800
metres, or 2624 feet; while under the equator it
never excceds 60 or 70 metres, (196 or 229 feet).
We must not confound these eternal snows with
the snows which in winter accidentally fallin much
lower regions. Even this phenonitnon, like every
other in nature, is subject to immutable laws
worthy the investigation of philosophers. ‘This
ephemeral snow is never observed under the equa-
tor below 3800 or, 3900 metres, (12,466 to 12,794
feet); but in Mexico, under the lat. of 18° and 22°
it is commonly seen at an elevation of 3000 metres,
or 9842 fect. Snow has even been seen in the
streets of the capital of Mexico at 2277 metres, or
7468 feet, and 400 metres, or 6156 fect, lower in
the city of Valladolid.
In general, in the equinoctial regions of New
Spain, the soil, climate, physiognomy of vegetables,
all assume the character of the temperate zones.
The proximity of Canada, the great breadth of
the new continent towards the n. the mass of snows
with which it is covered, occasion in the Mexican
atmosphere frigorifications by no means to be ex-
pected in these regions.
If the table-land of New Spain is singularly cold
in winter, its temperature is, on the other hand,
much higher in summer than what was found by
the thermometrical observations of Bouguer and
La Condamine in the Andes of Peru. The great
mass of the cordillera of Mexico, and the immense
extent of its plains, produce a reverberation of the
solar rays, never observed in mountainous coun-
tries of greater inequality. This heat, and other
local causes, produce the aridity of these fine re-
gions.
To the n. of 20°, from the 22° to the 30° of lat.
the rains, which only fall in the months of June,
July, August, and September, ave very unfre-
quent in the interior of the country, We have
already observed that the great height of this table.
land, and the small barometrical pressure of the
rarefied air, accelerate the evaporation. ‘The as-
cending current or column of warm air which rises
from the plains prevents the clouds from precipi-
tating in rain to water a land, dry, saline, and
destitute of vegetation, ‘The springs are rare in
mountains composed principally of porous amyg-
daloid and fendilated porphyry. The filtrated
9
~
water, in place of collecting in small subterraneous
basins, is lost in the crevices which old volcanic
revolutions have opened, and only issues forth at
the bottom of the cordillera. 1t forms a great
number of rivers on the coast, of which the course
is very short, on account of the configuration of the
country.
The aridity of the central plain, the want of
trees, occasioned, perhaps, in a good measure by
the length of time the great valleys have remained
covered with water, obstruct very much the work-
ing of the mines, ‘These disadvantages have aug-
mented since the arrival of Europeans in Mexico,
who have not only destroyed witheat planting,
but in draining great extents of ground have oc-
casioned another more important evil. Muriate
of soda and lime, nitrate of potash, and other sa-
line substances, cover the surface of the soil, and
spread with a rapidity very difficult to be ex-
plained. Through this abundance of salt, and
these eflorecences, hostile to cultivation, the table-
land of Mexico bears a great resemblance in many
places to 'Thibet and the saline steppvs of central
Asia. In the valley of Tenochtitlan. particularly,
the sterility and want of vigorous vegetation have
been sensibly augmenting since the Spanish con-
quest ; for this valley was adorned with beautiful
verdure when the lake at) dha more ground, and
the clayey soil was washed by more frequent in-
undations.
Happily, however, this aridity of soil, of which
we have been indicating the principal physical
causes, is only to be found in the most elevated
plains. A great part of the vast kingdom of New
Spain belongs to the most fertile regions of the
earth. ‘The declivity of the cordillera is exposed
to humid winds and frequent fogs ; and the vege-
tation nourished with these aqueous vapours exe
hibits an uncommon beauty and strength. The
humidity of the coasts, assisting the putrefaction of
a great mass of organic substances, gives rise to
maladies, to which Europeans and others not sea-
soned to the climate are alone exposed ; for under
the burning sun of the tropics the unhealthiness
of the air almost always indicates extraordinary
fertility of soil. ‘Thus at Vera Cruz the quantity
of rain in a yearamounts to 1.62, equal to 63.780
inches, while in France it scarcely amounts to
0" .80, or 37.496 inches. Yet with the excep-
tion of a few sca-ports and deep valleys, where the
natives suffer from intermittent fevers, New Spain
ought to be considered as a country remarkably
salubrious.
The inhabitants of Mexico are less disturbed by
earthquakes and volcanic explosions than the in- |
>
=
Se Ee
7
166 MEXICO.
[habitants of Quito, and the provinces of Guate-
mala and Cumani, There are only five burning
volcanoes in all New Spain, Orizaba, Popocate-
petl, and the mountains of Tustla, Jorullo, and
Colima, Earthquakes, however, are by no means
rare on the coast of the Pacific ocean, and in the
environs of the capital; but they never produce
such desolating effects as have been witnessed in
the cities of Lima, Riobamba, Guatemala, and
Cumand, On the 14th of September 1759, a hor-
rible catastrophe took place: the volcanoes of Jo-
rullo burst, and were seen surrounded with an in-
numerable multitude of small smoking cones.
Subterrancous noises, so much the more alarming
as they were followed by no phenomenon, were
heard at Guanaxuato in the month of January
17841. All these phenomena seem to prove, that
the country between the parallels of 18° and 22°
contains an active internal fire, which pierces,
from time to time, through the crust of the globe,
even at great distances from the sea shore.
The physical situation of the city of Mexico
ossesses inestimable advantages, if we consider it
In the relation of its communication with the rest
of the civilized world, Placed on an_ isthmus,
washed by the S. sea and Atlantic ocean, Mexico
appears destined to possess a powerlul influence
over the political events which agitate the two con-
tinents. A king of Spain resident in the capital of
Mexico, might transmit his orders in five weeks
to the peninsula in Europe, and in six weeks to
the Philippine islands in Asia. ‘The vast kingdom
of New Spain, under a careful cultivation, would
alone produce all that commerce collects together
from the rest of the globe, sugar, cochineal, cacao,
cotton, coffee, wheat, hemp, flax, silk, oils, and
wine. It would furnish every metal without even
the exception of mercury. Superb timber and an
abundance of iron and copper would favour the
progress of Mexican navigation ; but the state of
the coasts and the want of ports from the mouth of
the Rio Alvarado to the mouth of the Rio Bravo,
oppose obstacles in this respect which would be
difficult to overcome.
These obstacles, it is true, do not exist on the
coast of the Pacific ocean. San Francisco in New
California, San Blas in the intendancy of Gua-
dalaxara, near the mouth of the river Santiago,
and especially Acapulco, are magnificent ports.
The last, probably formed by a violent earth-
quake, is one of the most admirable basins in the
whole world. In the S. sea there is only Co-
quimbo on the coast of Chile which can be com-
ured with Acapulco; yet in winter, during great
urricanes, the sea becomes very rough in Aca-
pulco, Farther s, we find the port of Rialexo,
in the kingdom of Guatemala, formed, like
Guayaquil, by a large and beautiful river, Son-
sonate is very much frequented during the fine
season, but it is merely an open road like Tehuan.
tepec, and is consequently very dangerous in
winter.
When we examine the e. coast of New Spain,
we see that it does not possess the sane advantages
as the w. coast. We have already observed, that,
properly speaking, it possesses no port; for Vera
Yruz, by which an annual commerce of 50 or
60,000,000 of piastres is carried on, is merely a
bad anchorage between the shallows of La Caleta,
La Gallega, and La Lavandera. The physical
cause of this disadvantage is easily discovered,
The coasi of Mexico, along the Mexican gulf,
may be considered as a dike against which the
trade winds, and perpetual motion of the waves
from e. to w. throw up thesands which the agitated
ocean carries along, ‘This current of rotation runs
along S. America from Cumané to the isthmus of
Darien; it ascends towards cape Catoche, and
after whirling a long time in the Mexican gulf,
issues through the canal of Mlorida, and flows to-
wards the banks of Newfoundland. ‘The sands
heaped up by the vortices of the waters, from the
eninsula of Yucatan to the mouths of the Rio del
orte and the Mississippi, insensibly contract the
the basin of the Mexican gulf. Geelogical facts
of a very remarkable nature prove this increase of
the continent; we see the ocean every where re-
tiring, M. Ferrer found near Sotto la Marina, to
the e. of the small town of New Santander, 10
leagues in the interior of the country. moving
sands filled with sea shells, Humboldt observed
the same thing in the environs of Antigua and New
Vera Cruz. The rivers which descend from the
Sierra Madre and enter the Atlantic ocean have in
nosmall degree contributed to increase the sand
banks. It is curious to observe that the e. coasts
of Old and New Spain are equally disadvantageous
for navigation. The coast of New Spain, from
the 18° to the 26° of lat. abounds with bars; and
vessels which draw more than 32 centimetres, or
124 inches, of water, cannot pass over any of
these bars, without danger of grounding. Yet
obstacles like these, so unfavourable tor commerce,
would at the same time facilitate the defence of the
country against the ambitious projects of a Euro-
pean conqueror.
The inhabitants of Mexico, discontented with
the port of Vera Cruz, if we may give the name
of port to the most dangerous of all anchorages,
entertain the hope of finding out surer channels |
go RRR
vib
A
val
i
ie
y
4
|
xa
Se Imre (SS
pmitaaaia sa Sees Cot ee
eee
of Rialexo,
med, like
ver, Son-
ig the fine
ce Tehuan-
ngerous in
New Spain,
advantages
rved, that,
tL; for Vera
e of 50 or
is merely a
La Caleta,
ie physical
discovered,
xican gulf,
which the
the waves
the agitated
otation runs
2 isthmus of
ttoche, and
exican gulf,
nd flows to-
The sands
rs, from the
the Rio del
contract the
logical facts
s increase of
where re-
Marina, to
tander, 10
ry. moving
it observed
a and New
id from the
ean have in
¢ the sand
e e. coasts
vantageous
Spain, from
b bars; and
imetres, or
ver any of
ing. Yet
commerce,
tence of the
lof a Euroe
tented with
e the name
hnchorages,
channels |
SPR hw Prd Reo aed
2s SiS tie ole eee i AS ere a (SSR Ney eae
Ss Bia cp OS alee ign eh
$Gizkie
MEXICO, 167
for the commercé with the mother country. We
shall merely name the mouths of the rivers Alva-
rado and Guasacualco to the s. of Vera Cruz;
and to the n. of that city the Rio ‘Tampico, and
especially the village of Sotto la Marina, near the
bar of Santander. ‘These four points have long
fixed the attention of the government; but even
there, however advantageous in other respects,
the sand-banks prevent the entry of large vessels,
These ports would require to be artificially cor-
rected ; but it becomes necessary in the first place
to inquire if the localities are such as to warrant a
belief that this expensive remedy would be durable
in its effects. Itis to be observed, however, that
westill know too little of the coasts of New Santan-
derand Texas, particularly that part to the 7. of
the lake of S. Bernard or Carbonera, to be able to
assert that in the whole of this extent nature pre-
sents the same obsiacles and the same bars. ‘Two
Spanish officers of distinguished zeal and astrono-
mical knowledge, MM, Cevallos and Herrera,
have engaged in this interresting and useful inves-
tigation. At present Mexico is in a military de-
pendence on the Havannah, which is the only
neighbouring port capable of receiving ys osc
and the most important point for the defence of
the e. coast of New Spain. Accordingly, the go-
vernment, since the last taking of the Havannah
by the English, has been at enormous expences in
increasing the fortifications of the place. Sensible
of its true interests, the court of Madrid has wiscly
laid it down asa principle, that the dominion of
the island of Cuba is essential for the preservation
of New Spain.
A very serious inconvenience is common to the
¢. coast, and to the coast washed by the Great
ocean, falsely called the Pacific ocean. They are
rendered inaccessible for several months by violent
tempests, which effectually prevent all navigation.
The n. winds (los nortes), which are n. w. winds,
blow in the gulf of Mexico from the autumnal to
the spring equinox. These winds are generally
moderate in the months of September and October ;
their greatest fury is in the month of March; and
they sometimes last to April. Those navigators
who have long frequented the port of Vera Cruz
know the symptoms of the coming tempest as a
physician knows the symptoms ofan acute malady.
According to the excellent observations of M. Orta,
a great change in the barometer, and a sudden in-
terruption in the regular recurrence of the horary
variations of that instrument, are the sure fore-
runners of the tempest. It is accompanied by the
following phenomena. At first a small land wind
(terra!) blows from the w. 2. w.; and to this ter.
ral succeeds a breeze, first from the n. e. and then
from the s. During all this time a most suffocat-
ing heat prevails; and the water dissolved in the
air is precipitated on the brick walls, the pave-
ment, and iron or wooden balustrades. ‘The sum-
mits of the Pic d’Orizaba and the Cofre de Perote,
and the mountains of Villa Rica, particularly the
Sierra de San Martin, which extends from ‘Tustla
to Guasacualco, appear uncovered with clouds,
while their bases are concealed under a veil of
demi-transparent vapours, ‘These cordilleras ape
pear projected on a fine azure ground, In this
state of the atmosphere the tempest commences,
and sometimes with such impetuosity, that before
the lapse of a quarter of an hour it would be dan-
gerous to remain on the mole in the port of Vera
Cruz. All communication between the city and
the castle of S. Juan d’Ulua is thenceforth inter-
rupted. ‘These n. wind hurricanes generally re-
main for three or four days, and sometimes tor 10
or 12. If the ». wind change into a s. breeze the
latter is very inconstant, and it is then probable
that the tempest will recommence ; but if’ the ».
veers toe. by the n. e. then the breeze or fine wea-
ther is durable. During winter we may reckon on
the breeze continuing for three or four. successive
days, an interval more than sufficient for allowin
any vessel leaving Vera Cruz to get out to sea an
escape the sand-banks adjoining to the coast,
Sometimes even in the months of May, June,
July, and August, very strong hurricanes are felt
in the gulf of Mexico, They are called nortes de
hueso colorado; but fortunately they are not very
common. ‘The periods in which the black vomit-
ing (yellow fever) and tempests from the n. pres
vail at Vera Cruz do not coincide ; consequently
the European who arrives in Mexico, and the
Mexican whose affairs compel him to embark,
or to descend from the table-land of New Spain
to the coast, have both to make their election
between the danger of navigation and a mortal
disease.
The w. const of Mexico is of very dangerous
navigation during the months of July and August,
when terrible hurricanes blow from the s.w. At
that time, and even in September and October, the
ports of San Blas and Acapulco are of very diffi-
cult access. Even in the fine season, from the
month of October to the month of May (verano de
la mar del sur), the tranquillity of the Pacific
ocean is interrupted on this coast by impetuous
winds from the 7. e. and the 7. 7. e. known by the
names of papagallo'and tehuantepec.
In illustration of this phenomenon, we might be
led to believe that the equilibrium of the atmo- |
=
——— —
——
—_
NOT Patan a
a. ET
¥
on
ote
af
#
168 MEXICO,
[sphere being disturbed in the months of January
and February on the coast of the Atlantic, the
agitated air flows back with impetuosity towards
the Great ocean, The ¢ehuantepec should seem
therefore to be merely the effect, or rather the con-
tinuation, of the », wind of the Mexican gulf and
the brisoltes of St. Martha, It renders the coast
of Solinas and La Ventosa almost as inaccessible
as that of Nicaragua and Guatemala, where vio-
lent s. w. winds prevail during the months of
August and September, known by the name of
tapayaguas.
These s. w. winds are accompanied with thun-
der and excessive rains, while the tehuantepec
and papagaiios, which blow particelarly from cape
Blanc de Nicoya (lat, 9° 30’) to L’ Ensenada de 8,
Catharina (lat, 10° 45’), exert their violence
during a clear and azure aby Thus at certain
periods almost all the coasts of New Spain are dan-
gerous for navigators,
Cuar, VI.
Particular statistical account of the intendancies
of Nueva Espana.
Berone giving the table which contains a par-
ticular statistical account of the intendancies of
New Spain, we shall discuss the principles on
which the new territorial divisions are founded.
These divisions have been, till lately, entirely un-
known to the most modern geographers; and
it was M. Humboldt who first afforded a general
map of New Spain, in which were contained the
limits of the intendancies established since 1776.
Before the introduction of the new administra-
tion by Count Don Jose de Galvez, minister of the
Indies, New Spain contained, 1. El Reyno de
Mexico; 2. EI Reyno de Nueva Galicia; 3. El
Nuevo Reynode Leon; 4, La Colonia del Nuevo
Santander; 5. La Provincia de Texas; 6. La
Provincia de Cohahuila; 7. La Provincia de
Nueva Biscaya; 8. La Provincia de la Sonora; 9.
La Provincia de Nuevo Mexico; and, 10. Ambas
Californias, or Las Provincias de la Vie, y Nueva
California. These old divisions are still very fre-
quently used in the country. Thelimits which sepa-
rate La Nueva Galicia from El Reyno de Mexico,
to which a part of the old kingdom of Mechoacin
belongs, are also the line of demarcation between
the jurisdiction of the two audiences of Mexico and
Guadalaxara, This line begins on the coast of
the gulf of Mexico, 10 leagues to the n. of the Rio
de Panuco and the city of Altamira near Bara
Ciega, and runs through the intendancy of S.
Luis Potosi to the mines of Potosi and Bernalejo ;
from thence passing along the s. extremity of the
intendancy of Zacatecas, and the w. limits of the
intendancy of Guanaxuato, it traverses the inten-
dancy of Gundalaxara between Zapotlan and
Sayula, between Ayotitlan and the Ciudad de la
Purificacion, to Guatlan, one of the ports of the
S$. sea. All n. of this line belongs to the audiencia
of Guadalaxara ; andalls, of it to the audiencia
of Mexico,
In its present state New Spain is divided into
12 intendancies, to which we must add three other
districts, very remote from the capital, which have
yreserved the simple denomination of provinces.
These fifteen divisions are,
1. Usver toe Tewrenate Zonr,82,000 leagues,
with 677,000 souls, or cight inhabitants to the
square league,
A. Region of the North, an interior region.
1. Provincia de Nuevo Mexico, along the Rio
del Norte to the n. of the parallel of 31°,
2. Intendencia de Nueva Biscaya, to the s. w,
of the Rio del Norte, on the central table-
land which declines rapidly from Durango
towards Chihuahua.
B. Region of the North-west, in the vicinity
of the Great ocean,
3. Provincia de la Nueva California, or n. w.
coast of N. America, possessed by the Spa-
niards.
4. Provincia de la Antigua California. Its s.
extremity ends the torrid zone,
5. Intendencia de la Sonora. The most s.
part of Cinaloa, in which the celebrated
mines of Copala and Rosario are situated,
also passes the tropic of cancer,
C. Region of the North-east, adjoining the
gulf of Mexico.
6. Intendencia de San Luis Potosi. It com-
prehends the provinces of ‘Texas, La Colonia
de Nuevo Santander and Cohahuila, [1
Nuevo Reyno de Leon, and the districts of
Charcas, Altamira, Catorce, and Ramos.
These last districts compose the intendancy
of San Luis properly so called. The s.
part, which extends to the s. of the Barra
de Santander and the real de Catorce, be-
longs to the torrid zone.
II. Unver tue Torrip Zone, 36,500 square
leagues, witi, 5,160,000 souls, or 141 inhabi-
tants to the square league.
D. Central Region. ‘
7. Intendencia de Zacatecas, excepting the
art which extends to the , of the mines of
resnillo.
8. Intendencia de Guadalaxara.
9. lntendencia de Guanaxuato. }
Sat SSE) ty aces ct Ogee
. ote ee
So trees
limits of the
s the inten.
potlan and
judad de la
pou of the
1e audiencia
he audiencia
livided into
1 three other
which have
f° provinces.
000 leagues,
bitants to the
r region.
along the Rio
lel of 31°.
1, to the s. w.
central table-
rom Durango
the vicinity
ria, or n. w.
d by the Spa-
fornia. Its s.
‘The most s.
ne celebrated
» are situated,
Tr.
hdjoining the
psi. ‘It com-
as, La Colonia
ohahuila, FE)
he districts of
and Ramos.
e intendancy
Med. The s.
of the Barra
Catorce, be-
36,500 square
r IAL inhabi-
xcepting the
t the mines of
OM
2
¥
¥
MEXICO. 169
[10, Lntendencia de Valladolid,
11, Intendencia de Mexico,
12, Intendencia de la Puebla.
13. Intendencian de Vera Cruz.
Ki. Region of the South-west.
14, Intendencia de Oaxaca,
15, Intendencia de Merida, ;
The divisions in this table are founded on the
physical state of the country. We see that nearly
seven-eighths of the inhabitants live under the tor-
rid zone. The population becomes thinner as we
advance towards Hurange and Chihuahua, In
this respect New Spain bears a striking analogy
to Hindostan, which in its 2. parts is bounded by
regions almost uncultivated ae uninhabited, Of
5,000,000 who inhabit the equinoctial part of
Mexico, four-fifths live on the ridge of the core
dilleru or table-lands, whose elevation above the
levei of the sea equals that of the passage of mount
Cenis.
New Spain, considering its provinces according
to their commercial relations, or the situation of
the coasts, is divided into three regions.
1, Provinces or tur Intrenton, which do
not extend to the ocean,
1. Nuevo Mexico.
2. Nueva Biscaya.
3. Zacatecas,
4, Guanaxuato.
II, Manitime hoe of the ¢, coast
opposite to Europe.
5. Son Luis Potosi.
6. Vera Cruz.
7. Merida, or Yucatan.
Il, ee adda of the w. coast
0 ite to Asia.
8. Rew California.
9, Old California.
10. Sonora,
11, Guadalaxara.
12, Valladolid.
13. Mexico,
14, Puebla.
15, Oaxaca.
These divisions may, as Humboldt observes, one
day possess great political interest, when the cul-
tivation of Mexico shall be less concentrated on the
central table-land or ridge of the cordillera, and
when the coasts shall become more populous. The
maritime provinces of the w, will send their vessels
to Nootka, to China, and the E. Indies. The
Sandwich islands, inhabited by a ferocious, but
industrious and enterprising pecple, appear more
likely destined to receive Mexican than European
VOL. WL.
colonists, ‘They aflord an imporlant stage to the
nations who carry on commerce inthe Great ocean,
The inhabitants of New Spain and Peru have never
yet been able to profit by their advantageous
position ona coast opposite Asia and New Holland,
Fhey do not even know the productions of the
S. sea islands, What efforts have not been made
hy the United States of North America, within the
last 10 years, to open a communication with the w,
coast, with the same coast on which the Mexicans
possess the finest ports, but without activity and
without commerce !
According to the ancient division of the country,
the Reyno de Nueva Galicia contained more than
14,000 square leagues, and nearly a million of
inhabitants: it included the intendancies of Zaca-
tecas and Guadalaxara, (with the exception of the
most s. part, which contains the volcano of Colima
and the village of Ayotitan,) as well asa small
pert of that of San Luis Potosi. The regions now
nown by the denomination of the seven intendan-
cies of Guanaxuato, Valladolid or Mechoacan,
Mexico, Puebla, Vera Cruz, Oaxaca, and Merida,
formed along with a small portion of the intendancy
of San Luis Potosi, (the most s. part through which
the river of Panuco runs), the Reyno de Mexico,
properly so called. ‘This kingdom consequently
contained more than 27,000 square leagues, and
nearly 4,500,000 of inhabitants.
Another division of New Spain, equally ancient
and less vague, is that which distinguishes New
Spain, properly so called, from the provincias in-
ternas. ‘To the latter belongs all to the n. and
nw. of the kingdom of Nueva Galicia, with the
exception of the two Californias; consequently,
1, The small kingdom of Leon; 2. The colony
of New Santander; 3. Texas; 4. New Biscay ;
5. Sonora; 6. Cohahuila; and, 7. New Mexico.
The provincias internas del Vireynato, which
contain 7814 square leagues, are distinguished
from the provincias internas de la comandanciua (of
Chihuahua), erected into a capitania general in
1779, which contain 59,375 square leagues, Of
the twelve new intendancies, three are situated in
the provincias internas, Durango, Sonora, and San
Luis Potosi. We must not, however, forget that
the intendant of San Luis is only under the direct
authority of the viceroy for Leon, Santander, and
the districts near bis residence, those of Charcas,
Catorce, and Altamira. The governments of
Cohahuila and ‘Texas make also part of the inten-
dancy of San Luis Potosi, but they belong directly
to the comandancia general de Chihuahua. The
following tables will throw some light on these very }
7
~—- _
a
ele Ee ae ee
{ }
|
4h
y
-—
SPD
age eee
170
[complicated territorial divisions,
ail New Spain into,
A. Provincias sujetas al Virey de Nueva Ese
pana, 59,103 square leagues, with 5,479,095
souls: the 10 intendancies of Mexico, Puebla,
Vera Cruz, Oaxaca, Merida, Valladolid, Gua-
dalaxara, Zacatecas, Guanaxuato, and San
Luis Potosi (without including Cohahuila
and Texas.)
The two Californias,
B. Provincias sujetas al comandante gencral de
provincias internas, 59,375 square leagues,
with 359,200 inhabitants.
The two intendancies of Durango and So-
nora,
The province of Nuevo Mexico,
Cohahuila and ‘Texas.
The whole of New Spain, 118,478 square
leagues, with 5,857,100 inhabitants.
These tables exhibit the surtace of the provinces,
calculated in square leagues of 25 to the degree,
according to the general map accompanying Hum-
boldt’s work. ‘The first calculations were made at
Mexico in the end of 1803, by M. Oteyza and
Humboldt. His geographical !abours having since
that period attained to greater perfection, M. Olt-
manns took the pains to recatculate the whole terri-
torial suriaces. tle executed this operation with the
precision which characterises whatever he under.
takes, having formed squares of which the sides
did not contain more than three minutes.
The population indicated in the following tables
is what may be supposed to have existed in 1803.
In all times the population of Asia has been exag-
gerated, and that of the Spanish possessions in
America lowered. We forget that with a fine
climate and fertile soil, population makes rapid
advances even in countries the worst administered ;
and we also forget that men scattered over an im-
mense territory suffer less from the imperfections
of the social state than when the population is very
concentrated,
Let us divide
MEXICO.
We are uncettain as to the limits which ought
to be assigned to New Spain tothe 2. and e. It
is not enough that a country has been run over by
a missionary monk, or that a coast has been seen by
a vessel of war, to consider it as belonging to the
Spanish colonies of America. Cardinal Lorenzana
printed at Mexico, even in 1770, that New Spain,
through the bishopric of Durango, bordered per-
haps on 'Tartacy and Greenland! We are now
too well instructed in geography to yield ourselves
up to such vague suppositions. A viceroy of
Mexico caused the American colonies of the Rus-
sians on the peninsula of Alaska to be visited from
San Blas. The attention of the Mexican govern-
ment was for a long time turned to the 2, w. coast,
especially since the establishment at Nootka, which
the court of Madrid was compelled to abandon to
avoid a war with England. ‘The inhabitants of
the United States carry their civilization towards
the Missoury. They gradually approach the coast
of the Great ocean, to which the fur trade invites
them. ‘The period approaches when, through the
rapid progress of human cultivation, the bounda-
ties of New Spain will join those of the Russian
empire, and the great confederation of American
republics. At present, however, the Mexican
government extends no farther along the w. coast
than the mission of St. Francis, te the s, of cape
Mendocin, and the village of ‘Taos in New Mexico.
The boundaries of the intendancy of San Luis
Potosi on the c. towards the state of Louisiana, are
not very well determined ; the congress of Wash-
ington endeavoured to confine them to the right
bank of the Rio Bravo del Norte, while the Spa-
niards comprehend under the denomination ot
province of Texas, the savanas which extend to
the Rio Mexicano or Mermentas, to the e. of the
Rio Sabina.
The following table exhibits the surface and po-
pulation of the greatest political associations of
Europe and Asia, It will furnish curious com.
parisons with the present state of Mexico, ]
Grrar
ich ought
nde. It
rover by
n seen by
ing tothe
orenzana
‘w Spain,
ered per-
p are NOW
ourselves
iccroy of
the Ruse
ited from
n governs
w. Coast,
ka, which
bandon to
bitants of
n towards
ithe coast
de invites
rough the
> bounda-
e Russian
American
Mexican
> w. Const
. of cape
y Mexico.
San Luis
siann, are
ot Wash-
the right
the Spa-
ration of
xtend to
e. of the
and po-
ations of
yUS COM.
‘
Grear
BRS
~ ie ety eo
nit ee
akan See
GREAT POLITICAL Associations IN 1808.
~ Russian empire : ° ‘
1. European part - = . :
2. Asiatic part - °
The single government of Irkutzk :
The single government of 'Tobolsk -
All Europe - : . 7
The united Staics of North America, viz.
1, With Louisiana : ° e
2, Without Louisiana - ° F
3. Without Louisiana and the Indian territory (in Georgia
and Western Waters) e .
Hindostan on this side (en-deca) the Ganges*
English territory, of which the Kast ludia company possess
the sovereignty e ., " .
Allies and tributaries of the English company
Turkish empire in “urope, Asia, and Africa = -
Austrian monarchy = - - - -
France, according to M. Peuchet - -
Spain, according tv M. Laborde . :
New Spain,
1, With the provincias internas —- -
2. Without the provincias internas -
ee
MEXICO. V7
; Tahab.”
Sq = leag.
resto the ‘Total | to the
nae population, square
degree, (cabs
942,452 | 40,000,000 |~ 42
- = | 215,809 | 36,400,000 | 169
: - | 726,644 3,597 ,0U0 5
° - | 350,000 680,600 2
. - | 200,000 72,547 1
476, LIL | 182,599,000 | 383
- = | 260,340} 6,800,000 | 22
117,478 | 6,715,000 | 42
- «=| 78,190 | 6,655,000 | 85
162,827
- | 48,299 | 23,806,000 | 493
32,647 | 16,900,000 | 51s
136,110 | 25,330,000 | 186
33,258 | 25,588,000 | 769
- «| 32,000 | 35,000,000 | 1094
- «| 25,147} 10,409,000 | 413
- «| 118,978
- _=|_51,989
5,837,100 | 49
5,413,900
* According to Arrowsmith’s beautiful map of India, 1804. (Journal Astronomique de MM. Zach
et Lintlenau, 1807, p. 361.) The rest of the date from the classical work of M. Hassel, Statistical View
of the States of Europe, No. 1. (1805,) in German.
We see from this table, which may suggest
very curious considerations as to the dispropor-
tion of European cultivation, that New Spain is
almost four times larger than the French empire,
with a population which till this day is seven
times smaller. We also sce that the points of analogy
in a comparison of the United States with Mexico
are y."v striking, especially if we consider Lou-
isiana and the w. territory as the provincias inter-
nas of the great conféderation of American. re-
publics.
The state of the provincias internas are described
as it was when Humboldt left Mexico. A con-
siderable change has sivce taken’ place in’ the
military government of these vast provinces, of
which the surface almost doubles that of the French
empire, In 1807, two commandantes generales,
brigadier generals, by name Don Nemesio Sal-
cedo and Don Pedro Grimarest, governed these n.
provinces, ‘The following is the present division
of the gobierno miltar, which is now no longer in
the hands of the governor of Chihuahua alone :
Provincias Internas Det Reyno Dr Nueva
Espana.
A. Provincias internas ocvidentales.
1. Sonora.
2, Durango o Nueva Biscaya.
3. Nuevo Mexico.
4. Californias,
B. Provinctas internas orientales.
1, Cohahuila.
2. Texas,
3. Colonia del Nuevo Santander.
4. Nuevo Reyno de Leon,
The new commandantes generales of the internal
provinces, as well as the old, are considered as at
the head of the administration of finances in the
two intendancies of Sonora and Durango, in the
rovince of Nuevo Mexico, and in that part of the
intendancy of Sau Luis Potosi which compre-
hends ‘Texas and Cohahuila, As to the small
Kingdom of Leon and New Santander, they are
u— subject to the commandant ina military point
of view]
4e@
1i2 MEXICO.
Territonia Divisions.
the kingdom of Guatemala.)
A. re rovincias Internas
New Spain, (extent of the whole viceroyalty without including
1. Ammediately subject to the viceray, (provincias internas
118,478
423,200 6
ie YIPEROAD) - 7,814 64,000 8 |
. Nuevo Reyno de Leon - - - : 2,621 29,000 10 |
2. Nuevo Santander - : - 5,193 38,000 7
b. Subject to the governnor of Chihuahua ( provincias loterane
de la comandancia general) - | 59,375 359,200 6 |
| Le ntendencia de la Nueva Biscaya o Durango - - | 16,873 159,700 10
« Intendencia de la Sonora - - | 19,148 121,400 6
3 Cohahuila - . - - * -; 6,702 16,900 2
4, ‘Texas . : ° " - =; 10,948 | 21,000 Q
5. Nuevo Mexico - - 5,709 40,200 i
B. New Spain, properly so called, immediately subject to
the viceroy, comprehending los Reynos de Mexico,
Mechoacin y Nueva Galicia, and the two Californias | 51,289 5,413,900 | 105
J, Intendencia de Mexico - : - - 5,927 1,511,900 | 255
2. Intendencia de Puebla - : - - 2,696 813,300 | 301
3. latendencia de Vera Cruz : - - - 4,141 156,000 38
A. Intendencia de Oaxaca - : . - 4,447 534,800 | 120
5. Intendencia de Merida, or Yucatan - - - 5,977 465,800 81
6. Intendencia de Valladolid - - - - 3,446 476,400 | 273
7. Intendencia de Guadalaxara - - - - 9,612 630,500 66
4 Intendencia de Zacatecas : - : . 2,355 153,300 65
. Intendencia de Poanaandte - 911 517,300 | 568
10. Intendencia de San Luis Potosi, (sithout including
New Santander, Texas, C obshvilb and the kingdom
| of Leon) - - - . 2,357 230,000) 98
11. Old California, (Antigua California) - - : 7,295 9,000 1
| 12, 2. New € ‘nliforning (Nueva C California) - * he 2,125 15,600 | 7
This statistical table proves the imperfection of
ihe territorial division. — It appears that in confid-
ing to intendants the administration of police and
finances, the object was to divide the Mexican soil
on principles analogous to those followed by the
Frene th government on the division of the king-
dom into generalities. In New Spain every ine
tendancy comprehends several sub-cciegations.
in the same manner the generalities in France were
governed by sub-delegates, who exercised their
Hinetions under the orders of the intendant. But
in the formation of the Mexican intcmdancies, little
regard has been paid to the extent of territory or
the greater or less degree of concentration of the
population, This new division indeed took place
at a time viien the ministers of the colonies, the
comneil of i) Indies, and the viceroys, were un-
furnishea with the necessary materials for so im-
portant an undertaking. How is it possibie to
possess the detail of the administration of a coun
try of which there has never been sey map, and
regarding witich the most simple caicuiations of
politic al arithmetic have never been attempted ?
Comparing the extent of surface of the Mexican
intendancies, we find several of them 10, 20, even
30 times larger than others. ‘The intendanc y ot
San Luis Potosi, for example, is more extensive
than all European Spain, while the intendancy of
Cruanaxuato does not exceed in size two or three of
the departments of France. ‘The following is an
exact fable of the extraordinary disproportion
among the several Mexican intendancies in theit
territorial extent; we have arranged them in the
order of their extent :|
2
iq
¥
|
10
or so im-
ossibic to
fa couis
map, and
iations of
hpted 2? .
Mexican
20, even
dancy ot
extensive
hdancy ot
r three of
ing is an
roportion
s in thei
m in the
int Shoe
AS
%
fren tisad Ke SRAS
MEXICO. 173
[Intendancy of San Luis Potosi, 27,821 sq. leag.
Sonora, - - ,
Durango, - 16,873
Guadalaxara, 9,612
Merida, - + 5,977
Mexico, - - 5,927
Oaxaca, - - 4,447
Vera Cruz, - 4,141
Valladolid, - 3,447
Puebla, - - 2,696
Zacatecas, - 2,355
Guanaxuato, 911
With the exception of the three intendancies of
San Luis Potosi, Sonora, and Durango, of which
each occupies more ground than the whole empire
of Great Britain, the other intenc:.ncies contain a
mean surface of 3 or 4000 square leagues, We
may compare them for extent to the kingdom of
Naples, or that of Bohemia. We can conceive
that the less populous a country is, the less its
administration requires small divisions. In France
no department exceeds the extent of 550 square
Icagues: the mean extent of the departments is
300. But in European Russia and Mexico the
governments and intendancies are 10 times more
extensive.
In France, the heads of departments, the pre-
fects, watch over the wants of a population which
rarely exceeds 450,000 souls, and which on an
average we may estimate at 300,000. ‘The govern-
ments into which the Russian empire is divided,
us well as the Mexican intendancies, comprehend,
notwithstanding their very different states of civi-
lization, a greater number of inhabitants. ‘The
following table will show the disproportion of po-
pulation among the territorial divisions of New
Spain. It begins with the most populous intend-
ancy, and ends with the one most thinly inha-
bited,
Intendancy of Mexico, - 1,511,800 inhab.
Puebla, = - 813,300
Cruadalaxara, - 630,500
Oaxaca, - 534,800
Guanaxuato, = 517,300
Valladolid, - 476,400
Merida, - 465,700
San Luis Potosi, 331,900
Durango, - 159,700
Vera Cruz = 156,000
Zacatecas, - 153,000
Sonora, - 121,400
It is in comparing together the tables of the
population of the 12 interdancics, and the extent
of their surface, that we are particularly struck
with the inequality of the distribution of the
Mexican population, even in the most civilized
part of the kingdom. ‘The intendancy of Puebla,
which in the second table occupies one of the first
places, is almost at the end of the first table, Yet
no principle ought more to guide those who chalk
out territorial divisions than the proportion of the
population to the extent camenesin square leagues
ormyriametres. A third table exhibits the state of
the population, which may be called relative. ‘To
arrive at numerical results which indicate the pro-
portion between the number of inhabitants and ex-
tent of inhabited soil, we must divide the absolute
population by the territory of the intendancies.
The following are the results of this operation :
Intendancy of Guanaxuato, - 568 inhab. to
the sq. leag.
Puebla, - - 301
Valladolid, +- 273
Mexico, - + 255
Oaxaca, - + 120
Merida, - 81
Guadalaxara, 66
Zacatecas, - 65
Vera Cruz, - 38
San Luis Potosi, 12
Durango, - - 10
Sonora, - - 6
This last table proves that in the intendancies
where the cultivation of the soil has made least
progress, the relative population is from 30 to 90
times less than the old civilized regions adjacent
to the capital, This extraordinary difference in
the distribution of the population is also to be
found in the x, and 7», ¢. of Europe. In Lapland
we scarcely find one inhabitant to the square league,
while in other parts of Sweden, in Gothland, for
example, there are more than 248. In the states
subject to the king of Denmark, the island of
Zealand contains 944, and Iceland U1 inhabitants,
to the square league, In Luropean Russia, the
governmeuts of Archangel, Olonez, Nalouga, and
Moscow, differ so much in their relative population
to the extent of the territory, that the two former
of these governments contain six and 26, and the
two last 842 and 974 souls to the square league.
‘These enormous differences indicate that one pro-
vince is 160 times better inhabited than another,
In France, where the whole of the population
gives 1094 inhabitants to the square league, the
best peopled departments, those of L’Escaut, Le
Nord, and La Lys, afford a relative population ot
3869, 2786, and 2274, ‘The worst peopled depart-
ment, that of the Hautes-Alpes, composed of a part
of old Dauphiny, contains only 471 inhabitants to
the square league. Hence the extremes are in
=
=
et
— “
ss —
es ah SS
— Ss SS a
het Pil’
Me
tee
‘
i! 1}
, 2) ry
hah
bf ,
ie}
ay |
' 4
Beh |
We i '
N74 MEXICO.
France in the relation of 8: 1; ‘so that the inten-
ancy of Mexico in which the population is the
most concentrated, that of Guanaxuato, is scarcely
so well inhabited as the worst peopled department
of continental France.
The three tables which have been given of the
extent, absolute population, and relative popula.
tion of the intendiatrolés of New Spain, will sufli-
ciently prove the great impertection of the i ont
territorial division, A country in which the po-
pulation is dispersed over a vast extent requires
that the provincial administration be restricted to
smaller portions of ground than those of the Mex
ican intendancies. Whenever a population is
under 100 inhabitants to the square league, the
administration of an intendancy or a department
should not extend over more than 100,000 inhabi-
tants. We may assign a double or triple number
to regions in which the population is more con-
centrated,
[t is on this concentration that the degree of in-
dustry, the activity of commerce, and the number
of affairs consequently demanding the attention of
government, undoubtedly depend, In this point
of view the small intendancy of Granaxuato gives
more occupation to an administrator than the pro-
vinces of Jexas, Cohahuila, and New Mexico,
which are six times more extensive. But, ou the
other hand, how is it possible for an intendant of
San Luis Potosi ever to know the wants of a pro-
vince of 28,000 square leagues in extent? How
can he, even while he devotes himself with the
most patriotic zeal to the duties of his place, su-
perintend the sub-delegates, and protect the In-
dian from the oppressions which are exercised in
the villages ?
This point of administrative organization can-
not be too carefully discussed. A reforming go-
vernment ought, before every other object, to set
about changing the present limits of the intendan-
cies, ‘This political change ought to be founded
on the exact knowledge of the physical state, and
t'. ‘ate of cultivation of the provinces which con-
stitute the hingdom of Nueva Kspatia.
Crarv. VII.
Minuter details of the state of the agriculture of
Nueva Espaiia, and of its metallic mines, vis.
Of the vegetable productions of the Mevican
territory. —Progress of the cultivation of the
soil, — Influence of the mines on cultivation, —
Plants which contribute to the nourishment of
man,
Ws have run over the immense extent of terri-
tery comprehended under the denomination of
Nueva Espaiia. We have rapidly described the
limits of each province, the physical aspect of t'.a
country, its temperature, its natural fertility, and
the progress of a nascent population. It is now
time to enter more minutely into the state of agri-
culture and territorial wealth of Mexico.
An empire extending from lat. 16° to 37° af.
fords us, fram its geometrical position, all the mo-
difications of climate to be found on transporting
ourselves from the banks of the Senegal to Spain,
or from the Malabar coast to the sleppes of the
Great Bucharia. The variety of climate is also
augmented by the geological constitution of the
country, by the mass and extraordinary form
of the Mexican mountains, On the ridge and de-
clivity of the cordilleras the temperature of ach
table-land varies as it is more or less elevated : not
merely insulated peaks, of which the summits ap-
proach the region of perpetual snow, are covered
with oaks and pines, but whole provinces sponta-
neously produce alpine plants ; and the cultivator
inhabiting the torrid zone frequently loses the
hopes of his harvest from the effects of frost or the
abundance of snow.
Such is the admirable distribution of heat on the
globe, that in the aerial ocean we mect with colder
strata in proportion as we ascend, while in the
depth of the sea the temperature diminishes as we
leave the surface of the water. In the two ele-
ments the same latitude unites, as it were, every
climate, .4¢ unequal distances from the surface of
the ocvan, but in the same vertical plane, we find
strata of air and strata of water of the same tem-
perature. Hence, under the tropics, on the de-
clivity of the cordilleras, and in the abyss of the
ocean, the plants of Lapland, as well as the ma-
rine animals in the vicinity of the pole, find the
degree of heat necessary to their organic develop.
ment,
From this order of things, established by na-
ture, we may conceive that, ina mountainous and
extensive country like Mexico, the variety of in-
digenous age de must be immense, and that
there hardly exists a plant in the rest of the globe
which is not capable of being cultivated in some
part of Nueva Espaiia. Notwithstanding the la-
borious researches of three distinguished botanists,
MM. Sesse, Mociiio, and Cervantes, employed
by the court in examining the vegetable riches of
Mexico, we are far from yet being able to flatter
ourselves that we know any thing like all the
plants scattered over the insulated summits, or
crowded together in the vast forests at the foot of
the cordilleras, If we still daily discover new her-
baceous species on the central table-land, and even |
wee Cu
ctibed the
pect of to
tility, and
It is now
ite of agri-
to 37° af-
ill the mo-
ansporting
to Spain,
pes of the
ate is also
ion of the
nary form
ge and de-
e of sach
yated : not
immits ap-
re covered
es sponta.
cultivator
loses the
frost or the
heat on the
vith colder
lile in the
ishes as we
e two cle.
ere, every
surlace of
le, we find
same tem-
bn the de- L@
vss of the
hs the ma-
, find the
+ develop.
xd by na-
1inous and
iety of in-
and that
the globe
l in some
w the la-
botanists,
employed
riches of
to flatter
e all the
nmits, or
he foot of
new her-
and even |
Side Set hi eet AE. ~ Cates et
SY ioe aS
[in the vicinity of the city of Mexico, how many
arborescent plants have never yet been discovered
by botanists in the humid and warm region along
the e. coast, from the province of Tehasco, and
the fertile banks of the Guasacualco, co Colipa
and Papantla, and along the w. coast from the
port of San Blas and Sonora to the plains of the
province of Oaxaca? Hitherto no species of quin-
quina (cinchona), none even of the small group,
of which the stamina are longer than the corolla,
which form the genus exostema, has been disco-
vered in the equinoctial part of Nueva Espaia.
It is probable, however, thai this precious disco-
very will one day be made on the declivity of the
cordilleras, where arborescent ferns abound, and
where the region of the true febrifuge quinguina
with very short stamina and downy corollw com-
meices,
We do not propose here to describe the innu-
merable varicty of vegetables with which nature
has enriched the vast extent of Nueva Espaiia, and
of which the useful properties will become better
known when civilization shall haye made farther
progress in the country. We mean merely to
speak of the different kinds of cultivation which
an enlightened government might introduce with
success ; and we shall confine ourselves to an ex-
amination of the indigenous productions which at
this moment furnish objects of exportation, and
which form the principal basis of the Mexican
acriculture,
Under the tropics, especially in the W. Indies,
which have become the centre of the commercia!
activity of the Europeans, the word agriculture is
understood in a very different sense from what it
receives in Europe. When we hear at Jamaica or
Cuba of the flourishing state of agriculture, this
expression does not offer to the imaginat.on the
idea of harvests which serve for the nourishinent
of man, but of ground which produces objects of
commercial exehange, and rude materials tor ma-
nulacturing industry. Moreover, whatever be the
riches or fertility of the country, in the valley De
los Guincs, for example, to the s. e. of the Hava-
nah, one of the most delicious situations of the
New World, we see only plains carefully planted
with sugar-cane and cotlee ; and these plains are
watered with the sweat of African slaves! Rural
life loses its charms when it is inseparable from the
aspect of the sufferings of our species.
But in the interior of Mexico, the word agri-
culture suggests ideas of a less afflicting natune,
Che {ndian cultivator is poor, but he is tree. Elis
state is even greatly preterable to that of the pea-
sautry in a great part of the n. of Lurope. ‘Chere
MEXICO.
hid
are neither corvées nor villanage in Nueva Espaiia;
and the number of slaves-is extremely sinall, Su-
gar is chiefly the produce of free hands. There
the principal objects of agriculture are not the
productions to which European luxury has as-
signed a variable and arbitrary value, but cereal
gramina, nutritive roots, and the agave, the vine
of the Indians. ‘The appearance of the country
roclaims to the traveller that the soil nourishes
him who cultivates it, and that the truce prosperity
of the Mexican people neither depends on the ace
cidents of foreign commerce, nor on the unruly
politics of Europe.
Those who only know the interior of the Spa-
nish colonies from the vague and uncertain notions.
hitherto published, will have some difficulty in be-
lieving that the principal sources of the Mexican
riches are by no means the mines, but an agricul-
ture which has been gradually ameliorating since
the end of the last century. Without reflecting
on the immense extent of the country, and espe-
cially the great number of provinces which appear
totally destitute of precious metals, we generally
imagine that all the activity of the Mexican po-
pulation is directed to the working of mines, Be-
cause agriculture has made a very considerable pro-
gress in the capitania-general of Caracas, in the
kingdom of Guatemala, the island of Cuba, and
wherever the mountains are accounted poor in mi-
neral productions, it has been interred that it is to
the working of the mines that we are to attribute
the small care bestowed on the cultivation of the
soil in other parts of the Spanish colonies. This
reasoning is just when applied to small portions of
territory. No doubt, in the provinces of Choco
and Autieqnia, and the coast of Barbacoas, the
inhabitants are fonder of secking jor the gold
washed down into the brooks and ravines than of
cultivating a virgin and fertile soil; and in the be-
ginning of the conquest, the Spaniards who aban-
doned the peninsula or Canary islands to settle in
Peru and Mexico, had no other view but the dis-
covery of the precious metals. 6 dari vabida sitis
a cule Hispanos diverlit,” says a writer of those
times, Pedro Martyr, in his work on the discovery
of Yueatin and the colonization of the Antil'es.
But this reasoning cannot now explain why in
countrics of three or four times the extent of
rance agriculture is ina state of languor. ‘The
same physical and moral causes which fetter the
progress of national industry in the Spanish colo-
nies have been inimical to a better cultivation ef
the soil. It cannot be doubted that under im-
proved social institutions the countries which most
bound with mineral productions will be as well, ity
176
[not beiter, cultivated than those in which no such
productions are tobe found, But the desire natu-
ral to man of simplifying the causes of every thing
has introduced into works of political economy a
species of reasoning, which is perpetuated, because
it flatters the mental indolence of the multitude.
The depopulation of Spanish America,, the state
of neglect in which the most fertile lands are found,
and the want of manufacturing industry, are ate
tributed tothe metallic wealth, to the abundance of
gold and silver ; as, according to the same logic,
all the evils of Spain are to be attributed to the
discovery of America, or the wandering race of
the Merinos, or the religious intolerance of the
clergy,
Wedo not observe that agriculture is more ne-
giected in Peru than in the province of Cumana or
Gmayana, in which, however, there are no mines
worked, In Mexico the best cultivated fields,
those which recal to the mind of the traveller the
beautiful plains of France, are those which extend
from Salamanca towards Silao, Guanaxuato, and
the Villa de Leon, and which surround the richest
mines of the known world. Wherever metallic
seams have been discovered in the most unculti-
vated parts of the cordilleras, on the insulated and
desert table-lands, the working of mines, far from
impeding the cultivation of the soil, has been sin-
gularly favourable to it. Travelling along the
ridge of the Andes, or the mountainous part of
Mexico, we every where sec the most striking ex-
amples of the beneficial influence of the mines on
agriculture, Were it not for the establishments
formed for the working of the mines, how many
places would have remained desert ? how many
districts uncultivated in the four intendancies of
Guanaxuato, Zacatecas, San Luis Potosi, and
Durango, between the parallels of 21° and 25°,
where the most considerable metallic wealth of
Nueva Espaiia is to be found? If the town is
placed on the arid side or the crest of the cordil-
/eras, the new colonists can only draw from a dis-
tance the means of their subsistence, and the main-
tenance of the great number of cattle employed in
drawing off the water, and raising and amalga-
mating the mineral produce. Want soon awakens
industry. ‘The soil begins to be cultivated in the
ravines and declivities of the neighbouring moun-
tains, wherever the rock is covered with earth,
Farms are established in the neighbourhood of the
mine, The high price of provision, fromthe com-
petition of the purchasers, indemnifies the cultiva-
tor for the privations to which he is exposed from
the hard lite of the mountains. ‘Thus from the
bope of gain alone, and the motives of mutual in-
MEXICO.
terest, which are the most powerful bonds of so
ciety, and without any interference on the part of
government in colonization, a mine, which at first
appeared insulated in the midst of wild and desert
mountains, becomes in a short time connected
with the lands which have been long under cv'lti-
ration.
Moreover, this influence of the mines on the pro-
gressive cultivation of the country is more durable
than they are themselves. When the seams are
exhausted, and the subterraneous operations are
abandoned, the population of the canton undoubt-
edly diminishes, because the miners emigrate clse-
where ; but the colonist is retained by his attach.
ment for the spot where he received his birth, and
which his fathers cultivated with their hands. The
more lonely the cottage is, the more it has charms
for the inhabitant of the mountains. It is with
the beginning of civilization as with its decline :
man appears to repent of the constraint which he
has imposed on himself by entering into society ;
and he foves solitude because it restores to him his
former freedom, This moral tendency, this de-
sire for solitude, is particularly manitested by the
copper-coloured indigenous, whoin a long and
sad experience has disgusted with social life, and
more especially with the neighbourhood of the
whites, Like the Arcadians, the Aztec people
love to inhabit the summits and brows of the steep-
est mountains, This peculiar trait in their dispo-
sition contributes very much to extend population
in the mountainous regions of Mexico. What a
pleasure it is for the traveller to follow these peace-
ful conquests of agriculture, and to contemplate
the numerous Indian cettages dispersed in the
wildest ravines and necks of cultivated ground ad-
vancing into a desert country between naked and
arid rocks!
The plants cultivated in these elevated and soli-
tary regions differ essentially from those cultivated
on the plains below, on the declivity and at the
foot of the cordilleras. The height requisite for
the different kinds of cultivation depends, in ge-
neral, on the latitude of the places ; but such is
the flexibility of organization in cultivated plants,
that with the assistance of the care of man they
frequently break through the limits assigned to
them by the naturalist.
Under the equator, the meteorological pheno-
mena, such as those of the geography of plants
and animals, are subject to laws which are immu-
table and casily to be perceived. The climate
there is only modified by the height of the place,
and the temperature is nearly constant, notwith-
standing the difference of seasons. As we leave |
= pgpenn reer
4
4
¥
|
.
4
ie scsi PLA ae
ids of so
he part of
ch at first
and desert
connected
nder cv'ltie
yn the pro.
re durable
seams are
rations are
1 undoubt-
grate clse-
his attach
birth, and
ands. The
has charms
It is with
s decline :
Lwhich he
0 society ;
to him his
yy this des
ted by the
long and
1 life, and
od of the
tec people
f the steep-
heir dispo-
population
Vhat a
lese peace-
lontemplate
sed in the
sround ad-
raked and
1 and soli-
cultivated
and at the
quisite for
ds, in ge-
ut such is
ted plants,
man they
ssigned to
“al pheno-
of plants
are immu-
he climate
the place,
» hotwith-
s we leave |
pekietr
———
Nee ecplters ca Li cicstt 2
ae
MEXICO. 177
| the equator, especially between the 15th degrecand
the tropic, the climate depends on a great number
of local circumstances, and varies at the same ab-
solute height, and under the same geographical
latitude. This influence of localities, of which the
study is of such importance to the cultivator, is
still much more manifest in the 2. than the s, he-
misphere. ‘The great breadth of the new conti-
nent, the proximity of Canada, the winds which
blow from the 2. and other causes already deve-
loped, give the equinoctial region of Mexico and
the island of Cuba a particular character. One
would say that in these regions the temperate
zone, the zone of variable climates, increases
towards the s.. and passes the tropic of Cancer, It
is sufficient here to state that in the environs of the
Havannah (lat. 28° 8’) the thermometer has been
scen to descend to the freezing point at the small
elevation of 80 metres, or 262 feet, above the level
of the ocean, and that snow has fallen near Val-
ladolid (lat. 19° 42’), at an absolute elevation of
1900 metres, or 6252 feet, while under the equa-
tor this last phenomenon is only cbservable at the
double of the elevation.
These considerations prove to us that towards
the tropic, where the torrid zone approaches the
temperate zone, the plants under cultivation are
not subject to fixed and invariable heights. We
might be led to distribute them according to the
mean temperature of the places in which they ve-
getate. We observe, infact, that in Europe the
minimum of the mean temperature which a pro-
er Cultivation requires, is, for the sugar-cane, trom
19 to 20°; for coffee 18°; for the orange 17°; for
the olive 18° 5’ to 14°; and for the vine yield-
ing wine fit to be drunk from 10° to 11° of the
centigrade thermometer, viz. from 66° to 68°;
64°; 62°; from 56°.5 to 57°; and from 50° to
51°.8 of Fahrenheit. This thermometrical agri-
cultural scale is accurate enough when we embrace
the phenomena in their greatest generality. But
numerous exceptions occur when we consider
countries of which the mean annual heat is the
same, while the mean temperatures of the months
differ very much from one another. It is the un-
equal division of the heat among the different sea-
sons of the year which has the greatest influence
on the kind of cultivation proper to such oy such a
latitude, as has been very well proved by M. De-
candole, Several annual plants, especially gra-
mina with farinaceous seed, are very liltle affected
by the rigour of winter, but, like fruit-trees and
ithe vine, require a considerable heat during sum-
mer. In part of Maryland, and especially Vir-
ginia, the mean temperature of the year is equal
VOL. I.
and perhaps even superior to that of Lombardy ;
yet the severity of winter will not allow the same
vegetables to be there cultivated with which the
plains of the Milanese are adorned. In the equi-
noctial region of Peru or Mexico, rye, and espe-
cially wheat, attainto no maturity in plains of 3500
or 4000 metres, or 11,482 and 13,123 feet, of eleva-
tion, though the mean heat of these alpine regions
exceeds that of the parts of Norway and Siberia
in which cerealia are successfully cultivated. But
for about 50 days the obliquity of the sphere and
the short duration of the nights render the summer
heats yery considerable in the countries in the vi-
cinity of the pole, while under the tropics or the
table-land of the cordi//eras the thermometer never
remains a whole day above 10 or [2 centigrade de-
grees.
To avoid mixing ideas of a theoretical nature
and hardly susceptible of rigorous accuracy with
facts, the certainty of which has been ascertained,
we shall neither divide the cultivated plants in
Nueva Espaiia according to the heat of the soil in
which they vegetate most abundantly, nor accord-
ing to the degrees of mean temperature which they
ant to require for their development: but we
shall arrange them in the order of their utility to
society. We shall begin with the vegetables which
form the principal support of the Mexican people ;
we shall afterwards treat of the cultivation of the
plants which afford materials to manufacturing in-
dustry ; and we shall conclude with a description
of the vegetable productions which are the sub-
ject of an important commerce with the mother
country.
‘The banana is for all the inhabitants of the torrid
zone what the cereal gamina, wheat, bafley, and
rye, are for W, Asia and for Europe, and what
the numerous varieties of rice are for the countries
beyond the Indus, especially for Bengal and China.
In the twocontinents, in the islands throughout the
immense extent of the equinoctial seas, wherever
the mean heat of the year exceeds 24 centigrade
degrees, or 75° of Fahrenheit, the fruit of the
banana is one of the most interesting objects of culti-
vation for the subsistence of man, The celebrated
traveller George Forster, and other naturalists after
him, pretended that this valuable plant did not
exist in America before the arrival of the Spaniards,
but that it was imported from the Canary islands
in the beginning of the 16th century. In fact,
Oviedo, who inhis Natural History of the Indies,
very carefully distinguishes the indigenons vege-
tables from those which were introduced there,
vositively says that the first. bananas were planted
in 1516 in the island of St. Domingo, by Thomas }
A 4
78 MEXICO.
ide Berlangas, a monk of the order of preaching
riars. He affirms that he himself saw the musa
cultivated in Spain, near the town of Armeria in
Grenada, and in the convent of Franciscans at the
island of La Gran Canaria, where Berlangas pro-
cured suckers, which were transported to Hispa-
niola, and trom thence successively to the other
islands and to the continent. In support of M.
Forster’s opinion it may also be stated, that in the
first accounts of the voyages of Columbus, Alonzo
Negro, Penzon, Vespucci, and Cortes, there is
frequent mention of maize, the papayer, the ja-
tropha manihot, and the agave, but never of the
banana. However, the silence of these first tra-
vellers only proves the little attention which they
paid to the natural productions of the American
soil. Hernandez, who, besides medical plants,
describes a great number of other Mexican vege-
tables, makes no mention of the musa. Now this
botanist lived half a century after Oviedo, and
those whg consider the musa as foreign to the new
continent cannot doubt that its cultivation was ge-
neral in Mexico towards the end of the 16th cen-
tury, atan epocha when a crowd of vegetables of
‘less utility to man had already been carried there
from Spain, the Canary islands, and Peru, The
silence of authors is not a sufficient proof in fa-
vour of M. Forster’s opinion.
Itis, perhaps, with the true country of the ba-
nanas as with that of the pear and cherry-trees.
The prunus avium, for example, is indigenous in
Germany and France, and hasexisted from the most
remote antiquity in French forests, like the robur
and the linden-tree ; while other species of cherry-
trees which are considered as varietics become
permanent, and of which the fruits are more sa-
voury than the prunus avium, have originally come
through the Romans from Asia Minor, and par-
ticularly from the kingdom of Pontus. In the
siuine manner, under the nameof banana, a great
number of plants, which differ essentially in the
form of their fruits, and which, perhaps, con-
stitute true species, are cultivated in the equinoc-
tial regions, and even to the parallel of 33 or 34
degrees. Ifit isan opinion not yet proved, that
all the pear-trees which are cultivated descend
from the wild pear-tree as a common stock, we are
still more entitled to doubt whether the great num-
ber of constant varieties of the banana descend
from the musa troglodytarum, cultivated in the
Molucca islands, which itself, according to Gaer-
iner, is not perhaps a musa, but a species of the
genus ravenala of Adanson.
The musa, or pisanys, described by Rumphius
and Rheede, are not all known in the Spanish co-
!
lonics. Three species, however, are there dis-
tinguished, still very imperfectly determined by
hotanists, the true platano or arton (musa para-
disiaca Lin, ?); the camburi (M. sapientum Lain, 2);
and the dominico(M.regia Rumph.?) Thercisalso
a fourth specics of very exquisite taste cultivated
in Peru, the meiya of the 8. sea, which is called in
the market of Lima the p/atano de taiti, because
the first roots of it were brought in the frigate
Aguila from the island of Otaheite. Now it isa
constant tradition in Mexico and all the continent
of S. America, that the platano arton and the do-
minico were cultivated there long before the arrival
of the Spaniards, but that the guineo, a variety of
the camburi, as its name proves, came from the
coast of Africa, ‘The author who has most cares
fully marked the different epochas at which Ame-
rican agriculture was enriched with foreign pro-
ductions, the Peruvian Garcillasso de la Vega, ex-
pressly says, ‘that in the time of the Incas the
maize, quinoa, potatoes, and in the warm and tem-
perate regions bananas, constituted the basis of the
nourishment of the natives.” He describes the
musa of the valleys of the Antis, and he even dis-
tinguishes the most rare species with small sugary
and aromatic fruit, the dominico, from the com-
mon orarton banana. Father Acosta also aflirms,
(Listoria natural de Indias, 1608, p. 250), though
not so positively, that the musa was cultivated by
the Americans before the arrival of the Spaniards.
¢¢ The banana,” says he, ‘is a fruit to be found
in all the Indies, though there are people who pre-
tend that itis anative of Ethiopia, and that it came
from thence into America.” On the banks of the
Orinoco, the Cassiquiare, or the Beni, among the
mountains De I’ Esmeralda and the sources of the
river Carony, in the midst of the thickest forests,
wherever we discover Indian tribes who have had
no connections with European establishments, we
find plantations of manioe and bananas.
Father Thomas de Berlangas could not trans.
port from the Canary Islands to St. Domingo any
other species but the one which is there cultivated,
the camburi (caule nigrescente striato fructu minore
ovato-clongato), and not the platano arton or zapa-
lote of the Mexicans, (caule albovirescente levi,
fructu longiore apicem versus subarcuato acute tri-
gono). ‘Lhe first of these species only grows in
temperate climates, in the Canary islands, at
Tunis, Algiers, and the coast of Malaga. In the
valley of Caracas also, placed under lat, 10° 30!
but at 900 inetres, or 2952 feet, of absolute eleya-
tion, we find only the camburi and the dominico
(caule albo-virescente, fructe minino obsolete tri-
gono), and not the platano arton, of which the}
RE Say cee, Ft
me
FDO DESERET Ns
’ mo “ t :
ee en ee ree
here dis.
nined by
usa parade
n Lain, 2);
rercisalso
sultivated
called in
» because
ic frigate
ow it isa
continent
d the do-
he arrival
variety of
from the
nost cares
ich Ame-
eign pro-
Vega, ex-
Incas the
and tem-
asis of the
tribes the
even dis-
ul sugary
the com-
so aflirms,
)), though
ivated by
Spaniards.
e found
who pre-
at it came
nks of the
mong the
ces of the
hst forests,
have had
ments, we
not trans-
dingo any
ultivated,
lee minore
Lor Zapa-
lente levi,
acut: rie
t grows in
lands, at
. Inthe
t. 10° 30!
ute eleya-
dominico
solete tri-
hich the]
Bibi cencalex
A ME
rk Si
pi
PEASE Rh
4
(
:
a
rt
MEXICO. 119
| fruit only ripens under the influence of a very high
temperature. From these numerous proofs we
cannot doubt that the banana, which several tra.
vellers pretend to have found wild at Amboina, at
Gilolo, and the Mariana islands, was cultivated in
America long before the arrival of the Spaniards,
who merely augmented the number of the indige-
nous species. However, we are not to be asto-
nished that there was no musa seen ia the island of
St. Domingo before 1516. 9 Like the animals
around them, savages generally draw their nourish.
ment from one species of plant, ‘The forests of
Guayana atlord numerous examples of tribes
whose plantations (conucos ) contain manihot, arum
or dioscorea, and not a single banana.
Notwithstanding the great extent of the Mexi-
can table-land, and the height of the mountains in
the neighbourhood of the coast, the space of
which the temperature is favourable for the cul-
tivation of the musa is more than 50,000 square
leagues, and inhabited by nearly a million anda
half of inhabitants. In the warm and hamid
valleys of the intendancy of Vera Cruz, at the toot
of the cordillera of Orizaba, the fruit of the platano
arton sometimes exceeds three decimetres, or 11.8
inches, and often from 20 to 22 centimetres, or
7.87 to 8.66 inches, in length. In these fertile ree
gions, especially in the environs of Acapulco, San
Blas, and the Rio Guasacualco, a cluster (regime)
of bananas contains from 160 to 180 fruits, and
weighs from 30 to 40 kilogrammes, or from’ 66 to
S88lb. avoird.
We doubt whether there is another plant on the
glohe which on so small a space of ground can
produce so considerable a mass of nutritive sub-
stance, Hight or nine months after the sucker has
been planted, the banana commences to develop
its clusters ; and the fruit may be collected in the
tenth or eleventh month. When the stalk is cut,
we find constantly among the numerous shoots
which have put forth roots a sprout (pimpollo),
which having two-thirds of the height of the mo-
ther plant, bears fruit three months later. In this
manner a plantation of musa, called in the Spanish
colonies slain, is perpetuated without any other
care being bestowed by man than to cut the stalks
of which the fruit has ripened, and to give the
earth once or twice a year a slight dressing, by
digging round the reots. A spot of ground of
100 square metres, or 1076 square feet, of surface,
may contain at least from 30 to 40 banana plants.
In the space of a year, this same ground, reckon-
ing only the weight of a cluster at from 15 to 20
Kilogrammes, or from 33 to 441b. avoird. yields
more than 2000 kilogrammes, or 44/41b, avoird,
or 4000 pounds of nutritive substance, What a
difference between this produce and that of the
cereal gramina in the most fertile parts of Europe t
W heat, supposing it sown and not planted in the
Chinese manner, and calculating on the basis of a
decuple harvest, does not produce on 100 square
metres more than 15 kilogrammes, (33lb. avoird,)
or 30 pounds of grain, In France, tor example,
the demi-hectare, or legal arpent, ot 13445 square
toises, or 54,995 square fect, of good land, is sown
(dla volée) with 160 pounds of grain; and if the land
is not so good or absolutely bad, with 200 or 220
pounds, ‘The produce varies from 1000 to 2500
pounds peracre, The potato, according to M.
Tessie, yields in Europe on 100 square acres of
well cultivated and well manured ground a pros
duce of 45 kilogrammes, or 99ib, avoird. ot roots,
We reckon from 4 to 6090 pounds to the legal
arpent. ‘The produce of bananas is consequently
to that of wheat as 13321, and to that of potatues
as 44:1,
Those who in Europe have tasted bananas ri-
pened in hot-houses have a difficulty in conceiving
that a fruit, which from its great mildness has some
resemblance to a dried fig, can be the principal
nourishment of many millions of men in both
Indies. We scem to forget that in the act of ve-
getation the same elements form very different
chemical mixtures according as they combine or
separate, How should we even discover in the
lacteous mucilage, which the grains of gramina
contain before the ripening of the ear, the tarina-
ceous perisperma of the cerealia, which nourishes
the majority of the nations of the temperate zone 2
In the musa, the formation of the amylaceous
matter precedes the epocha of maturity. We
must distinguish between the banana truit col-
lected when green, and what is allowed to grow
yellow on the plant. Inthe second the sugar is
quite formed ; it is mixed with the pulp, and in
such abundance that if the sugar-cane was not
cultivated in the banana region, we might extract
sugar from this fruit to greater advantage than is
done in Europe from red beet and the grape. ‘The
banana, when gathered green, contains the same
nutritive principle which is observed in grain,
rice, the tuberose roots, and the sagow, namely
the amylaceons sediment united with a very small
portion of vegetable gluten. By kneading with
water meal of bananas dried in the sun, Humboldt
could only obtain a few atoms of this ductile and
viscous mass, which resides in abundance in the
perisperma, and especially in the embryo of the
cerealia, H¥, on the one hand, the gluten, which
hits so much analegy to animal matter, and which ]
aa
180 MEXICO,
Lowel with heat, is of great use in the making of
bread ; on the other hand, it is not indispensable
to render a root or fruit nutritive, M. Proust dis-
covered gluten in beans, apples, and quinces ; but
he could not discover any in the meal of potatoes,
Gums, for example, that of the mimosa nilotica
(acaciavera Willd.), which serves for nourishment
to several African tribes in their passages through
the desert, prove that a vegetable substance may be
a nutritive aliment without containing either gluten
or amylaceous matter,
lt would be difficult to describe the numerous
preparations by which the Americans render the
fruit of the musa, both before and after its matu-
rity, a wholesome and agrecable dict. Humboldt
frequently observed in ascending rivers, that the
natives, afler the greatest fatigues, make a come
plete dinner on a very sinall portion of manioc and
three bananas (platano arton) of the large kind. In
the time of Alexander, if we are to credit the an-
cients, the philosophers of Hindostan were still
more sober, ** Arbori nomen pale pomo arieniv,
quo sapientes Indorum vivunt. Fructus admira-
bilis succi dulcedine ut uno quaternos satiet.”
(Plin, xii. 12). In warm countries the people in
gencral not only consider sugary substances as a
food which satisfies for the moment, but as truly
nutritive. Tumbolit has frequently observed,
that the mule-drivers who carry the baggage on
the coast of Caracas give the preference to unpre-
pared sugar (papelon) over fresh animal food,
Physiologists have not yet determined with pres
cision what characterises a substance eminently
nutritive. ‘To appease the appetite by stimulating
the nerves of the gastric system. and to furnish
matter to the body which may easily assimilate
with it, are modes of action very different, 'To-
bacco, the leaves of the erythroxylon cocca mixed
. ’ * . ! . .
with quick lime, the opium which the natives of
Bengal have frequently used for whole months in
times of scarcity, will appease the violence of hun-
ger; but these substances act in a very different
manner from wheaten bread, the root of the ja-
tropha, gum-arabic, the lichen of Iceland, or the
putrid fish which is the principal food of several
tribes of African Negroes. ‘There can be no doubt,
the bulk being equal, superazoted matter, or ani-
mals, are more nutritive than vegetable matter ;
and it appears that, among vegetables, gluten is
more nutritive than starch, and starch more than
mucilage ; but we must beware of attributing to
these insulated principles what depends, in’ the
action of the aliment on living bodies, on the ya-
ried mixture of hydrogen, carbonate, and oxygen.
Hence a matter becomes eminently nutritive if it
contains, like the bean of the cocon-tree (theobroe
ma cacao), besides the amylaceous matter, an aro-
matic principle which excites and fortifies the ner-
vous system,
These considerations, to which we cannot give
more development here, will serve to throw some
light on the comparisons which we have already
made of the produce of different modes of cultiva-
tion. If we draw trom the same space of ground
(hree times as many potatoes as wheat in weight,
we must not therefore conclude that the cultiva-
tion of tuberous plants will on an equal surface
maintain three times as many individuals as the
cultivation of cereal gramina, The potato is re-
duced to the fourth part of its weight when dried
by agentle heat; and the dry starch that can be
separated from 2200 kilogrammes, the produce
of half a hectare of ground, would hardly equal
the quantity furnished by 800 kilogrammes of
wheat, It is the same with the fruit of the ba-
nana, which before its maturity, even in the state
in which it is very farinaccous, contains much
more water and sugary pulp than the seeds of gra-
mina. We have scen that the same extent of
ground in a favourable climate will yield 106,000
kilogrammes of bananas, 2400 kilogrammes of
tuberous roots, and 800 kilogrammes of wheat.
These quantities bear no proportion to the number
of individuals which can be maintained by these
different kinds of cultivation oa the same extent of
ground, ‘The aqueous mucilage which the banana
contains, and the tuberous root of the solanum,
possess undoubted nutritive properties, The fari-
naceous pulp, such as is presented by nature,
yields undoubtedly more aliment than the starch
which is separated fromit by art. Buatthe weights
alone do not indicate the absolute quantities of
nutritive matters and to shew the amount of the
aliment which the cultivation of the musa yields on
the same space of ground to man more than the
cultivation of wheat, we ought rather to calculate
according to the mass of vegetable substance ne-
cessary to satisfy a full-grown person, According
to this last principle, and the tact is very curious,
we find that in a very fertile country a demi-hec-
tare, or legal arpent (54,998 square feet), culti-
vated wiih bananas of the large species (platano
arton), is capable of maintaining 50 individuals ;
when the same arpent in Kurope would only yield
annually, supposing the eighth grain 576. kilo-
grammes, or 1271 |b, avolttls of flour, a quantity
not equal to the subsistence of two individuals.
Accordingly, a European newly arrived in the
torrid zone is struck with nothing so much as the
extreme smallness of the spots under cultivation ]
eee ane Sa
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rly equal
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ins much
ds of gra-
extent of
106,000
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of wheat.
w number
| by these
-extent of
he banana
solanum,
The fari-
Yy nature,
the starch
ie weights
untities of
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According
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nly yield
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é
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a
fround a cabin which contains a numerous family
of Indians,
The ripe fruit of the musa, when exposed to the
sun, is preserved like our figs. ‘The skin becomes
black and takes a particular odour, which resem-
bles that of smoked ham. The fruit in this state
is called patano pasado, and becomes an object of
commerce in the province of Mechoacin, ‘This
dry banana is an aliment of an agreeable taste, and
extremely healthy, Bat those Europeans who
newly arrive consider the ripe fruit of the platano
arton, newly gathered, as very ill to digest. This
opinion is very ancient, for Pliny relates that
Alexander gave orders to his soldiers to touch
none of the bananas which grow on the banks of
the Hyphasus, Meal is extracted from the musa
by cutting the green fruit into slices, drying it in
the sun ona slope, and pounding it when it be-
comes friable. ‘This flour, less used in Mexico
than in the islands, may serve for the same use as
flour from rice or maize.
The facility with which the banana is repro.
duced from its roots gives it an extraordinary ad-
vantage over fruit trees, and even over the bread-
fruit tree, which for eight months in the year is
loaded with farinaceous fruit. When tribes are at
war with one another and destroy. the trees, the dis-
aster is felt fora long time. A plantation of bana-
nas is renewed by suckers in the space of a few
months.
We hear it frequently repeated in the Spanish
colonies, that the inhabitants of the warm region
(tierra caliente) will never awake from the state
of apathy in which for centuries they have been
plunged, till a royal cedula shall order the destruc.
tion of the banana plantations (platanares). The
remedy is violent, and those wii propose it with
somuch warmth do not in general display more
activity than the lower people, whom they would
force to work by augmenting the number of their
wants. It is to be hoped that industry will make
progress among the Mexicaus without recurring to
ineans of destruction, When we consider, how-
ever, the iacility with which our species can be
maintained in a climate where bananas are pro-
duced, we are not to be astonished that in the
equinoctial region of the new continent civilization
first commenced on the mountains, in a soil of infe-
rior fertility, and under a sky less favourable tothe
development of organized beings, in whom necese
sity even awakes industry. At the foct of the cor-
dillera, in the humid valleys of the intendancies of
Vera Cruz, Valladolid, and Guadalaxara, a man
who merely employs two days in the week in a
work by no means laborious may procure subsist.
MEXICO, 18
ence fora whole family.. Yet such is the love of
his native soil, that the inhabitant of the moun-
tains, whom the frost of a single night frequently
deprives of the whole hopes of his harvest, never
thinks of descending into the fertile but thinly in-
habited plains, where Nature showers in vain her
blessings and her treasures,
The same region in which the banana is culti-
vated produces also the yaluable plant of which
the root affords the flour of manioc, ot magnoc.
The green fruit of the musa is eaten dressed, like
the bread fruit, or the tubcrous root of the potato;
but the flour of the.manioc is converted into bread,
and furnishes to the inhabitants of warm countries
what the Spanish colonists call pan de tierra cas
liente. ‘The maize, as we shall afterwards see,
affords the great advantage of being cultivated
under the tropics, from the level of the ocean to
elevations which equal those of the highest sum-
mits of the Pyrenees, It possesses that extraordi-
nary flexibility of organization for which the ve-
gelables of the family of the gramina are charac-
terised; and it even possesses it in a higher de-
gree than the cerealia of the old continent, which
suffer under a burning sun, while the maize vege-
tates vigorously in the warmest regions of the earth.
The plant whose root yields the nutritive flour of
the manioc takes its name from juca, a word of
the language of Haity, or St. Domingo. It is
only successfully cultivated within the tropics;
and the cultivation of it in the mountainous part
of Mexico never rises above the absolute height of
6 or 800 metres, or 1968 and 2624 feet. This
height is much surpassed by that of the cam-
buri, or banana of the Canaries, a plant which
grows nearer the central table-land of the cor-
dilleras.
The Mexicans, like the natives of all equinoctial
America, have cultivated, from the remotest anti-
quity, two kinds of juca, which the botanists, in
their inventory of species, have united under the
name of jacropha manihot. ‘They distinguish, in
the Spanish colony, the sweet (dulce) from the tart
or bitter (amarga) juca. 'The root of the former,
which bears the name of camagnoc at Cayenne,
may be eaten without danger, while the other is a
very active poison. ‘The two may be made into
bread ; however, the root of the bitter juea is ge-
nerally used for this purpose, the poisonous juice
of which is carefully separated from the fecula
before making the ied of the manioc, called
cazavi, or cassave. ‘This separation is operated by
compressing the root after being grated down in
the e/byxcan, which is a species of long sack. It
appears frag a passage of Oviedo, (lib, vii. c. 2)j
v
182 MEXICO.
[that the juca dulce, which he calls boniata, and
which is the huacamote of the Mexicans, was
not found originally in the W. India islands,
and that it was transplanted from the neighbour-
ing continent. ‘+ ‘The boniata,” says Oviedo,
§¢ is like that of the continent; it is not poisonous,
and may be caten with its juice either raw or
prepared.”’ ‘Ihe natives carefully separate in
their ficlds (conucos) the two species of jatro-
pha.
It is very remarkable that plants, of which the
chemical properties are so very different, are yet
so very difficult to distinguish from their exterior
characters.
Jamaica, imagined he found these characters in
dissecting the leaves. [le calls the sweet juca,
swect cassava, jatropha foliis palmatis lobis incerlis ;
and the bitter or tart juca, common cassava, ja-
tropha foliis palmatis pentadictylibus. Humboldt,
having examined many plantations of manihot,
found that the two species of jatropha, like all cul-
tivated plants with lobed or palmated leaves, vary
prodigiously in their aspect. He also observed
that the natives distinguish the sweet from the
poisonous manioc, ncuso much from the superior
whiteness of the stall: and the reddish colour of the
leaves as from the taste of the root, which is not
tart or bitter. It is with the cultivated jatropha as
with the swect orange-tree, which botanists cannot
distinguish from the bitter orange-tree, but which,
however, according to the beautiful experiments of
M.Galesio, is a primitive specics, propagated from
the grain, as well as the bitter orange-tree. Several
naturalists, from the example of Dr. Wright of
Jamaica, have taken the sweet juca for the true ja-
tropha janipha of Linneus, or the jatropha fru-
tescens of Loffling. (Reza til Spanska Lvenderna,
1758, p.309). But this last species, which is the
Jatropha Carthaginensis of Jacquin, differs from it
essentially by the form of the leaves (lobis utringue
sinuatis), which resemble those of the papayer.
We very much doubt whether the iationna can
be transformed by cultivation into the jatropha
manihot. It appears equally improbable that the
sweet juca is a poisonous jatropha, which, by the
care of man, or the effect of a long cultivation,
has gradually lost the acidity of its juices. The
juca amarga of the American fields has remained
the same for centuries, though planted and culti-
vated like the juca dulce. Nothing is more mys-
terious than this difference of interior organization
in cultivated vegetables, of which the exterior
forms are nearly the same.
Raynal (Histoire Philosophique, tom. iii. p.
212—214) has advanced that the manioc was
Brown, in his Natural History of
transplanted from Africa to America to serve fot
the maintenance of the Negroes, and that if it
existed on the continent before the arrival of the
Spaniards, it was not, however, known by the na-
tives of the W. Indies in the time of Columbus.
We are afraid chat this celebrated author has con-
founded the manioc with the ignames ; that is to
say, the jatropha with a species of dioscorea. We
should wish to know by what authority we can
prove that the manioe was cultivated in Guinea
from the remotest period. Several travellers have
also pretended that the maize grew wild in this
part of Africa, and yet it is certain that it was
transported there by the Portuguese in the 16th
century. Nothing is more difficult to resolye than
the problem of the migration of the plants useful to
man, especially since communications have be-
come so frequent between all continents. Fernan-
dez de Ovicdo, who went in 1513 to the island of
Hispaniola, or St. Domingo, and who for more
than 20 years inhabited different parts of the new
continent, speaks of the manioc as of a very ancient
cultivation, and peculiar to America. If, how-
ever, the Negro slaves introduced the manioc,
Oviedo would himself haye seen the commence-
ment of this important branch of tropical agricul-
ture. If he had believed that the jatropha was
not indigenous in America, he would have cited
the epochaat which the first maniocs were planted,
as he relates in the greatest detail the first introduc-
tion of the sugar-cane, the banana of the Canaries,
the olive, and the date. Amerigo Vespucci relates
in his letter addressed to the Duke of Loraine,
(Gryneus, p.215), that he saw bread made of the
mantoc on the coast of Paria in 1497. * 'The na-
tives,”’ says this adventurer, in other respe-ts by
no means accurate in his recital, «* know nothing
of our corn and our farinaceous grains; they draw
their principal subsistence from a root which they
reduce into meal, which some of them call jucha,
others chambi, and others igname.” It is easy to
discover the word jucca in jucha. As to the
word igname, it now means the root of the dios-
corea alata, which Columbus describes under the
name of ages, aid of which we shall afterwards
speak, ‘The natives of Spanish Guayana who do
not acknowledge the dominion of the Europeans
have cultivated the manioc from the remotest an-
tiquity. Running out of provisions in repassing
the rapids of the Orinoco, Humboldt on his re-
turn from the Rio Negro, applied to the tribe of
Piraoas Indisns, who dwell to the e. of the May-
pures, and they supplied him with jatropha bread.
There can therefore remain no doubt that the ma-
nioc is a plant of which the cultivation is of a much]
ACN i A RI
serve for
hat if it
ral of the
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If, how-
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e planted,
introduce
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cci relates
Loraine,
ade of the
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t the ma-
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ee car as en at
cai eit rite
MEXICO. 183
{earlier date than the arrival of the Europeans
and Africans into America.
The manioc bread is very nutritive, perhaps on
account of the sugar which it contains, and a vis-
cous matter which unites the farinaceous mole-
cules of the cassava. This matter appears to have
some analogy with the caoutchouc, which is so
common in all the plants of the group of the lithy-
malotdes. ‘They give to the cassava a circular
form, The disks, which are called turtas, or
cauxau in the old language of Haity, have a dia-
meter of from five to six decimetres, or from 19,685
inches to 23.622 inches, of thickness. ‘The na-
tives, who are much more sober than the whites,
generally cat less than halfa kilogramme, or about
a pound, of manioc per day. The want of gluten
mixed with the amylaccous matter, and the thin-
ness of the bread, render it extremely brittle and
difficult of transportation. This inconvenience is
particularly felt in long navigations. The fecula
of manioc grated, dried, and smoked, is almost un-
alterable. Insects and worms never attack it, and
every traveller knows in equinoctial America the
advantages of the couaque.
It is not only the fecula of the juca amarga
which serves for nourishment to the Indians, they
use also the juice of the root, which in its natural
state is an active poison, This juice is decomposed
by fire. When kept fora long tin. in ebullition
it loses its poisonous propertics gracually as it is
skimmed. It is used without danyer as a sauce,
and Humboldt himself frequently used this brownish
juice, which resi -nbles a very nutritive bowil/on.
At Cayenne, (Aublet, Hist. des Plantes de la
Guyane Francoise, tom, ii. p. 72), it is thickened
to make cabiow, which is analogous to the soy
brought from China, and which serves to season
dishes. From time to time very serious accidents
happen when the juice has not been long enough
exposed {o the heat. It is a fact very well known
in the islands, that formerly a great number of the
natives of Haity killed themselves voluntarily by
the raw juice of the root of the juca amarga.
Oviedo relates, as an eye-witness, that these un-
happy wretches, who, like many African tribes,
preferred death to involuntary labour, united to-
gether by fifties to swallow at once the poisonous
Juice of the jatropha, This extraordinary con-
tempt of life characterises the savage in the most
remote parts of the globe,
Reflecting on the union of accidental circum-
stances which have determined nations to this or
that species of cultivation, we are astonished to
sce the Americans, in the midst of the richness of
their country, seek in the poisonous root of a tithy-
maloid the same amylaceous substance which
other nations have found in the family of gramina,
in bananas, asparagus (dioscorea alata), aroides
(arum macrorrhizen, dracontium polyphillum),
solana, lizerons (convolvulus batatas, c. chrysorhi-
zus), narcissi (tacca pinnatifida), polygonoi (p.
fagopyrum), urtice (artocarpusy, legumens and
arborescent ferns (cycas circinnalis), We ask
why the savage who discovered the jatropha
manihot did not reject a root of the poisonous
qualities of which a sad experience must have
convinced him before he could discover its nutri-
tive properties? But the cultivation of the juca
dulce, of which the juice is not delcterious,’ pres:
ceded perhaps that of the juca amarga, from which
the manioc is now taken. Perhaps also the same
people who first ventured to feed on the root of
the jatropha manihot had formerly cultivated
plants analogous to the aruwm and the dracontium,
of which the juice is acrid, without being poison-
ous. It was easy to remark, that the fecula ex-
tracted from the root of an aroid is of a taste so
much ihe more agreeable, as it is carefully washed
to deprive it of its milky juice. This very simple
consideration would naturally lead to the idea of
expressing the fecula, and preparing it in the same
manner as the manioc. We can conceive that a
people who knew how to dulcify the roots of an
aroid could undertake to nourish themselves ona
plant of the group of the euphorbia. The transi-
tion is easy, though the danger is continually aug-
menting. In fact, tae natives of the Society and
Molucca islands, who are unacquainted with the
jatropha manihot, cultivate the arum macrorrhizon
and the tacca pinnatifida. ‘The root of this last
plant requires the same precaution as the manioc,
and yet the ¢acca bread competes in the market of
Banda with the sagou bread.
The cultivation of the manioc requires more
care than that of the banana. It resembles that
of potatoes, and the harvest takes place only from
seven to eight months after the slips have been
planted. ‘The people who can plant the jatropha
have already made great advances towards civili-
zation, There are even varieties of the manioc,
for example, those which are called at Cayenne
manioc bois blanc, and manioc mai-pourri-rouge,
of which the roots can only be pulled up at the end
of 15 months. ‘The savage of New Zealand would
not certainly have the patience to wait for so tardy
a harvest.
Plantations of jatropha manihot are now found
along the coast from the mouth of the river of
Guasacualco to the 2. of Santander, and from
Tehuantepec to San Blas and Sinaloa, in the low]
184 MEXICO.
[..nd warm regions of the intendancies of Vera
Cruz, Oaxaca, Puebla, Mexico, Valladolid, and
Guadalaxara. M. Aublet, a judicious botanist,
who, happily, has not disdained in, his travels to
inquire into the agriculture of the tropics, says
very justly, ‘* that the manioc is one of the
finest and most useful productions of the American
soil, and that with this plant the inhabitants of
the torrid zone could dispense with rice and every
sort of wheat, as well as all the roots and fruits
which serve as nourishment to the human spe-
cies.”
Maize occupies the same region as the banana
and the manioc; but its cultivation is still more
important and more extensive, especially than that
of the two plants which we have been describing.
Advancing towards the central table-land we meet
with fields of maize all the way from the coast to
the valley of Toluca, which is more than 2800 me-
tres, or 9185 feet, above the level of the ocean.
The year in which the maize harvest fails is a
ear of “mine and misery for the inhabitants of
llexico.
It is no longer doubted among botanists, that
maize, or Turkey corn, is a true American grain,
and that the old continent received it from the
new. It appears also that the cultivation of this
plant in Spain long preceded that of potatoes.
Ovicdo (Rerum Medicarum Nove Hispane The-
saurus, 1651, lib. vii. c. 40, p. 247), whose first
essay on the natural history of the Indies was
printed at Toledo in 1525, says that he saw maize
cultivated in Andalusia, near the chapel of Atocha,
in the environs of Madrid. This assertion is so
much the more remarkable, as from a passage of
Hernandez (book vii. chap. 40) we might believe
that maize was still unknown in Spain in the
time of Philip 1I. towards the end of the 16th
century.
On the discovery of America by the Europeans,
the zea maize (¢daolli in the Aztec language, mahiz
in the Haitian, and cara in the Quichua) was cul-
tivated from the most s. part of Chile to Pennsyl-
vania, According to a tradition of the Aztec
people, the Toultecs, in the 7th century of our
era, were the first who introduced into Mexico the
cultivation of maize, cotton, and pimento, It
might happen, however, that these different
branches of agriculture existed before the 'Toul-
tecs, and that this nation, the great civilization of
which has been celebrated by all the historians,
* merely extended them successfully. Hernandez
informs us, that the Otamites even, who were only
a wandering and barbarous people, planted maize.
The cultivation of this grain consequently ex-
tended beyond the Rio Grande de Santiago, for«
merly called 'Tololotlan,
The maize iniroduced into the n. of Europe suf-
fers from the cold wherever the mean temperature
does not reach 7° or 8° of the centigrade thermo-
ineter, or 44° or 46° of Fahrenheit, We therefore
sce rye, and especially barley, vegetate vigorously
on the ridge of the cordilleras, at heights where,
on account of the roughness of the climate, the
cultivation of maize would be attended with no
success. But, on the other hand, the latter de-
scends to the warmest regions ef the torrid zone,
even to plains where wheat, barley, and rye can-
not develop themselves. Hence on the scale of
the different kinds of cultivation, the maize, atypre-
sent, occupies a much greater extent in the equi-
noctial part of America than the cerealia of the old
continent. ‘The maize, also, of all the grains use-
ful to man, is the one whose farinaceous peris-
perma has the greatest volume.
It is commonly believed that this plant is the
only species of grain known by the Americans be-
fore the arrival of the Europeans. It appears,
however, certain enough, that in Chile, inthe 15th
century, and eyen long before, besides the zea
maize and the zea curagua, two gramina called
magu and tuca were cultivated, of which, accord.
ing to the Abbe Molina, the first was a species of
rye, and the second a species of barley. The
bread of this araucan bread went by the name of
covque, a word which afterwards was applied to
the bread made of European corn. (Molina, Hise
toire naturelle du Chile, p. 101). Hernandez even
pretends to have found among the Indians of Me-
choacdin a species of wheat, (p. vii. 43. Clavi-
gero, i. p.56, note F.), which, according to his
very succinct description, resembles the corn-of+
abundance, (‘riticum compositum), which is be-
lieved to be a native of Egypt. Notwithstanding
every information which Humboldt procured dur-
ing his stay in the intendancy of Valladolid, it was
impossible for him to clear up this important point
in the history of cerealia. Nobody there knew
any thing of a wheat peculiar to the country, and
he suspected that Hernandez gave the name of
triticum Michuacanense to some variety of Euro-
pean grain become wild wd giowing in a very
fertile soil.
The fecundity of the ¢’ ‘i, or Mexican maize,
is beyond any thing that can be imagined in Eu-
rope. The plant, favoured by strong heats and
much humidity, acquires a height of from two to
three metres, or from 64 to 9,4 feet. In the beau-
tiful plains which extend from San Juan del Rio
to Queretaro, for example, in the lands of the great ]
1g0, fors
rope suf-
perature
thermo-
therefore
gorously
ts where,
rate, the
with no
latter de-
rid zone,
rye can-
scale of
e, atypre-
the equi-
of the old
‘ains Use-
us peris-
nt is the
icans be-
appears,
ihe 15th
; the zea
na called
, accord.
pecies of
y. The
e Baas of
pplied to
ina, Hise
idez even
s of Me-
Clavi-
ig to his
corn-of«
h is be-
istanding
red dur-
id, it was
ant point
bre knew
itry, and
name of
of Kuro-
In a very
hn maize,
in Eu-
eats and
two to
he beau-
del Rio
he great |
wise
MEXICO. 185
[plantation of L’Esperanza, one funega of maize
produces sometirnes 800. Fertile lands yield,
communibus acais, from 3 to 400. In the en-
virons of Valladolid a harvest is reckoned bad
which yields only the seed 130 or 150 fold. Where
the soil is even most sterile it still returns from 60
to 80 grains for one. It is believed that we may
estimate the produce of maize in general, in the
equinoctial region of the kingdom of Nueva
Espaiia, at 150 for one. The valley of ‘Toluca
alone yields annually more than 600,000 fanegas,
or 66,210,600lbs. on an extent of 30 square
leagues, of which a great part is cultivated in
agave. Between the parallels of 18° and 22° the
frosts and cold winds render this cultivation by no
means lucrative on platas whose height exceeds
3000 metres, or 9842 feet. The annual produce
of maize in the intendancy of Guadalaxara is, as
we have already observed, more than £0,000,000
of kilogrammes, or 176,562,400 lbs. avoirdupois.
Under the temperate zone, between lat. 33° and
38°, in New California for example, maize pro-
duces in general only, communibus annis, from 70
te 80 for one. By comparing the manuscript me-
moirs of Father Fermin Lassuen with the statisti-
cal tables published in the historical account of the
voyage of M. de Galeano, we should be enabled to
indicate village by village the quantities of maize
sown and reaped. We find that in 1791, 12 mis-
sions of New California reaped 7625 fanegas on a
piece of ground sown with 96. In 1801 the har-
vest of 16 missions was 4661 fanegas, while the
quantity sown only amounted io 66. Hence for
the former year the produce was 79, and for the
latter 70 for one. ‘This coast in general appears
better adapted for the cultivation of the cerealia of
Europe. However, it is proved by the same
tables, that in some parts of New California, for
example in the fields belonging to the villages
of San Buenaventura and Capistrano, the maize
has frequently yielded from 180 to 200 for one.
Although a great quantity of other grain is cul-
tivated in Mexico, the maize must be considered
as the principal food of the people, as also of the
most part of the domestic animals. The price of
this commodity modifies that of all the others, of
which it is, as it were, the natural measure. When
the harvest is poor, either fron. the want of rain
or from premature frost, the famine is gencral, and
produces the most fatal consequences. —Fowls,
turkies, and even the larger cattle, equally suffer
fron it. A traveller who passes through a coun-
try in which the maize has been frost-bitten finds
neither egg nor poultry, nor arepa bread, nor meal
for the atolli, which is a nutritive and agrecable
VOL. Lt,
soup. ‘The dearth of provisions is especially felt
in the environs of the Mexican mines ; in those of
Guanaxuato, for example, where 14,000 imnules,
which are necessary in the process of amalgama-
tion, annually consume an enormous quantity of
maize. We have already mentioned the influence
which dearths have periodically had on the pro-
gress of population in Nueva Espaia. ‘The fright-
ful dearth of 1784 was the consequence of a strong
frost, which was felt at an epocha when it was
Jeast to be expected in the torrid zone, the 28th
August, and at the inconsiderable height of 1800
metres (5904 feet) above the level of the ocean,
Of all the gramina cultivated by man none is
so unequal in its produce. ‘Chis produce varies
in the same field, according to the changes of hu-
midity and the mean temperature of the year, from
40 to 200 or 300 for one. If the harvest is good,
the colonist makes his fortune more rapidly with
maize than with wheat; and we may say that this
cultivation participates in both the advantages and
disa’ vantages of the vine. The price of maize
varies from 2 livres 10 sous to 25 livres the fanega.
The mean price is five livres in the interior of the
country; but it is increased so mnck by the car-
riage, that during Humboldt’s stay in the intend-
ancy of Guanaxuato, the fanega cost at Salamanca
9, at Queretaro 12, and at San Luis Potosi 22 livres.
In a country where there are no magazines, and
where the natives merely live from hand to mouth,
the people suffer terribly whenever the maize re-
mains for any length of time at 2 piastres, or 10
livres, the fanega. ‘The natives then feed on un-
ripe fruit, on cactus berries, and on roots. This
insufficient food occasions diseases among them ;
and it is observed that famines are usually ac-
companied with a great mortality among the
children,
In warm and very humid regions the maize will
yield from two to three harvests annually ; but
generally only one is taken. It is sown from the
middle of June till near the end of August.
Among the numerous varieties of this gramen
there is one of which the ear ripens two months
atter the grain has been sown. ‘This precious va-
riety is well known in Hungary, and M, Parmen-
tier has endeavoured to introduce the cultivation
of it into France. ‘The Mexicans who inhabit the
shores of the S. sea give the preference (o another,
which Oviedo (lib, vii, c. 1, p. 105) affirms he
saw in his time, in the province of Nicaragua, and
which is reaped in between 50 and 40 days. Hume
boldt also observed it near ‘Tomependa, on the
banks of the river of the Amazons ; but all these
varicties of maize, of which the vegetation is so |
BB
186 MEXICO.
Bas appear to be of a less farinaceous grain,
almost as small as the zea curagua of Chile.
The utility which the Americans draw from
maize is too well known to make it necessary for
us to dwell on it. The use of rice is not more
various in China and the E, Indies. The ear is
eaten boiled or roasted. The grain when beat
yields a nutritive bread (arepa), though not fer-
mented and ill baked, on account of the small
quantity of gluten mixed with the amylaceous
fecula. The meal is employed like gruel in the
boullies, which the Mexicans call atéod/i, in which
they mix sugar, honey, and sometimes even
ground potatoes, The botanist Hernandez (lib.
vii. c. 40, p. 244) describes 16 species of attolis
which were made in his time.
A chemist would have some difliculty in pre-
paring the innumerable variety of spirituous, acid,
or sugary beverages, which the Indians display a
particular address in making, by infusing the grain
of maize, in which the sugary matter begins to de-
velop itself by germination. These beverages,
generally known by the name of chicha, have some
of them a resemblance to beer, and others to cider
Under the monastic government of the Incas it
was not permitted in Peru to manufacture intoxi-
cating liquors, especially those which are called
vinapu and sora.-—(Garcilasso, lib. viii. c. 9,
tom.i. p.277. Acosta, lib. iv. c. 16, p. 258.)—
The Mexican despots were less interested in the
public and private morals ; and drunkenness was
very common among the Indians of the times of
the Aztec dynasty. But the Europeans have
multiplied the enjoyments of the lower people, by
the introduction of the sugar-cane. At present
in every elevation the Indian has his particular
drinks. The plains in the vicinity of the coast
furnish him with spirit from the sugar-cane, (gua-
rapo, or aguardiente de cana), and the chicha de
manioc. ‘Lhe chicha de mais abounds on the de-
clivity of the cordilleras. The central table-land
is the country of the Mexican vines, the agave
plantations, which supply the favourite drink of
the natives, the pulque de maguey. ‘The Indian
in easy circumstances adds to these productions of
the American soil a liquor still dearer and rarer,
grape brandy (aguard ente de Castillu), partly
furnished by European commerce, and partly dis-
tilled in the country. Such are the numerous re-
sources of a people who love intoxicating liquors
to excess,
Before the arrival of the Europeans, the Mexi-
cans and Peruvians pressed out the juice of the
maize-stalk to make sugar from it. They not only
concentrated this juice by evaporation ; they knew
also to prepare the rough sugar by cooling
the thickened syrup. Cortes, describing to the
Emperor Charles Y. all the commodities sold in
the great market of Tlatelolco, on his entry into
‘Tenochtitlan, expressly names the Mexican sugar.
‘¢ There is sold,” says he, ‘* honey of bees and
wax, (honey from the stalks of maize), which are
as swect as sugar-cane, and honey from a shrub
called by the people maguey. ‘The natives make
sugar of these plants, and this sugar they also sell.”
The stalk of all the gramina contains sugary mat-
ter, especially near the knots. The quantity of
the sugar that maize can furnish in the temperate
zone appears, however, to be very inconsidcrable ;
but under the tropics its fistulous stalk is so sugary
that the Indians have been frequently scen sucking
it, as the sugar-cane is sucked by the Negroes. In
the valley of Toluca the stalk of the maize is
squeezed between cylinders, and then is prepared
from its fermented juice a spirituous liquor, called
pulque de mahis, or t/aolli, a liquor which becomes
a very important object of commerce,
From the statistical tables drawn up in the in-
zendancy of Guadalaxara, of which the pcopula-
tion is more than 500,000 of inhabitants, it ap-
pears extremely probable that, communtbus annis,
the actual produce of maize in all Nueva Espaia
amounts to more than 17,000,000 of fanegas, or
more than 800,000,000 of kilogrammes, or 17653
millions of pounds avoirdupois, of weight. This
grain will keep in Mexico, in the temperate cli-
mites, for three years, and in the valley of ‘To.
luca, and all the levels of which the mean tempera-
ture is below 14 centigrade degrees, or 57° of Fah-
renheit, for five or six years, especially if the dry
stalk is not cut before the ripe grain has been
somewhat struck with the frost,
In good years the kingdom of Nueva Espaiia
produces much more maize than it can consume.
As the country unites in a small space a great va-
riety of climates, and as the maize almost never
succeeds at the same time in the warm region
(tierras calientes) and on the central table-land, in
the terras frias, the interior commerce is singu-
larly vivified by the transport of this grain. Maize
compared with European grain has the disadvan-
tage of containing a smaller quantity of nutritive
substance in a greater volume. This circum-
stance, and the difficuity of the roads on the des
clivities of the mountains, present obstacles to its
exportation, which will be less frequent when the
construction of the fine causeway from Vera Cruz
to Xalapa and Perote shall be finished. The
islands in general, and especially the island of
Cuba, consume an enormous quantity of maize. ]
cooling
+ to the
sold in
try into
n sugar,
ees and
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ry mate
ntity of
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1 Espana
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or 17654
t. This
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Maize
tisadvan-
nutritive
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when the
era Cruz
. The
sland of
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:
MEXICO. 187
[ These islands are frequently in want of it, becanse
the interest of their inhabitants is almost exclu-
sively fixed on the cultivation of sugar and coffve ;
although it has been long observed by well in-
formed agriculturists, that in the district contained
between the Havanah, the port of Batabano, and
Matanzas, fields cultivated with maize and by free
hands yield a greater nett revenue than a sugar
plantation, for which enormous advances are ne-
cessary in dhe purchase and maintenance of slaves
and the construction of edifices.
If it is probable that in Chile formerly, besides
maize, there were two other gramina ‘ith farinace-
ous seed sown, which belonged to the same genus
as our barley and wheat, it is no less certain that
before the arrival of the Spaniards in America
none of the cerealia of the old continent were
known there. Could we suppose that all man-
kind were descended from the same stock, we
might be tempted to admit that the Americans,
like the Atlantes, (see the opinion of Diodorus
Siculus, Bibl. lib. iii. p. 186. Fhodom.), sepa-
rated from the rest of the human race before the
cultivation of wheat on the central plains of Asia.
But are we to lose ourselves in fabulous times to
explain the ancient communications which appear
to have existed between the two continents? In
the time of Herodotus all the v. part of Africa pre-
sented no other agricultural nations but the Egyp-
tians and the Carthaginians. (Heeren iiber Africa,
pe In the interior of Asia the tribes of the
ongol race, the Hiong-nu, the Burattes, the Kal-
kas, and the Sifanes, have constantly lived as
wandering shepherds. Now, if the people of cen-
tral Asia, or if the Lybians of Africa, could have
passed into the new continent, neither of them
would have introduced the cultivation of cerealia.
The want of these gramina then proves nothing
either against the Asiatic origin of the Americans,
or against the possibility of a very recent transmi-
gration.
The introduction of European grain having had
the most beneficial influence on the prosperity of
the natives of Mexico, it becomes interesting to
relate at what epocha this new branch of agricul-
ture commenced. A Negro slave of Cortes ound
three or four grains of wheat among therie which
served to maintain the Spanish army, These
grains were sown, as it appears, before the year
1530. History has brought down to us the name
of a Spanish lady, Maria d’Escobar, the wile of
Diego de Chaves, who first carried a few grains of
wheat into the city of Lima, then called Rimac.
The produce of the harvest which she obtained
from these grains was distributed for three years
among the new colonists, so that each farmer re-
ceived 20 or 30 grains, Garcilasso already com-
a of the ingratitude of his countrymen, who
murdly knew the name of Maria d’Escobar. We
are ignorant of the epocha at which the cultivation
of cerealia coi:menced in Peru, but it is certain
that in 1547 wheaten bread was hardly known in
the city of Cuzco. (Commentarios Reales, ix. 24,
t. ii, p. 332), At Quito the first European grain
was sown near the convent of St. Francis by Ta.
ther Josse Rixi, a native of Gand in Flanders.
The monks still show there with enthusiasm the
earthen vase in which the first wheat came from
Europe, which they look upon as a precious relic.
(See Humboldt’s Tableaux de la Nature, t. ii.
p. 166). Why have not every where the names
of those been preserved, who, in place of ravaging
the earth, have enriched it with plants useful to
the human race?
The temperate region, especially the climate
where the mean heat of the year dues not exceed
from 18 to 19 centigrade degrees, or 64° and 66°
of Fahr. appears most favourable to the cultiva-
tion of cerealia, embracing under this denomina-
tion only the nutritive gramina known to the an-
cients, namely, wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye.
In fact, in the equinoctial part of Mexico, the
cerealia of Europe are no where cultivated in
plains of which the elevation is under from 8 to
900 metres, or from 2629 to 2952 feet; and we
have already observed, that on the declivity of the
cordilleras between Vera Cruz and Acapulco, we
gencrally see only the commencement of this cul-
tivation at an elevation of 1200 or 1300 metres,
or 3936 and 4264 feet. A long experience has
proved to the inhabitants of Xalapa that the wheat
sown around their city vegetates vigorously, but
never produces a single ear. It is cultivated be-
cause its straw and its succulent leaves serve for
forage (zacate) to cattle. It is very certain, how-
ever, that in the kingdom of Guatemala, and
consequently nearer the equator, grain ripens at
smaller elevations than that of the town of Xalapa.
A particular exposure, the cool winds which blow
in the direction of the 2, and other local causes,
may modify the influence of the climate. In the
province of Caracas the finest harvests of wheat
near Victoria (lat. 10° 13’) are found at 500 or
600 metres (1640 or 1968 feet) of absolute cleva-
tion ; and it appears that the wheaten ficlds which
surround the Quatro Villas in the is!and of Cuba
(lat. 21° 58’) have still a smaller elevation. At the
isle of France (tat. 20° 10’) wheat is cultivated on
a soil almost level with the ocean.
The European colonists have not sufficiently }
BB2
—_
——
Ht
188 MEXICO.
[varied their experiments to know what is the minz-
mum of height at which cerealia grow in the equi-
noctial region of Mexico, ‘The absolute want of
rain during the summer months is so much the
more unfavourable to the wheat as the heat of the
climate is greater. It is true that the droughts
and heats are also very considerable in Syria and
Egypt; but this last country, which abounds so
much in grain, has a climate which differs essen-
tially from that of the torrid zone, and the soil
preserves a certain degree of humidity from the
beneficent inundations of the Nile. Ttowever, the
vegetables, which are of the same kind with our
cerealia, grow only wild in temperate climates,
and even in those only of the old continent, With
the exception of a few gigantic arundinaceous,
which are social plants, the gramina appear in
general infinitely rarcr in the torrid zone than in
the temperate zone, where they have the ascend-
ancy, as it were, over the other vegetables, We
ought not, then, to be astonished that the cerealia,
notwithstanding the great flexibility of organiza-
tion a tributed to them, and which is common to
them with the domestic animals, thrive better on
the central table-land of Mexico, in the hilly re-
gion, where they find the climate of Rome and
Milan, than in the plains in the vicinity of the
equinoctial ocean.
Were the soil of Nueva Espaiia watered by
more frequent rains, it would be one of the most
fertile countries cultivated by man in the two
hemispheres, The hero who, in the midst of a
bloody war, had his eyes continually fixed on
every branch of national industry, Hernan Cortes,
wrote to his sovereign shortly aiter the siege of
Tenochtitlan: §* All the plants of Spain thrive
admirably in this land. We shall not proceed
here as we have done in the isles, where we have
neglected cullivation and destroyed the inhabi-
tants. A sad experience ought to render us more
prudent. 1 beseech your Majesty to give orders
to the Casa de Contratacion of Seville, that) no
vessel set sail for this country without a certain
quantity of plints and grain.” The great fertility
of the Mexican soil is incontrovertible, but the
want of water frequently duninishes the abundance
of the harvests.
There are only two seasons known in the equi-
noctial region of Mexico, even as far as the 28°
ofn, lat. : the rainy season (estacion de las aguas),
which begins in the month of June or July, and
ends in the month of September or October, and
the dry season (e/ estio), which lasts eight months,
from October to the end of May. The first rains
generally commence on the e. declivity of the cor-
2
dillera, The formation of the clouds and the pre-
cipitation of the water dissolved in the air coms
mence on the coast of Vera Cruz, These pheno-
mena are accompanied with strong electrical ex«
plosions, which take place successively at Mexico,
Guadalaxara, and on the w. coast, The chemical
action is propagated from e, to w, in the direction
of the trade-winds, and the rains begin 15 or 20
days sooner at Vera Cruz than on the central table-
land. Sometimes we see in the mountain, even
below 2000 metres, or 6561 teet, of absolute height,
rain mixed with rime (grest/) and snow in the
months of November, December, and January ;
but these rains are very short, and only last from
four to five days; and however cold they may be,
they are considered as very useful for the vegeta-
tion of wheat and the pasturages. In Mexico in
general, as in Europe, the rains are most frequent
in the mountainous regions, especially in that part
of the cordilleras which extends from the Pic
WOrizaba by Guanaxuato, Sierra de Pinos, Zaca-
tecas, and Bolaiios, to the mines of Guarisainey
and the Rosario.
The prosperity of Nueva Espaiia depends on
the proportion established between the duration of
two seasons of rain and drought. ‘The agricultu-
rist has seldom to complain of too great a humi-
dity, and if sometimes the maize and the cerealia
of Europe are exposed to partial inundations in
the plains, of which several form circular basins
shut in by the mountains, the grain sown on the
slopes of the hills vegetates with so much the
greater vigour. From the parallel of 24° to that
of 30° the rains are seldomer, and of short dura-
tion. Happily the snow, of which there is great
abundance trom the 26° of lat. supplies the want
of rain.
The extreme drought to which Nueva Espaia
is exposed from the month of June to the month
of September, compels the inhabitants in a great
part of this vast country to have recourse to arti
ficial irrigations. ‘The harvests of wheat are rich
in proportion to the water taken from the rivers
by means of canals of irrigation, ‘This system is
particularly followed in the fine plains which bor-
der the river Santiago, called Rio Grande, and
in those between Salamanca, Iripuate, and the
Villa de Leon. Canals of irrigation (aeequias),
reservoirs of water (presas), and the hydravtical
machines called norias, are objects of the greatest
importance for Mexican agriculture, Like Persia
and the lower part of Peru, the interior of Nueva
‘spafia is infinitely productive in nutritive gra-
mina wherever the industry of man has diminished
the natural dryness of the soil and the air, |}
he pre-
ir come
pheno-
ical ex
flexico,
hemical
irection
» or 20
i tables
nN, even
height,
in the
INUArY 5
ist from
may be,
vegelis
xico in
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hat part
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ends on
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e rivers
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ch bor-
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> Persia
Nueva
ve era.
inished
MEXICO. 189
iio where does the proprietor of a large farm
more frequently feel the necessity of employing
engineers skilled in surveying ground and the
principles of hydraulic constructions. However,
at Mexico, as elsewhere, those arts have been pre-
ferred which please the imagination to those which
are indispensable to the wants of domestic lite.
They possess architects, who judge learnedly of
the beauty and symmetry of an edifice ; but no-
thing is still so rare there as to find persons capa-
ble of constructing machines, dikes, and canals.
Fotunately the feeling of their want has excited
the national industry, and a certain sagacity pecu-
liar to all mountainous people supplies in some
sort the want of instruction.
In the places which are not artificially watered
the Mexican soil yields only pasturage to the
montlis of March and April. At this period,
when the s. w. wind, which is dry and warm,
(viento de la Misteca) frequently blows, all verdure
disappears, and the gramina and other herbaceous
plants gradually dry vs, This change is more
sensibly felt wher the rains of the preceding year
have been less abundant and the summer has been
warmer. The wheat then, especially in the month
of May, suffers much if it is not artificially wa-
tered. ‘Lhe rain only excites the vegetation in the
month of June; with the first falls the fields be-
come coyered with verdure; the foliage of the
trees is renewed; and the Kuropean, who recals
to his mind incessantly the climate of his native
country, enjoys doubly this season of the rains, be-
cause it presents to him the image of spring.
In indicating the dry and rainy months we have
described the course which the meteorological phe-
nomena commonly follow. For several years,
however, these phenomena appear to have devi-
ated from the general law, and the exceptions have
unfortunately been to the disadvantage of agricul-
ture. ‘The rains have become more rare, and
especially more tardy, It is observed in Mexico
that the maize, which suffers much more than the
wheat from the frosts in autumn, has the ad-
vantage of recovering more easily after long
droughts. In the intendancy of Valladolid, be-
tween Salamanca and the lake of Cuizeo, are seen
fields of maize which were believed to be de-
stroyed, vegetate with an astonishing vigour after
two or three days of rain. ‘The great breadth of
the leaves undoubiedly contributes greatly to the
nutrition and vegeialive force of this American
gramen,
Inthe farms (Aaciendas de trigo) in which the
system of irrigation is well established, in those of
Silao and Irapuato, for example, near Leon, the
wheat is twice watered; first, when the young
plant springs up in the month of January ; and the
second time in the beginning of March, when the
ear is on the point of developing itself, Sometimes
even the whole ficid is inundated before sowing.
It is observed, that in allowing the water to remain
for several weeks, the soil is so impregnated with
humidity that the wheat scsists more easily the long
droughts. They scatter the seed (semer a la vol€e)
at the moment when the waters begin to flow frona
the opening of the canals. ‘This method brings to
mind the cultivation of wheat in Lower Lgypt, and
these perlongst inundations diminish at the same
time the abundance of the parasitical herbs which
mix with the harvest at reaping, and of which a
pert has unfortunately past into America with the
Suropean grain,
The riches of the harvests are surprising in lands
carefully cultivated, especially in those which are
watered or properly separated by different courses
of labour. ‘The most fertile part of the table-land
is that which extends from Queretaro to the town
of Leon. ‘These elevated plains are 30 leagues in
length by eight or ten in breadth. ‘The wheat
harvest is 35 and 40 for one, and several great
farms can even reckon on 50 or 60 to one. An
equal fertility is found in the fields which extend
from the village of Santiago to Yurirapundaro in
the intendancy of Vallalolid, In the environs of
Puebla, Atlisco, and Zelaya, in a great part of the
bishoprics of Mechoacaa and Guadalaxara, the
produce is from 20 to 50 for one. A field is con-
sidered there as far from fertile when a fanega
of wheat yields only, communibus annis, 16 anes
gas. At Cholula the common harvest is from 30
to 40, but it frequently exceeds from 70 to 80 for
one. In the valley of Mexico the maize yields
200, and the wheat 18 or 20. We have to observe,
that the numbers which we here give have all the
accuracy which can be desired in so important an
object for the knowledge of territorial tiches. Be-
ing eagerly desirous of knowing the produce of
agriculture under the tropics, Humboldt procured
all the information on the very spots; and com.
pared it with the data with which he was furnished
by intelligent colonists, who inhabited provinces at
a distance from one another, He was induced to
be so much the more precise in this operation, as
from haying been born in a country where grain
scarcely produces four or five for one, he was nas
turally more apt than another 10 be disposed to
suspect the exaggerations of agricullurists, exag-
gerations which are the same in Mexico, China,
and wherever the vanity of the inhabitants wishes
to take advantage of the credulity of travellers, |
190 MEXICO.
(‘The same author was aware that on account of
the great inequality with which different. coun-
tries sow, it would ave been better to compare the
produce of the harvest with the extent of ground
sown up. But the agrarian measures are so in-
exact, and there are so few farms in Mexico in
which we know with precision the number of
square toises or varas which they contain, that he
was obliged to confine himself to the simple com-
parison between the wheat reaped and the wheat
sown, ‘The researches to which he applied him-
self during his stay in Mexico gave him for result,
communibus annis, the mean produce of all the
country at 2° or 25 for one. When he returned
to Europe he began again to entertain doubts as to
the precision of this important result, and he
asserts, he should perhaps have hesitated to pub-
lish it, if had not had it in his power to consult on
this subject quite recently, and in Paris even, a re-
spectable and enlightened person who has inha-
bited the Spanish colonies these 30 years, and who
applied himself with great success to agriculture.
M. Abad, a canon of the metropolitan church of
Valladolid de Mechoacan, assured him, that from
his calculations the mean produce of the Mexican
wheat, ‘ar from being below 22 grains, is probably
from 25 to 30, which, according to the calculations
of Lavoisier and Neckar, exceeds from five to six
times the mean produce of France.
Near Zelaya the agriculturists shewed him the
enormous difference of produce between the lands
artificially watered and those which are not. ‘The
former, which receive the water of the Rio Grande,
distributed by drains into several pools, yield from
AO to 50 for one; while the latter, which do not
enjoy the benefit of irrigation, only yield 15 or 20.
The same fault prevails here of which agricultural
writers complain in almost every country of Eu-
rope, that of employing too much sced, so that
the grain chokes itself. Were it not for this the
produce of the harvests would still appear greater
than what we have stated.
It may be of use to insert here an observation
made near Zelaya by a person worthy of confi-
dence, and very much accustomed to researches
of this nature, M. Abad took at random, in a fine
field of wheat of several acres in extent, 40 wheaten
plants (lriticum hybernum) ; he put the roots in
water to clear them of all earth, and he found that
every grain had produced 40, 60, and even 70
stalks. The ears were almost all equally well fur-
nished. ‘The number of grains which they con-
tained was reckoned, and it was found that this
number frequently exceeded 100 and even 120.
he mean term appeared 90. Some ears even
contained 160 grains. .What an astonishing ex.
ample of fertility! It is remarked in general that
wheat divides enormously in the Mexican fields,
that from a single grain a great number of stalks
shoot up, and that each plant has extremely long
and bushy roots. The Spanish colonists call this
be of the vigour of vegetation ef macollur det
rigo.
To the x, of this very fertile district of Zelaya,
Salamanca, and Leon, the country is arid in the
extreme, without rivers, without springs, and
presenting vast extents of crusts of hardened clay
(tepetate), which the cultivators call hard and cold
lands, and through which the roots of the herba-
ceous plants with difficulty penetrate. ‘These beds
of clay, which are also found in the kingdom of
Quito, resemble at a distance banks of rock desti-
tute of every sort of vegetation. ‘They belong to
the trappish formation, and constantly accompany
on the ridge of the Andes of Peru and Mexico the
basaltes, the griinstein, the amygdaloid, and the
amphibolic porphyry. But in other parts of Nueva
Espaiia, in the beautiful valley of Santiago, and to
the s, of the town of Valladolid, the decomposed
basaltes and amygdaloids have formed in the suc-
cession of ages a black and very productive earth,
The fertile fields which surround the Alberca of
Santiago bring to mind the basaltic districts of the
Mittelgebirge of Bohemia.
All the table-land which extends from Sombre-
rete to the Saltillo, and from thence towards La
Punta de Lampazos, is a naked and arid plain, in
which cactus and other prickly plants oily veges
tate. ‘The sole vestige of cultivation is on some
oints, where, as around the town of Saltillo, the
industry of man has procured a little water for the
watering of the fields. We have also traced under
its proper head a view of Old California, of which
the soil is a rock both destitute of earth and water,
All these considerations concur to prove, that on
account of itsextreme dryness a considerable part of
Nueva Espaiia situate to the 7. of the tropic is not
susceptible of a great population. Hence, what a
remarkable contrast between the physiognomy ot
two neighbouring countries, between Mexico and
the United States of N. America! In the latter
the soil is one vast forest, intersected by a great
number of rivers, which flow into spacious gulfs ;
while Mexico presents from e. to w. a wooded
shore, and in its centre an enormous mass of colos-
sal mountains, on the ridge of which stretch out
plains destitute of wood, and so much the more
arid, as the temperature of the ambient air is aug-
mented by the reverberation of the solar rays. In
then. of Nueva Espaiia, as in Thibet, Persia, and all|
sy is
ee ee
Gt ae eee
hing ex.
eral that
in fields,
of stalks
ely long
call this
ollar del
‘Zelaya,
d in the
gs, and
ned clay
and cold
e herba-
iese beds
dom of
ck desti-
«long to
company
xico the
and the
it Nueva
D, and to
omposed
the suc
re earth,
berca of
ts of the
Sombre-
ards La
lain, in
y vegee
on some
illo, the
for the
d under
bf which
1 water.
that on
e part of
ic is not
, what a
omy of
ico and
e latter
a great
s gulfs ;
wooded
t colos-
tch out
e more
is aug-
s. In
and all]
MEXICO. 191
[the mountainous -egions, a part of the country
will never be adapted for the cultivation of cerealia
till a concentrated and highly civilized population
shall have vanquished the obstacles opposed by
nature to the progress of rural economy. But this
aridity, we repeat it, is not general; and it is
compensated for by the extreme fertility observable
in the s. countries, even in that part of the pro-
vincias internas in the neighbourhond of rivers, in
ihe basins of the Rio del Norte, the Gila, the
Hiaqui, the Mayo, the Culiacan, the Rio del
Rosario, the Rio de Conchos, the Rio de Santan-
der, the Tigre, and the numerous torrents of the
province of ‘Texas. fr
In the most 2. extremity of the kingdom, on
the coast of New California, the produce of wheat
is from 16 to 17 for one, taking the mean term
among the harvest of 18 villages for two: years,
We believe that agriculturists will peruse with
pleasure the detail of these harvests in a country
situated under the same parallel as Algiers, ‘Tunis,
ent Palestine, between the 52° 59’ and 37° 48 of
at.
1791. 1802,
Fanegas of wheat.
Names of the villages of New California.
Sown.
Harvest considered as
multiple of the grain sown,
Fanegas of wheat.
Reaped.| Sown. | Reaped.} 1791. | 1802.
OT ee rR ae 60% |) vse
San Diego - : - ° 60
San Luis Rey de Francia - coee | cone 100 1200 beee 12
San Juan Capistrano ° - 80 1586 103 2908 19,8; 2875
San Gabriel - . - 178 3700 282 8800 207, 13545
San Fernando - . - aaide “aoe 100 2800 vue. Qs
San Buenaventura - . - AA 259 96 $500 5; 8645
Santa Barbara - ° . 65 1500 113 2876 23 Qty
La Purissima Concepcion + . 76 800 96 3500 10,5 S6rs
San Luis Obispo . ° - 86 1078 161 4000 123, 255
San Miguel - = = * owe coos 70 1600 Sees 22;'5
Soledad + - - - - ewe sees 78 500 wea 655
San Antonio de Padua - - 90 952 139 1200 1045 875
San Carlos - ° . . 71 221 60 240 3, A
San Juan Baptista + + - avea| etne 52 1200 did hig 23445
Santa Cruz - . - - iaree Saas 60 550 eas 9,
Santa Clara - . - - Gt 1400 129 2000 21,55 15.3;
San Jose - - - . Tre ere $4 1200 ae.eL 14,3,
Suan Francisco + *— = . 60 680 233 2392 115 O75
| 874 | 15,197 1956 135,396 IT,5 1725
It appears that the most x. part of this coast is
less favourable to the cultivation of wheat than
that which extends from San Diego to San Miguel.
However, in newly cultivated grounds the pro-
duce of the soil is more unequal than in lands which
have been Jong under cultivation, though we ob-
serve inno part of Nueva Espana that progressive
diminution of fertility which is so distressing to
new colonists wherever forests have been converted
into arable land,
Those who have seriously reflected on the riches
of the Mexican soil know that by means of a more
careful cultivation, and without supposing any
extraordinary iabour in the irrigation of the soil,
the portion of ground already under cultivation
aide ht furnish subsistence for a population eight
or ten times more numerous. If the fertile plains
of Atlixco, Cholula, and Puebla, do not produce
very abundant harvests, the principal cause ought
to be sought for in the want of consumers, and in
the obstacles opposed by the-inequality of the soil
to the interior commerce of grain, especially to its
carriage towards the Atlantic coast. We shall
afterwards return to this interesting subject when
we come to treat of the exportation from: Vera
Cruz.]
192 MEXICO.
{ What is actually the produce of the grain har.
vest in the whole of Nueva E’spaiia’? We can con.
ceive how difficult must be the resolutionot this pros
blem in a country where the goverument, since the
death of the Count de Revillagigedo, has been
very unfavourable to statistical researches, In
France, even the estimations of Quesnay, Lavoi-
sier, and Arthur Young, vary trom 45 and 50
to 75 niillions of septiers of 117 kilogrammes
(11,620, 12,911, and 19,566 millions of pounds
avoird,) in weight. We have no positive data as
to the quantity of rye and oats reaped in Mexico,
but we conceive ourselves enabled to calculate aps
proximately the mean produce of wheat, ‘The
most sure estimate in’ Europe is the computed
consumption of each individual. ‘This method
was successfully employed by MM. Lavoisier and
Arnould; but it isa method which cannot be fol-
lowed in the case of a population composed of
very heterogeneous clements, ‘The Indian and
Mestizo, the inhabitants of the country, are only
fed on maize and manioe bread. The white Cre-
oles who live in great cities consume much more
wheaten bread than those who habitually live on
their farms. The capital, which includes more
than 33,000 Indians, requires annually 19,C00,0U0
of kilogrammes of flour. This consumption is
almost the same as that of the cities of Europe of
an equal population; and if, according to this
basis, we were to calculate the consumption of the
whole kingdom of Nueva Espaia, we should at-
tain to a result which would be five times too high.
From these considerations we prefer the method
which is founded on partial estimations. The
quantity of wheat reaped in 1502 in the intendancy
of Guadalaxara was, according to the statistical
table communicated by the intendant of this pro-
vince to the chamber of commerce at Vera Cruz,
43,000 cargas, or 645,000 kilogrammes. Now
the population of Guadalaxara is nearly a ninth of
the total population, — In this part of Mexico there
is a great number of Indians who eat maize bread,
and there are few populous cities inhabited by
whites in easy circumstances, According to the
analogy of this partial harvest, the general har-
vest of Nueva kspafia would only be 59,000,000
kilogrammes. But if we add 36,000,000 of kilo-
grammes on account of the beneficial influence of
the consumption of the cities of Mexico, Puebla,
and Guanaxuato, on the cultivation of circum
jacent districts, and on account of the provincias
internas, of which the inhabitants live almost ex-
clusively on wheaten bread, we find for the whole
kingdom nearly 10,000,000 of myriagrammes, or
upwards of 220,500,000 of pounds ayoird, ‘This
estimate gives too smalla result, because in the
above calculation we have not suitably separated
the ». provinces from the equinoctial region. ‘This
separation is dictated, however, by the very nature
of the population,
In the provincias internas the greatest: number
of the inhabitants are either white or reputed white;
and they are calculated at 400,000. Supposing
their consumption of wheat equal to that of the
city of Puebla, we shall find 6,000,000 of myrias
grammes, We may admit, calculating according
to the annual harvest of the intendancy of Guada-
laxara, that in the s. regions of Nueva Espaia, of
which the mixed population is estimated at
5,437,000, the constunption of wheat in the couns
try amounts to 5,800,000 myriagrammes. If we
add 5,600,000 myriagrammes for the consumption
of the great interior cities of Mexico, Puebla, and
CGuanaxuato, we shall find the total consumption of
Nueva Espana above 15,000,000 of myriagrammes,
or 531,000,000 of pounds avoird,
We might be astonished to find from this cal-
culation that the provincias internas, of which the
population is only a fourteenth of the whole popu-
lation, Consume more than the third of the harvest
of Mexico, But we must not forget that in these
#. provinces the number of whites is to the total
inass of Spaniards, (Creoles and Muropeans), as
one to three, and that it is principally this cast by
which the wheatea flour is consumed. Of the
800,000 whites who inhabit the equinoctial region
of Nueva Espaiia, nearly 150,000 live in an excese
sively warin climate in the plains adjacent to the
coast, and feed on manioc and bananas. ‘These
results, we repeat, are merely simple approxima.
lions.
In France the whole grain harvest, that isto say,
wheat, rye, and barley, was, according to Lavoi+
sier, before the revolution, and consequently at a
period when the population of the kingdom amounts
ed to 25,000,000 of inhabitanis, 58,000,000 of
setiers, or 6,786,000,000 of kilogrammes. Now,
according to the authors of the Feuille du Culti-
valeur, the wheat reaped in France is to the whole
mass of grainas 5:17. Hence the produce of
wheat alone was, previous to 1789, 1'7,000,000 of
seticrs, which, taking mercly absolute quantities,
and without considering the populations of the
two empires, is nearly 13 times more than the
produce of wheat in Mexico. This comparison
agrees very well with the bases of the anterior es-
timation, For the number of inhabitants of Nueva
Hspaiia who habitually live on wheaten bread does
not exceed 1,500,000; and it is well known that
the French consume more bread than the Spa-|
rin the
parated
ne ‘This
y nature
number
| white;
pposing
L of the
my rive
cording
Guada-
pata, of
ated at
1@ Couns
. Ifwe
umption
bla, and
yption of
rammesy
this cal.
hich the
le popus
» harvest
Lin these
the total
ANS), AS
s cast by
Of the
ul region
n CXCese
it to the
These
roximae
isto say,
» Lavoi-
lily at a
amounte
000 of
Now,
ve Culti«
1e whole
duce of
0,000 of
lantities,
; of the
han the
Mm parison
erior CS«
f Nueva
‘ad dloes
wn that
e Spa-|
MEXICO. 193
{nish race, especially those who inhabit Ame-
rica,
But on account of the extreme fertility of the
soil, the 15,000,000 of myriagrammes annually
produced by Nueva Expaiia are reaped on an extent
of ground four or five times smaller than would
be requisite for the same harvest in France. We
may expect, it is true, as the Mexican pepulation
shall increase, that this fertility, which may be
called medium, and which indicates a total pro-
duce of 24 for one, will decrease. Every where
men begin with the cultivation of the least arid
lands, and the mean produce must naturally di-
minish when agriculture embraces a greater ex-
tent, and consequently a greater variety of ground,
But in a vast empire like Mexico this effect can
only be very tardy in its manifestation, and the
industry of the inhabitants increases with the po-
pulation and the number of increasing wants.
We shall collect into one table the knowledge
which we have acquired as to the mean produce
of the cerealia in the two continents. ‘We are not
here adducing examples of an extraordinary fer-
tility observable in a small extent of ground, nor
of grain sown according to the Chinese method.
The produce would nearly be the same in every
zone, if, in choosing our ground, we were to bestow
the same care on cerealia which we bestow on our
garden plants. But in treating of agriculture in
general, we speak merely of extensive results, of
calculations, in which the total harvest of a coun-
try is considered as the multiple of the quantity of
wheat sown. It will be found that this multiple,
which may be considered as onc of the first elements
of the prosperity of nations, varics in the follow-
ng manner ¢
5 to 6 grains for 1, in France, according to La-
voisier and Neckar. We estimate, with M.
Peuchet, that 4,400,000 arpens sown with wheat
yield annually 5,280,000,000 of pounds, which
amounts to 1173 kilogrammes per hectare,
(2588 lb. avoird. per 107,639 square feet). ‘This
is also the mean produce in the 7. of Germany,
Poland, and, according to M. Riihs, in Swe-
den, ‘They reckon in France in some remark-
ably fertile districts of the departments of L’Es-
caut and Le Nord 15 for 1; in the good land
of Picardy and the isle of France from 8 to 10
for 1; and in the lands of less fertility from 4
to 5for 1. (Peuchet, Statistique, p. 290).
8 to 10 grains for 1 in Hungary, Croatia, and
Sclavonia, according to the researches of M.
Swartner.
12 grains for 1 inthe Reyno de la Plata, espe-
VOL, 111.
cially in the environs of Montevideo, according
to Don Felix Azara. Near the cit y of Buenos
Ayres they reckon even 16. In Paraguay the
cultivation of cerealia does not oxtend farther n.
than the parallel of 24°, (Voyage d’dAzara, t.
i, p. 140),
17 Satna lor | in the n. part of Mexico, and at
the same distance from the equater as Paraguay
and Buenos Ayres. '
24 grains for L in the equinoctial region of Mexico
at 2 or 5000 metres of clevation above. the
level of the ocean, They reckon 5000 kilo-
grammes per hectare, or 11,035 Ib. avoird. per
107,639 square feet. In the province of Pasto
of the kingdom of Santa Fe, the plains of La
Vega de San Lorenzo, Pansitara, and Almaguer,
lat. 1° 54’ 2. commonly produce 25, in very
fertile years 35, and in cold and dry years 12
for 1. In Peru, in the beautifnl plain of Caxae
marca, lat. 7° 8/ n. watered by the rivers Mas-
con and Utusco, and celebrated from the defeat
of the Inca Atahualpa, wheat yields from 18 to
20 for 1.
The Mexican flour enters into competition at the
Havanah market with that of the United States,
When the road which is constructing from the
table-land of Perote to Vera Cruz shaii be come
pletely finished, the grain of Nueva Espaiia will be
exported for Bourdeaux, Hamburgh, and Bremen.
The Mexicans will then possess a double advantage
over the inhabitants of the United States, that of
a greater fertility of territory, and that of a lower
price of labour. It would be very interesting in
this point of view could we compare here the mean
produce of the different provinces of the Atne-
rican confederation with the results which we have
obtained for Mexico. But the fertility of the soil
and the industry of the inhabitants vary so much
in different provinces, that it becomes difficult to
find the mean term which corresponds to the total
harvest. Whata difference between the excellent
cultivation of the environs of Lancaster and several
parts of New England and that of N. Carolina !
*¢ An English farmer,” says the immortal Wash-
ington in one of his letters to Arthur Young,
¢¢ ought to have a horrid idea of the state of our
agriculture, or the nature of our soil, when he is
informed that an acre with us only produces eight
or 10 bushels; But it must be kept in mind that
in all countries where land is cheap and labour
dear, men are fonder of cultivating much than
cultivating well. Much ground has been scratched
over, and none cultivated’ as itought to have been.”
According to the recent researches of M. Blodget, }
cc
tL MEXICO.
[ which may be regarded as sufficiently exact, we
ind the following results :
In the Atlantic provinces to] per acre. [per hectare,
the e. of the Alleghany
kilogrammes
mountains. bushels,
Inrichlands - - - - 32 2572
In common lands - - - 9 667
In the w. territory between
the Alleghany and the
Mississipi.
Inrich lands + - + = A0 2965
In common lands «= - - 95 1853
We see from these data, that in the Mexican
intendancies of Puebla and Guanaxuato, where on
the ridge of the cordillera the climate of Rome and
Naples prevails, the territory is more rich and
productive than the most fertile parts of the United
States ; the comparative fertility, taking the high-
est of the Aner an produce, being 5000 : 2965.
As since the death of General Washington the
progress of agriculture has been very considerable
in the w. territory, especially in Kentucky, ‘Ten-
nessee, and Louisiana, we belieye we may consider
from 13 to 14 bushels as the mean term of the
annual produce, which, however, only amounts
to 700 kilogrammes (less than 13 bushels) per hec-
tare, or less than four for one. In England the wheat
harvest is generally estimated at from 19 to 20
bushels per acre, which gives 1100 kilogrammes
per hectare. This comparison, we have to repeat,
does not announce a greater fertility of the soil of
Great Britain. Far from giving us an unfavour-
able idea of the sterlity of the Atlantic provinces of
the United States, it proves only that whenever the
colonist is master of a vast extent of ground, the
art of cultivating the soil comes extremely slow
to perfection. The Memoirs of the Agricultural
Society of Philadelphia furnish us with different
examples of harvests exceeding 38 and 40 bushels
yes acre, whenever the fields have been laboured
in Philadelphia with the same care as in Ireland
anu Flanders.
After comparing the mean produce of the lands
ta Mexico and Buenos Ayres with those in the
United States and France, let us bestow a rapid
glance at the price of labour in these different
countries. In Mexico it amounts to two reals de
plata (Is. 1d.) per day in the cold regions, and
to two reals and a half (ls. 44d.) per day in the
warm regions, where there is a want of hands, and
where the inhabitants in general are very lazy.
This price of labour ought to appear moderate
enough when we consider the metallic wealth of
the country, and the quantity of money constantly
in circulation, In the United States, where the
whites have pushed the Lidian mspulation beyond
the Ohio and the Mississipi, the price of labour
varics from 3 livres LO sols, to 4 frances, (trom
Qs. Hd. to 8s. 4d.) In France we may estimate
it from 30 to-40 sols, (from Is, 3d. to ls. Sd.) and
in Bengal, according to M, 'Litzing, at six sols, or
3d. Hence, notwithstanding the enormous differ-
ence of freight, the Id. India sugar is cheaper at
Philadelphia than that of Jainaica. From these
data it follows, that the present price of labour in
Mexico is to the price of labour,
In France - - - = 12
In the United States = 26: 13.
In Bengal - - - = 2: 1.
The mean price of wheat is in Nueva Espafia
from four to five piastres, or from 20 to 25 francs,
the carga, which weighs 150 kilogrammes, or from
17s. Gd. to 21s. 10d. This is the price at which it
is purchased inthe country, even from the farmers.
At Paris, for several years, 150 kilogrammes of
wheat cost 30 francs. In the city of Mexico the
hich price of carriage adds so much to the price
of the grain, that it generally sells there at 9 and
10 piasitres the carga, (that is to say, from Id. 17s.
Gd. to 21, 3s, 4d.) The extremes, at the periods
of the greatest or least fertility, are 8 and 14
piastres. It is easy to foresce that the price of
Mexican grain will suffer a considerable fall when
the roads shall be constructed on the declivity of
the cordilleras, and the progress of agriculture shall
be favoured by greater commercial freedom.
The Mexican wheat is of the very best quality ;
and it may be compared with the finest Andalu-
sian grain, It is superior to that of Monte Video,
which, acco‘ding to M. Azara, has the grain
smaller by one half than the Spanish grain, In
Mexico the grain is very large, very white, and
very nutritive, especially in farms where watering
is employed. It is observed that the wheat of the
mouitains (érigo de sierra), that it is to say, that
which grows at very great elevations on the ridge
of the corditlera, has its grain covered with a
thicker husk, while the grain of the temperate
regions abounds in glutinous matter. The quality
of the flour depends principally on the proportion
which exists between the gluten and starch, and
it appears natural that, under a climate favourable |
6.
pt
ry in the
nds, and
ry lazy.
moderate
wealth of
onstantly
‘here the
n beyond
of labour
's, (from
estimate
Sd.) and
x sols, or
us differ-
heaper at
rom these
labour in
is
a Espaiia
25 francs,
s, or from
t which it
e farmers.
ammes of
lexico the
the price
sat 9 and
n 1d, 17s.
ie periods
8 and 14
price of
fall when
eclivity of
Iture shall
m,
t quality ;
t Andalu-
ite Video,
the grain
brain. In
white, and
> watering
heat of the
b say, that
the ridge
“with a
temperate
he quality
proportion
arch, and
yourable |
PAW ath
MEXICO. 195:
[to the vegetation of gramina, the embryo and the
cellular reticulation of the albumen should become
more voluminous.
In Mexico grain is with difliculty preserved for
more than two or three years, especially in the
temperate climates, and the causes of this pheno-
menon have never been sufficiently attended to.
It would be advisable to establish magazines in
the coldest parts of the country. We find, how-
ever, a prejudice spread through several parts of
Spanish America, that the flour of the cordillera
does not preserve so long as the flour of the
United States. The cause of this prejudice, which
has been of particular detriment to the agriculiure
of New Granada, is easily to be discovered. The
merchants who inhabit the coasts opposite to the
W. Indies, and who find themselves constrained
by commercial prohibitions, particularly the mer-
chants of Carthagena tor example, have the greatest
interest in maintaining a connection with the United
States. ‘The custom-house officers are sometimes
indulgent enough to take a Jamaica vessel for a
vessel of the United States.
Rye, and especially barley, resists cold better than
wheat. They are cultivated on the highest regions,
Barley yields abundant. harvests at heights where
the thermometer rarely keeps up during the day
beyond 14°, or 57° of Fahrenheit. In New Cali-
fornia, taking the term of the harvests of 15 villages,
the barley produced in 1791, 24, and in 1802,
IS for I.
Oats are very little cultivated in Mexico. "They
are even very seldom seen in Spain, where the
horses are fed on barley, as in the times of the
Greeks and Romans. ‘The rye and barley are
seklom attacked by a disease called by the Mexi-
cans chaquistie, which ftreanently destroys the
finest wheat harvests when the spring and the
beginning of the summer have been very warm,
and when storms are frequent. It is gencrally be-
lieved that this disease ts occasioned by small in-
sects, which fill the interior of the stalk, and
hinder the nutrilive juice from mounting up to
the ear,
A plant of a nutritive root, which belongs ori-
ginally to America, the potato (solanwmn tubcro-
swum), appears to have been introduced into Mesx-
ico nearly at the same period as the cerealia of the
old continent. We shall not take upon ourselves
to decide whether the papas (the old) Peruvian
name by which potatoes are now known in all the
Spanish colonies) came to Mexico along with the
schinus molle of Peru, and consequently by the
8. seas cr wheiher the first conquerors brought
them from tke mountains of New Granada. How-
ever this may be, it is certain that they were not
known in the time of Montezuma ; and this fact
is the more important, because it is one of those in
which the history of the migrations of a plant is
connected with the history of the migrations of
nations,
The predilections manifested by certain tribes
for the cultivation of certain plants, indicates most
frequently either an identity of race, or ancient
communications between men who live under difs
ferent climates. In this view the vegetables, like
the languages and physiognomy of nations, may
become historical monuments. Not merely pase
toral tribes, or those who live solely on the chase,
undertake long voyages, instigated by an unquiet
and warlike spirit ; the hordes of Germanic origin,
the swarm of people who transported themselves
from the interior of Asia to the banks of the Bo-
rysthenes and the Danube, and the savages of
Guayana, afford numerous examples of tribes,
who, fixing themselves fora few years, cultivate
small pieces of ground, on which they sow the
grain reaped by them elsewhere, and abandon
these imperfect cultivations when a bad year, or
any otheraccident, disgusts them with the situation,
It is thus that the people of the Mongol race have
transported themselves from the wall which sepa-
rates China from Tartary to the very centre of
Europe ; and itis thus that, from the 2. of Califor-
nia and the banks of the Rio Gila, the American
tribes poured even into the s, hemisphere, We
every where see torrents of wandering and warlike
hordes pave a way for themselves through the
midst of peaceable and agricultural nations. — Ime
moveable as the shore, the latter collect and carefully
preserve the nutritive plants and domestic animals
which accompanied the wandering tribes in these
distant courses. Frequently the cultivation of a
small number of vegetables, as well as the forcign
words mingled with languaves of a different origin,
serve to point out the route by which a nation
las passed from one extremity of the continent to
the other,
These considerations are sufficient to prove how
important it is for the history of our species to
know with precision how far the primitive domi-
nion of certain vegetables extended before the spirit
of colonization among the Europeans collected
together the productions of the most distant cli-
mates, If the cerealia, ifthe rice of the KE. ludies,
were unknown to the first inhabitants of America,
on the other hand, maize, the potato, and the qui-
noa, were neither cultivated ine, Asia, nor in the!
ce 2
196 MEXICO.
[jelengs of the S. sea, Maize was introduced into
apan by the Chinese, who, according to the
assertion of some authors, ought to have known
it from the remotest period. (Thunberg, Flora
Japonica, p. 37.) This assertion, if it was founded,
would throw light on the ancient communications
supposed to have taken place between the inhabi-
tants of the two continents. But where are the
monuments which attest that maize was cultivated
in Asia before the 16th century? According to
the learned researches of Father Gaubil, (see astro-
nomical MS. of the Jesuits preserved in the Bureau
des Longitudes at Paris,) it appears even doubtful
whether, a thousand years before that period, the
Chinese ever visited the w. coast of America, as
was advanced by a justly celebrated historian, M.
de Guignes. We persist in believing that the
maize was not transported from the table-land of
Tartary to that of Mexico, and that it is equally
improbable that, before the discovery of America
by the Europeans, this precious gramen was trans-
ported from the new continent into Asia.
The potato presents us with another very curious
problem, when we consider it in a historical point
of view. It appears certain, as we have already
advanced, that this plant, of which the cultivation
has had the greatest influence on the progress of
opulation in Europe, was not known in Mexico
fore the arrival of the Spaniards. It was culti-
vated at this epocha in Chile, Peru, Quito, in the
kingdom of New Granada, on all the cordillera of
the Andes, from lat. 40°s. to 50°n. It is sup-
posed by botanists that it grows spontaneously in
the mountainous part of Peru. On the other hand,
the learned who have inquired into the introduc-
tion of potatoes into Europe, affirm that the pota-
to was found in Virginia by the first settlers sent
there by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1584. Now, how
can we conceive that a plant, said to belong origi-
nally to the s. hemisphere, was found under culti-
vation at the foot of the Alleghany mountains,
while it was unknown in Mexico and the moun-
tainous and temperate regions of the W. Indies ?
Is it probable that Peruvian tribes may have
penctrated nm, to the banks of the Rapahannoc
in Virginia; or have potatoes first come from a,
to s. like the nations who from the 7th century
have successively appeared on the table-land of
Anahuac? In either of these hypotheses, how
came this cultivation not to be introduced or pre-
served in Mexico? ‘These are questions which
have hitherto been very little agitated, but which,
nevertheless, deserve to fix the attention of the
naturalist, who, in embracing at one view the
influence of man on nature, and the reeaction of
the physical world on man, appears to read in the
distribution of the vegetables the history of the first
niigrations of our species.
We have first to observe, stating here only what
facts wre to be relied on, that the potato is not
indigenous in Peru, and that it is nowhere to be
found wild in the part of the cordilleras situated
under the tropics. Humboldt and Bonpland her.
borized on the back and on the declivity of the
Andes from 5° n. to 12° s.; they informed them.
selves from persons who have examined this chain
of colossal mountains \< far as La Pas and Oruro,
and are certain that in this vast extent of ground
no specics of solanum with nutritive root vegetates
spontaneously. It is true that there are places
not very accessible, and very cold, which the
natives call Paramos de las Papas, (desert potato
plains) ; but these denominetions, of which it is
difficult to conjecture the origin, by no means indi«
cate that these great elevations produce the plant
of which they bear the name.
Passing further s. beyond the tropic, we find it,
according to Molina, in all the fields of Chile,
(Jlist. Nat. de Chile, p. 102.) The natives dise
tinguish the wild potato, of which the tubercles
are small and somewhat bitter, from that which
has been cultivated for a long series of ages, The
first of these plants bears the name of maglia, and
the second that of pogny. Another species of
solanum is also cultivated in Chile, which belongs
to the same group, with pennated and not prickly
leaves, and which has a very sweet root of a
cylindrical form, This is the solanum cari, which
is still unknown, not only in Europe, but also in
Quito and Mexico,
We might ask if these useful plants are truly
natives of Chile, or if, from the effect of a long
cultivation, they have become wild there. The
same question has been put to the travellers who
have found cerealia growing spontaneously in the
mountains of India and Caucasus. MM. Ruiz
and Pavon, whose authority is of so great weight,
affirm that they found the potato in cultivated
grounds, én cullts, and not in forests, and on the
ridges of the mountains, But we are to observe,
that among us the solanum and the different kinds
of grain do not propagate of themselves in a du-
rable manner, when the birds transport the grains
into meadows and woods. Wherever these plants
appear io become wild under our eyes, far from
multiplying like the erigeron Canadense, the
oenothera biennis, and other colonists of the vege-
table kingdom, they disappear in a very short]
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MEXICO. : 197
(space of time. Are not the maglia of Chile, the
grain of the banks of the Terek, and the wheat
of the mountains (hill-wheat) of Boutan, which
M. Banks (Bibl. Britt. 1809, nu. 322, p. 86) has
recently made known, more likely to be the
primitive type of the solanum and cultivated
cerealia ?
It is probable that from the mountains of Chile
the cultivation of potatoes gradually advanced
n. by Peru and the kingdom of Quito to the table-
land of Bogota, the ancient Cundinamarca, This
is also the course followed by the Incas in their
conquests. We can easily conceive why long be-
fore the arrival of Manco Capac, in those remote
times when the province of Collao and the plains
of ‘Tiahuanacu were the centre of the first civiliza-
tion ofmankind, (Pedro Ciecade Leon, c. 105. Gar-
ctlasso, iii. 1), the migrations of the S. American
nations would rather be froms. to n. tha in an op-
posite direction. Every where in the two hemis-
pheres the people of the mountains have manifested
a desire to approach the equator, or at least the
torrid zone, which, at great elevations, affords the
mildness of climate and the other advantages of
the temperate zone. Following the direction of
the cordilleras, either from the banks of the Gila to
the centre of Mexico, or from Chile to the beauti-
ful valleys of Quito, the natives found in the same
elevations, and without descending towards the
plains, a more vigorous vegetation, Tens premature
frosts, and less abundance of snow. ‘The plains
of 'Tiahuanacu (lat. 17° 10! s.) covered with ruins
of an august grandeur, and the banks of the lake
of Chucuito, a basin which resembles a small inte-
rior sea, are the Himala and Thibet of S. Ame-
rica. These men, under the government of laws,
and collected together on a soil of no great ferti-
lity, first applied themselves to agriculture. From
this remarkable plain, situated between the cities
of Cuzco and La Paz, descended numerous and
powerful tribes, who carried their arms, language,
and arts even to the n. hemisphere.
The vegetables which were the object of the
agriculture of the Andes, must have been carried
n. in two ways; either by the conquests of the
Incas, who were followed by the establishment of
Peruvian colonies in the conquered countrics, or
by the slow but peaceable communications which
always take place between neighbouring nations.
The sovereigns of Cuzco did not extend their con-
quests beyond the river of Mayo (lat. 1° 34! n.)
of which the course is 2. from the town of Pasto.
The potatoes which the Spaniards found under
cultivation among the Muysca tribes in the king-
of the zague of Bogota (lat. 4° 6 2.) could only
have been transported there from Peru by means
of the relations which are gradually established
even among mountainous tribes separated from
one another by deserts covered with snow, or ime
passable valleys. The cordilleras, which preserve
a formidable height from Chile to the province of
Antioquia, fall suddenly near the sources of the
great Rio Atracto. Choco and Darien present
merely a group of hills, which, in the isthmus of
Panama, are only a few hundred toises in height. -
The cultivation of the potato succeeds well in
the tropics only on very elevated grounds in a
cold and fogsy climate. The Indian of the warm
regions gives the preference to maize, the manioc,
and banana. Besides Choco, Darien, and the
isthmus, covered with thick forests, have always
been inhabited by hordes of savages and hunters,
enemies to every sort of cultivation. Weare not,
therefore, to be astonished that both physical and
moral causes have prevented the potato from pe-
netrating into Mexico.
We know not a single fact by which the history
of S. America is connected with that of N. Ame-
rica, In Nueva Espaiia, as we have already several
times observed, the flux of nations was from 7, to
s. <A great analogy of manners and civilization
has been thought to be perceived between the Toul-
tecs, driven by a pestilence from the table-land of
Anahuac in the middle of the 12th century, and
the Peruvians under the government of Manco
Capac. It might, no doubt, have happened, that
people from Aztlan advanced beyond the isthmus
or gulf of Panama; but it is very improbable that
by migrations from s. to 7. the productions of Peru,
Quito, and New Granada, ever passed to Mexico
and Canada.
From all these considerations it follows, that if
the colonists sent out by Raleigh really found po-
tatoes among the Indians of Virginia, we can
hardly refuse our assent to the idea that this plant
was originally wild in some country of the 7. he-
misphere, as it was in Chile. The interesting re-
searches carried on by MM. Beckman, Banks,
and Dryander, (Beckmann’s Grundiitse der Teuts-
chen Landwirthschaft, 1806, p.289. Sir Joseph
Banks's Attempt to ascertain the Time of the Intro-
duction of Potatoes, 1808,) prove that vessels
which returned from the bay of Albemarle in 1586,
first carried potatoes into Ireland, and that ‘Thomas
Harriot, more celebrated as a mathematician than
as a navigator, described this nutritive root by the
name of openawk. Gerard, in his Herbal, pub-
lished in 1597, calls it Virginian patatate, or norem-
bega. Wemight be tempted to believe that the
English colonists receiv :d it from Spanish America. |
198 MEXICO.
{ Their establishment had been in existence from the
month of July 1584. The navigators of those
times were not in the. habit of steering straight w.
to reach the coast of N. America; they were still
in the practice of following the tract indicated by
Columbus, and profiting by the trade winds of the
torrid zone. This passage facilitated communi-
cation with the W. India islands, which were the
centre of the Spanish commerce. Sir Francis
Drake, who had been navigating among these
islands, and along the coast of ‘Ticrra Firme, put in
at Roanoke, in Virginia. It appears then natural
enough to suppose, that the English themselves
brought potatoes from S. America or from Mex-
ico into Virginia. At the time when they were
brought from Virginia into England they were
common both in Spain and Italy. We are not
then to be astonished that a production which had
past from one continent to the other, could in
America pass from the Spanish to the English co-
lonies, ‘The very name by which Harriot de-
scribes the potato seems to prove its Virginian
origin, Were the savages to have a word fora
foreign plant, and would not Harriot have known
the name papa ?
The plants which are cultivated in the highest
and coldest part of the Andes and Mexican cordil-
leras are the potato, the tropeolum esculentum,
and the chenopodium quinoa, of which the grain is
an aliment equally agreeable and healthy. In
Nueva Espaiia the first of the.e becomes an object
of cultivation, of so much greater importance from
its extent, as it does not require any great humi-
dity ofsoil, ‘The Mexicans, like the Peruvians,
can preserve potatoes for whole years by exposing
them to the frost and drying them in the sun, The
root, when hardened and deprived of its water, is
called chunu, froma word of the Quichua language,
It would be undoubtedly very useful to imitate this
preparation in Europe, where a commencement
of germination frequently destroys the winter’s pro-
visions; but it would be still of greater importance
to procure the grain of the potatoes cultivated at
Quito and on the plain of Santa Fé. These roots
have been seen of a spherical form of more than
three decimetres (11 inches) in diameter, and of a
much hetter taste than any in our continent. We
know that certain herbaceous plants which have
been long multiplied from the roots, degenerate in
the end, especially when the bad custom is fol-
lowed of cutting the roots into several pieces, It
has been proved by experience in several parts of
Germany, that, of all the potatoes, those which
grow from the seed are the most savoury. We
may ameliorate the species by collecting the seed
in its native country, and by choosing on the core
dillera of the Andes the varieties which are most
recommendable from their volume and the savour
of their roots. We have long possessed in Eu-
rope a potato which is known by agricultural
writers under the name of red potato of Bedford-
shire, and of which the tubercles weigh more than
a kilogramme, or 2,5 1b. avoird. but this variety
(conglomeraled potato) is of an insipid taste, and
san almost be applied only to feed cattle, while
the papad chogota, which contains less water, is
is very farinaccous, contains very little sugar, and
is of an extremely agreeable taste.
Amongst the great number of useful productions
which the migrations of nations and distant navi-
gations have made known, no plant since the dis-
covery of cerealia, that is to say from time imme-
morial, has had so decided an influence on the
ptosperity of mankind as the potato. This root,
according to the calculations of Sir John Sinclair,
can maintain nine individuals per acre of 5368
square metres, or 55,536 square fect. It has be-
come common in New Zealand, (see Juhkn Sa-
vage’s Account of New Zealand, \807, p. 18),
in Japan, in the island of Java, in the Boutan,
and in Bengal, where, according to the testimony
of M. Bockford, jota‘ovs are considered as more
useful than the bread-fruit tree introduced at Ma-
dras. Their cultivation extends from the extre-
mily of Africa to Labrador, Iceland, and Lapland,
It is a very interesting spectacle to see a-plant des
scended from the mountains under the equator ad-
vance towards the pole, and resist better than the
cereal gramina all the colds of the 2.
We have successively examined the vegetable
productions which are the basis of the food of the
Mexican population, the banana, the manioc, the
maize, and the cerealia ; and we have endeavoured
to throw some interest into this subject by com-
paring the agriculture of the equinoctial regions
with that of the temperate climate of Europe, and
by connecting the history of the migration of the
vegetables with the events which have brought the
human race from one part of the globe to the
other, Without entering into botanical details,
which would be foreign to the aim of this part
of the work, we shall terminate this chapter by a
succinet indication of the other alimentary plants
which are cultivated in Mexico.
A great number of these plants has been intros
duced since the 16th century, The inhabitants
of w. Europe have deposited in America what
they had been receiving for 2000 years by their
communications with the Greeks and Romans, by
the irruption of the hordes of central Asia, by the |
sits
7 iS hihi
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ire most
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MEXICO. 199
conquests of the Arabs, by tk crusades, and by
the navigations of the Portuguese. All these ve-
etable treasures, accumulated in an extremity of
the old continent by the continual flux of nations
towards the w. and preserved under the happy
influence of a perpetually increasing civilization,
have become almost at once the inheritance of Mex-
ico and Peru. We see them afterwards aug-
mented by the productions of America, pass fare
ther still to the islands of the S. sea, and to the
estublishments which a powerful nation has formed
on the coast of New Holland. In this way the
smallest corner of the earth, if it become the do-
main of European colonists, and especially if it
abounds with a great varicty of climates, attests
the activity which our species has been for centu-
ries displaying. A colony collects in a small space
every thing most valuable which wandering man
has discovered over the whole surface of the
globe. fhe
America is extremely rich in vegetables with nu-
tritive roots, After the manioc and the papas, or
potatoes, there are none more useful for the sub-
sistence of the common people than the oca (0.
alis tuberosa), the batate, and the igname. The
first of these productions only grows in the cold
and temperate climates, on the summit and decli-
vity of the cordilleras ; and the two others belong
to the warm region of Mexico. ‘The Spanish his-
torians, who have described the discovery of Aine-
rica, confound the words azes and datates, though
the one means a plant of the group of asparagus,
and the other a convolvulus,
The igname, or dioscorea alata, like the banana,
appears proper to all the equinoctial regions of the
globe. The account of the voyage of Aloysio Ca-
damusto (Cadamusti Navigatio ad Terras incog-
nitas. Gryneus Orb. nov. p. 47) informs us that
this root was known by the Arabs. Its American
name may ever. throw some light on a very im-
portant fact ia the history of geographical disco-
veries, which never appears hitherto to have fixed
the attention of the learned, Cadamusto relates,
that the king of Portugal sent in 1500 a fleet of
12 vessels round the cape of Good Hope to Cal-
cutta, under the command of Pedro Aliares. This
admiral, after having seen the Cape Verd islands,
discovered a great unknown land, which he took
for a continent. He found there naked men,
swarthy, painted red, with very long hair, who
pluckcd out their beards, pierced their chins,
slept in hammocks, and were entirely ignorant of
the use of metals. From these traits we easily re-
cognise the natives of America. But what renders
it extremely probable that Aliares either landed on
the coast of Paria or on that of Guayana, is, that
he said he found in cultivation there a species of
millet (maize), and a root of which bread is made,
and which bears the name of igname. Vespucci
had heard the same word three years before pro-
nounced by the inhabitants of the coast of Paria.
The Haitian name of the dioscoiea alata is axes or
ajes. It isunder thisdenomination that Columbus
describes the igname in the account of his first
voyage ; and it is also that which it had in the
times of Garcilasso, Acosta, and Oviedo, who
have very well indicated the characters by which
the aves are distinguished from batates. (See
Christophori Columbi Navigatio, c. \xxxix. Cos
mentarios Reales, t. i. p. 278. Historia natural
de Indas, p. 242. Oviedo, \ibro vii. c. 3.)
The first roots of the dioscorea were introduced
into Portugal in 1596, from the small island of St:
Thomas, situated near the coast of Africa, almost
under the equator, (Clusti Rariorum Plantarum
Hist. lik. iv. p.77). A vessel which bréught
slaves to Lisbon had embarked these ignames to
serve for food to the Negroes in their passage,
From similar circumstances several alimentary
ants of Guinea have been introduced into the
V. Indies. They have been carefully propa-
gated, for the sake of furnishing the slaves witha
diet to which they have been accustomed in theit
native country. It is observed’ that the melans
choly of these unfortunate beings diminishes sensi-
bly when they discover the plants familiar to them
in their infancy.
In the warm regions of the Spanish colonies the
inhabitants distinguish the axe from the namas of
Guinea, The latter came from the coast: of Africa
to the W.Indies, and the name of igname has
gradually prevailed there over ave. ‘These two
plants are only, perhaps, varicties of the dioscorea
alata, although Brown has endeavoured to elevate
them to the rank of species, forgetting that the
form of the leaves of the ignames undergoes a sin-
gular change by cultivation. We have no where
discovered the plant called by Linnewus dioscorea
sativa ; neither does it exist in the islands of the
S. sea, where the root of the dioscorea alata, mixed
with the white of cocoa-nuts and the pulp of the
banana, is the favourite dish of the Otahcitans,
The root of the igname acquires an enormous vo-
lume when it grows ina fertile soil. In the val-
ley of Aragua, in the province of Caracas, it has
been seen to weigh trom 25 to SO kilogrammes
(from 55 to 6G61b. avoird),
The bataics go in Peru by the name of apichu,
and in Mexico by that of camotes, which is a cor-
ruption of the Aztce word cacamotic, Several ya- |
200 MEXICO.
rieties are cultivated with white.and yellow roots;
those of Queretaro, which grow dn a climate ana-
logous to that of Andalysia,*ave the miost in re-
quest. We doubt very much if these batates were
ever found wild by the Spanish navigators, though
it has been advanced by Clusius. It would be so
much the more interesting to know whether the
batates cultivated in Peru, and those which Cook
found in Easter island (ie de Paques), are the
same, as from the position of that island and the
«monuments which have been there discovered,
several of the learned have been led to suspect the
existence of ancient communications between the
Peruvians and the inhabitants of the island dis-
co. cred by Roggeween.
Gomara relates that Columbus, after his return
to’ Spain, when he first made his appearance be-
fore Queen Isabella, brought to her grains of
maize, igname roots, and batates. Hence the cul-
tivation of the last of these must have been already
comfhon in the s. part of Spain towards the middle
of the 16th century. In 1591 they were even
sold in the market of London. (Clusius, iii. c. 51).
{t is generally believed that the celebrated Drake,
or Sir John Hawkins, made them known in Eng-
land, where they were long thought to be endowed
with the mysterious properties for which the
Greeks recommended the onions of Megara. The
cultivation of batates succeeds very well in the s.
of France. It requires Iess heat than the igname,
which, otherwise, on account of the enormous moss
of nutritive matter furnished by its roots, wou.
be much preferable to the potato, if it could be
successfully cultivated in countries of which the
mean temperature is under 18 centigrade degrees,
(64° of Fahrenheit).
We must also reckon among the useful plants
proper to Mexico the cacomite, or oveloxochitl, a
specics of tigridin, of which the root yielded a
nutritive flour to the inhabitants of the valley of
Mexico; ihe numerous varieties of love-apples,
or tomat! (solanum lycopersicum), which was for-
merly sown along with maize; the earth-pistachio,
or mani (arachis hypogea), of which the root is
concealed in the earth, and which appears to have
existed in Cochin China (see Loureiro, Flora
Cochinchinensis, p. 522) long before the disco-
very of America; lastly, the different species of
pimento (capsicum baccalum, c. annuum, and c.
frutescens), called by the Mexicans chilli, and the
Peruvians uchu, of which the fruit is as indispen-
sably necessary to the natives as salt to the whites.
The Spaniards call pimento chile or avi (ahi).
Tie first word is derived from quauh-chillt, the
second is a Haitian-word that we must not con-
2
found with are, which, as we have already ob-
served, designates the dioscorea alata,
The topinambours (heliaithus tuberosus), which,
according to M, Correa, are not even to be found
in the Brazils, are not known to be cultivated elsc-
where on this continent, though in all our works
on botany they arc said to be natives of the coun.
try of the Braziiian Topinambas. The chimalail,
or sun with large flowers (helianthus annuus), came
from Peru to Nueva Espaiia. _1t was formerly sown
in several parts of Spanish America, not only to
extract oil from its seed, but also for the sake of
‘roasting it and making it into a very nuttrititive
bread.
Rice (oryza sativa) was unknown to the people
of the new continent, as well as the inhabitants of
the S.sea islands. Whenever the old historians
use the expression small Peruvian rice (arroz pe-
quero), they mean the chenopodium quinoa, which
Is found very common in Peru and the beautiful
valley of Bogota. ‘The cultivation of rice, intro-
duced by the Arabs into Europe, and by the Spa-
niards into America, is of very little importance in
Nueva Espaiia. ‘The great drought which prevails
in the interior of the country seems hostile to its
cultivation. At Mexico they are not agreed as
to the utility with which the introduction of the
mountain rice might be attended, which is com.
mon to China, Japan, and known to all the Spa-
niards who have lived in the Philippine islands.
It is certain that the mountain rice, so much ex.
tolled of late, only grows on the slopes of hills,
which are watered either by natural torrents or by
canals of irrigation cut at very great elevations.
On the coast of Mexico, especially to the s.e. of
Vera Cruz, in the fertile and marshy grounds si-
tuated between the mouths of the rivers Alvarado
and Goasacualco, the cultivation of the common
rice may one day become as important as it has
long been for the province of Guayaquil, for
Louisiana, and the s, part of the Uniied States,
It is so much the more to be desired that this
branch of agriculture should be followed with
ardour, as from the great droughts and premature
frosts the grain and maize: harvests. frequently
fail in the mountainous region, and the Mexican
people suffer periodically fromthe fatal effects of
a general famine. ‘lhe rice contains a great deal
of alimentary substance in a very small volume.
In Bengal, where 40 kilogrammes may be pur-
chased for three francs, (viz. 88lb. avoirds for
2s. 6d.) the daily consumption of a family of five
individuals consists of two kilogrammes of rice,
two of pease, (4,4,lb. rice and 4,4,lb. pease), and
two ounces of salt. ¢Bockford’s Indian Recrea-]
ady ob-
,» which,
ye found
ted elsc-
r works
le Couns
vimalaill,
*), came
rly sown
only to
sake of
utrititive
2 people
itants of
istorians
rros pe-
a, which
beautiful
e, intro-
the Spa-
rtance in
| prevails
ile to its
greed as
on of the
is come
the Spa-
- islands.
uch exe
of hills,
nts or by
evations.
soe, of
unds si-
Alvarado
common
as it has
uil, for
tates.
that this
red with
remature
equently
Mexican
ffects of
reat deal
volume.
be pur-
pirds for
y of five
of rice,
se), and
tecrea-]
MEXICO. 1
[tions, Calcutta, 1807, p.18. The frugality of
the indigenous Aztec is almost equat to that of the
Hindoo; and the frequent scarcities in Mexico
might be avoided by multiplying the objects of
cultivation, and directing the industry to vegetable
productions easier to be preserved and transported
than maize and farinaceous roots. At Louisiana,
in the basin of the Mississippi, they compute that
an acre of land commonly produces in rice 18 bars
rels, in wheat and oats 8, in maize 20, and in
potatoes 26. In Virginia they reckon, according
to M. Blodget, that an acre yiclds from 20 to 30
bushels of rice, while wheat only yields from 15 to
16. We are aware that in Europe rice grounds
are considered very pernicious to the health of the
inhabitants; but the long experience of e. Asia
seems to prove that the effect is not the same in
every climate. However this may be, there is
little room to fear that the irrigation of the rice
grounds will add to the insalubrity of a country
already filled with marshes and paletuviers (rhizo-
phora mangle), which forms a true delta between
the rivers Alva.sdo, San Juan, and Goasacualco.
The Mexicans now possess all the garden-stufts
and fruit-trees of Europe. It is not easy to indi-
cate which of the former existed in the new conti-
nent before the arrival of the Spaniards. The
same uncertainty prevails among botanists as to
the species of turnips, sallads, and cabbage culti-
vated by the Greeks and Romans. We know
with certainty that the Americans were always
acquainted with onions (in Mexican zonacat!),
haricots (in Mexican cyacotli, in the Peruvian or
Quichua language purutu), gourds (in Peruvian
capallu), and several varieties of cicer. Cortes,
speaking of the eatables which were daily sold in
the market of the ancient Tenochtitlan, expressly
says, that every kind of garden-stuff (legume)
was to be found there, particularly onions, leeks,
garlic, garden and water cresses (mastuerzo y
berro), borrage, sorrel, and artichokes (cardo y
‘agarninas). It appears that no species of cab-
bage or turnip (brassica et raphanus) was culti-
‘vated in America, although the indigenous are
very fond of dressed herbs. They mixed together
all sorts of leaves, and even flowers, and they
called this dish iraca, It appears that the Mexi-
cans had originally no pease; and this fact is so
much the more remarkable, as our piswm sattoum
is believed to grow wild on the m.w, coast of
America, ;
In general, if we consider the garden-stuffs of
the Aztecs, and the great number of farinaceous
roots cultivated in Mexico and Peru, we sce that
America was by no means so poor in alimentary
VOL. II,
plants as_ has been advanced by some learned men
from a false spirit of system, who were only ac-
quainted with the New World through the works
of Herrera and Solis. ‘The degree of civilization
of'a people has no relation with the variety of pro-
ductions which are the objects of its agriculture or
gardening. ‘This variety is greater or less, as the
communications between remote regions have been
more or less frequent, or as nations separated from
the rest of the human race in very distant periods
have been in a situation of greater or less insula-
tion, We must not be astonished at not finding
among the Mexicans of the 16th century the yege-
table stores now contained in our gardens. The
Greeks and Romans even neither knew spinach nor
cauliflowers, nor scorzoneras, nor artichokes, nor
a great number of other kitchen vegetables.
The central table-land of Nueva Espaiia produces
in the greatest abundance cherries, prunes, peaches,
apricots, figs, grapes, melons, apples, and pears.
In the environs of Mexico, the villages of San Au-
gustin de las Cuevas and ‘Tacubaya, the famous
garden of the convent of Carmelites at San Angel,
and that of the family of Fagoaga at ‘Tanepantla,
yield in the months of June, July, and August,
an immense quantity of fruit, for the most part of
an exquisite taste, although the trees are in gene-
ral very ill taken care of. ‘The traveller is asto-
nished to see in Mexico, Peru, and New Granada,
the tables of the wealthy inhabitants loaded at once
with the fruits of temperate Europe, ananas, dif-
ferent species of passiflora and tacsonia, sapotes,
mameis, goyavas, anonas, chilimoyas, and other
valuable productions of the torrid zone. ‘This va-
riety of fruits is to be found in almost all the coun-
try from Guatemala to New California. In study-
ing the history of the conquest, we admire the ex-
traordinary rapidity with which the Spaniards of
the 16th century spread the cultivation of the Eu-
ropean vegetables along the ridge of the cordil.
leras, from one extremity of the continent to the
other, The ecclesiastics, and especially the reli-
gious missionaries, contributed greatly to the rapi-
dity of this progress. The gardens of the cone
vents and of the secular priests were so many
nurseries, from which the recently imported vege.
tables were diffused over the country. The con-
quistadores even, all of whom we ought by no
means to regard as warlike barbarians, addicted
themselves in their ol:l age to a rural life. These
simple men, surrounded by Indians, of whose lane
guage they were ignorant, cultivated in preference,
as if to console them in their solitude, the plants
which recalled to them the plains of Estramadura
and the Castilles, ‘The epocha at which an Eu-}
DD
202
[ropean fruit ripened for the first time was distin-
guished by a family festival. It is impossible to
read without being warmly affected what is related
by the Inca Garcilasso as to the manner of living of
these first colonists. Le relates, with an exquisite
naivelé, how his father, the valorous Andres de la
Vega, collected together all his old companions in
arms to share with them three asparaguses, the first
which ever grew on the table-land of Cuzco,
Before the arrival of the Spaniards, Mexico and
the cordilleras of S. America produced several
fruits, which bear great analogy to those of the
temperate climates of the old continent. The phy-
siognomy of vegetables bears always a great mutual
resemblance where the temperature and humidity
are the same. ‘Lhe mountainous part of 8, Ame-
rica has a cherry (padus capuli), nut, apple, mul-
berry, strawberry, rubus, and gooseberry, which
are peculiar to it. Cortes relates that he saw, on
his arrival at Mexico, besides the indigenous cher-
ries, which are very acid, prunes, céruelas. He
adds, that they entirely resemble those of Spain.
We doubt the existence of these Mexican prunes,
although the Abbe Clavigero also mentions them.
Perhaps the first Spaniards took the fruit of the
spondias, which is a drupa ovoide, for Kuropean
runes.
Although the w. coast of Nueva Espaiia be washed
by the Great ocean, and although Mendana, Gae-
tano, Quiros, and other Spanish navigators, were
the first who visited the islands situated between
America and Asia, the most useful productions of
these countries, the bread-frait, the flax of New
Zealand (phormium tenax), and the sugar-cane of
Otaheite, remained unknown to the inhabitants of
Mexico. ‘These vegetables, after travelling round
the globe, will reach them gradually from = the
W. India islands. They were left by Captain
Bligh at Jamaica, and they have propagated ra-
pidly in the island of Cuba, Trinidad, and on
the coast of Caracas. The bread-fruit (artocarpus
incisa), of which are to be seen considerable plan-
tations in Spanish Guayana, would vegetate vigo-
rousty on the humid and warin coasts of Tabasco,
Tustla, and San Blas, It is very improbable that
this cultivation will ever supersede among the na-
tives that of bananas, which, on the same extent of
ground, furnish more nutritive substance, It is
true that the artocarpus, for eight months in the
year, is continually loaded with fruits, and that
three trees are suflicient to nourish an adult indi-
vidual. (Georg Forster vom Brodbaume, 1784,
s. xxiii), But an arpent or demi-hectare of
ground can only contain from 35 to 40 bread-
fruit trecs; for when they are planted too near one
Ph tieces.
MEXICO.
another, and when their roots mect, they do not
bear so great a quantity of fruit,
The extreme slowness of the passage from the
Philippine islands and Mariana to Acapulco, and
the necessity in which the Manilla gaileous are
under of ascending to higher latitudes to get the
n.w, winds, render the introduction of vegetables
from oriental Asia extremely difficult. Hence, on
the w. coast of Mexico we find no plant of China
or the Philippine islands, except the ¢riphasia au-
rantiola (limonia trifoliata), an elegant shrub, of
which the fruits are dressed, and which, accord-
ing to Loureiro, is identical with the ctius tris
foliata, or karatats-bania of Kiimpter. As to
the orange and citron trees, which in the s. of Ku-
rope support, without any bad consequences, a
cold for five or six days below 0, (52° of Fabren-
heit), they are now cultivated throughout all Nueva
Kspaiia, even on the central table-iand, It has fre
quently been discussed, if these trees existed in the
Spanish colonies before the discovery of Ainerica,
or if they were introduced by the Luropeans trom
the Canary islands, the island of St. ‘Thomas, or
the coast of Africa. - It is certain that there is an
orange-tree, of a small and bitter fruit, and a very
prickly citron, yiclding a green, round fruit, with
a singularly oily bark, which is frequently hardly
of the size of a large nut, growing wild in the
island of Cuba and on the coast of ‘Tierra Firme.
But Humboldt, notwithstanding all his researches,
could never discover a single individual in the in-
terior of the forests of Guayana, between the Ori-
noco, the Cassiquiare, and the frontiers of Brazil.
Perhaps the small green citron (démoncito verde)
was anciently cultivated by the natives ; and per-
haps it has only grown wild when the population,
and consequently the extent of cultivated territory,
were most considerable. We are inclined’ to be-
lieve that only the citron-tree, with large yellow
fruit (dmon sutil), and the sweet orange, were in-
troduced by the Portuguese and Spaniards. Hum-
boldt saw them on the banks of the Orinoco, where
the Jesuits had established their missions. ‘he
orange, on the discovery of America, had only-
existed for a few centuries even in Europe. If
there had been any ancient communication be-
tween the new continent and the islands of the
S. sea, the true citrus aurantium might have ar-
rived in Peru or Mexico by the way of the w. ;
for this tree was found by M. Forster in the [e-
brides islands, where it was seen by Quiros long
before him.
The great analogy between the climate of the table-
land of Nueva Lispaiia and that of Italy, Greece,
and the s. of France, ought to invite the Mexi-]
do not
om the
o, and
os are
get the
relables
nce, on
f China
sid UU
rub, of
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us trie
As to
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inerica,
ns trom
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e is an
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it, with
hardly
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Brazil.
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lation,
rritory,
to bes
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vere ine
Hum-
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. The
hd only-
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on be-
ot the
ave ar-
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he He-
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Freece,
Mexi- |
va tie lan
cans to the cultivation of the olive. This cultiva-
tion was successfully attempted at the beginning of
the conquest, but the government, from an unjust
policy, far from favouring, endeavoured rather
indirectly to frustrate it. - As far as we know, there
exists no formal prohibition; but the colonists
have never ventured on a branch of national in-
dustry which would have immediately excited the
jealousy of the mother country. The court of
Madrid has always scen with an unfavourable eye
the cultivation of the olive and the mulberry,
hemp, flax, and the vine, in the new continent ;
and if the commerce of wines and indigenons oils
has been tolerated in Peru and Chile, it is only
because those colonies, situated beyond cape
Horn, are frequently ill provisioned from Murope,
and the effect of vexatious measures is dreaded in
provinces so remote, A sy ‘:m of the most odious
prohibitions has been obstinately followed in all
the colonies of which the coast is washed by the
Atlantic ocean. During Humboldt’s stay at
Mexico the viceroy received orders from the court
to pull up the vines (arancar las cepas) in the n.
provinces of “Mexico, because the merchants of
Cadiz complained of a diminution in the consump-
tion of cpeaies wines. Happily this order, like
many others given by the ministers, was never
executed. It was judged that, notwithstanding
the extreme patience of the Mexican people, it
might be dangerous to drive them to despair by
laying waste their properties and forcing them to
purchase from the monopolists of Europe what. the
bounty of nature produces on the Mexican soil.
The olive-tree is very rare in all Nueva Espaiia ;
and there exists but a single olive plantation, the
beautiful one of the archbishop of Mexico, situated
two leagues s.e. from the capital. This ol’var del
Arzobispo annually produces 200 arrobas, 5500 Ib.
avoird. of an oil of a very good quality. We
have already spoken of the olive cultivated by the
missionaries of New California, especially near the
village of San Diego. The Mexican, when at
complete liberty in the cultivation of his soil, will
‘in time dispense with the oil, wine, hemp, and
flax of Europe. ‘The Andalusian olive introduced
by Cortes sometimes suffers from the cold of the
central table-land ; for although the frosts are not
strong, they are frequent and of long duration.
It might be useful to plant the Corsican olive in
Mexico, which is more than any other calculated
to resist the severity of the climate.
In terminating the list of alimentary plants, we
shall give a rapid survey of the plants which fur-
nish beverages to the Mexicans. We shall see
that in this point of view the history of the Aztec
MEXICO. 203
agriculture presents us with a trait so much the
more curious, as we find nothing analogous among
a great number of nations much more advanced
in civilization than the ancient inhabitants of
Anabuac,
There hardly exists a tribe of savages on the
face of the earth who cannot prepare some kind
of beverage from the vegetable kingdom, ‘The
miserable hordes who wander in the forests of
Guayana make as agreeable emulsions from the
different palm-tree fruits as the barley water pre-
pared in Kurope. ‘The inhabitants of [aster
island, exiled on a mass of arid rocks without
springs, besides the sea-water, drink the juice of
the sugar-cane, ‘The most part of civilized na-
tions draw their drinks from the same plants which
constitute the basis of their nourishment, and of
which the roots or seeds contain the sugary prin-
ciple united with the amylaccous substance. Rice
ins, and e. Asia, in Africa the igname root with a
few arums, and in the 2. of Europe cerealia, fur-
nish fermented liquors. ‘Fhere are few nations
who cultivate certain plants merely with a view to
prepare beverages from them. ‘The old continent
aftords us no instance of vine plantations but to the
w.of the Indus. In the better days of Greece this
cultivation was even confined to the countries si-
tuated between the Oxus and Luphrates, to Asia
Minor, and w. Europe. On the rest of the globe
nature produces species of wild vitis ; but nowhere
else did man endeavour to collect them round him
to ameliorate them by cultivation.
But in the new continent we have the example
of a people who not only extracted liquors from
the amylaceous and sugary substance of the maize,
the manioc, and bananas, or from the pulp of se-
veral species of mimosa, but who cultivated ex-
pressly a plant of the family of the ananas, to
convert its juice into a spirituous liquor. On the
interior table-land, in the intendancy of Puebla,
and in that of Mexico, we run over yast extents of
country, where the eye reposes only on fields
. ’ iA Al °
planted with pittes or maguey. This plant, of a
coriaceous and prickly leat, which with the cactus
opuntia has become wild since the sixteenth cen-
tury throughout all the s. of Murope, the Canary
islands, and the coast of Africa, gives a particuls:
character to the Mexican landscape. Whit
contrast of vegetable forms between a_ fie!
grain, a plantation of agava, anda group or va-
nanas, of which the glossy leaves are coo siiuily of
a tender and delicate green! Under every zone,
man, by mulliplying certain vegetable gioduccous,
modifies at will the aspect of the counts y unde:
cultivation. |
pbpe2
204 MEXICO.
{In the Spanish colonies there are several species
of maguey which deserve a careful examination,
and of which several, on account of the division of
their corolla, the length of their stamina, and the
form of their stigmata, appear to belong todifferent
genus! The maguey or met/ cultivated in Mexico
are numerous varieties of the agave Americana,
which has become so common in our gardens, with
yellow fasciculated and straight leaves, and sta-
mina twice as long as the pinking of the corolla.
We must not confound this met! with the agave
Cubensis of Jacquen, (floribus ex aldo virentibus,
longe paniculatis, pendulis, staminibus corolla du-
plo brevioribus), called by M. Lamarck a. Mezi-
ana, and which has been believed by some bota-
nists, for what reason we know not, the principal
object of the Mexican cultivation.
The plantations of the maguey de pulque extend
as far as the Aztec language. The peopie of the
Otomite, Totonac, an istec race, are not ad-
dicted to the octli, which the Spaniards call
pulque. On the central plain we hardly find the
maguey cultivated to the ». of Salamanca. ‘The
finest cultivations are in the valley of ‘Toluca and
on the plains of Cholula, The agaves are there
planted in rows at a distance of 15 decimetres, or
58 inches, from one another, The plants only
begin to yield the juice, which goes by the name of
honey, on account of the sugary principle with
which it abounds, when the hampe is on the point
of its development. It is on this account of the
greatest importance for the cultivator to know ex-
actly the period of effloresence. Its proximity is
announced by the direction of the radical leaves,
which are observed by the Indians with much at-
tention. These leaves, which are till then inclined
towards the earth, rise all of a sudden; and they
endeavour to form a junction to cover the hampe
which is on -he point of formation, The bundle
of central leaves (el corazon) becomes at the same
time of a clearer green, and lengthens perceptibly.
It is said by the Indians that it is difficult to be
deceived in these signs, but that there are others of
no less importance which cannot be precisely des-
cribed, because they have merely a reference to the
carriage of the plant. The cultivator goes daily
through his agave plantations to mark those plants
which approach efflorescence. If he has any
doubt, he applies to the experts of the village, old
Indians, who, from long experience, have a judg-
ment, or rather tact, more securely to be relied on.
Near Cholula, and between ‘Toluca and Caca-
numacan, a maguey of eight years old gives al-
ready signs of the development of its hampe.
They then begin to collect the juice, of which the
pulque is made. They cut the corazon, or bundle
of central leaves, and enlarge insensibly the
wound, and cover it with lateral leaves, which they
raise up by drawing them close, and tying them
to the extremities. In this wound the vessels ap-
ar to deposit all the juice which would have
ormed the colossal hampe loaded with flowers.
This is a true vegetable spring, which keeps run-
ning for two or three months, and from which the
Indian draws three or four times a day. We may
judge of the quickness or slowness of the motion
of the juice by the quantity of honey extracted
from the maguey at different times of the day.
A foot commonly yields, in 24 hours, four cubic
decimetres, or 200 cubic inches, (242 cubic inches
English), equal to eight quartillos. Of this total
quantity they obtain three quartillos at sun-rise,
two at midalay and three at six in the evening.
A very vigorous plant sometimes yields 15 quar-
tillos, or 875 cubic inches (454 cubic inches Eng-
lish), per day, for from four to five months, which
amounts to the enormous volume of more than
1100 cubic decimetres, or 67,130 cubic inches.
This abundance of juice produced by a maguey
of scarcely a metre and a half in height, or 4%,
fect, isso much the more astonishing, as the agave
plantations are in the most arid grounds, and free
quently on banks of rocks hardly covered with ve-
getable earth. The value of a maguey plant near
its efflorescence is at Pachuca five piastres, or 11.
2s.4d. Ina barren soil the Indian calculates the
produce of each maguey at 150 bottles, and the
value of the pulque furnished in a day at from 10
to 12sols. The produce is unequal, like that of
the vine, which varies very much in its quantity
of grapes.
Tae cultivation of the agave has real advantages
over the cultivation of maize, grain, and potatoes,
This plant, with firm and vigorous Icaves, is
neither affected by drought nor hail, nor the ex-
cessive cold which prevails in winter on the higher
cordilleras of Mexico. ‘The stalk perishes after
efflorescence. If we deprive it of the central
leaves, it withers, after the juice which nature ap-
ears to have destined to the increase of the hampe
Is entirely exhausted. An infinity of shoots then
spring from the root of the decayed plant; for no
plant multiplies with greater facility. An arpent
of ground contains from 12 to 1800 maguey plants.
If the field is of old cultivation, we may calculate
that a 12th or JMAth of these plants yields honey
annually. A proprietor who plants from 30 to
40,000 maguey . sure to establish the fortune of
his children ; but it requires patience and courage
to follow a species of cultivation which only begins |
2
r bundle
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ich they
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ture ap-
p hamipe
ots then
; forno
arpent
plants.
alculate
is honey
30 to
tune of
courage
begins |
foe grew lucrative at the end of 15 years. Ina
good soil the agave enters on its efflorescence at the
end of five years; and in a poor soil no harvest can
be expected in less than 18 years. Although the
rapidity of the vegetation is of the utmost conse-
quence for the Mexican cultivators, they never at-
tempt artificially to accelerate the development of
the hampe by mutilating the roots or a
them with warm water. It has been discovere
that by these means, which weaken the plant, the
confluence of juice towards the centre is sensibly
diminished. A maguey plant is destroyed, if,
misled by false appearances, the Indian makes
the incision long betore the flowers wold have na-
turally developed themselves,
The honey or juice of the agave is of a very
agreeable sour taste. It casily ferments, on ace
count of the sugar and mucilage which it contains,
To accelerate this fermentation they add, how-
ever, a little old and acid pulque. ‘The operation
is terminated in three or four days. The vinous
beverage, which resembles cider, has an odour of
putrid meat extremely disagreeable; but the Eu-
ropeans who have been able to get over the aver-
sion which this fetid odour inspires, prefer the
pulque to every other liquor. They consider it
as stomachic, strengthening, and especially as
very nutritive; and it is recommended to lean per-
sons. Whites also have been known, like the
Mexican Indians, totally to have abstained from
water, beer, and wine, and to have drank no other
liquor than the juice of the agave. ‘The connois-
seurs speak with enthusiasm of the pulque prepared
inthe village of Hocotitlan, situated to then. of
Toluca, at the foot of a mountain almost as ele.
vated as the Nevado of this name, ‘They affirm
that the excellent quality of this pulque does not
altogether depend on the art with which the liquor
is prepared, but also on a taste of the soil com-
municated to the juice, according to the fields in
which the plant is cultivated. ‘There are planta-
tions of maguey near Hocotitlan (haciendas de
pulque) which bring in annually more than 40,000
livres, or 16660, sterling, The inhabitants of the
country differ very much in their opinions as to the
true cause of the fetid odour of the pulque. It is
generally aftirmed that this odour, wKi6b is analo-
gous to that of animal matter, is to be ascribed to
the skins in which the first juice of the agave is
poured. But several well informed individuals
retend that the pulque when prepared in vessels
as the same odour, and that if it is not found in
that of ‘Toluca, it is because the great cold there
modifies the process of f mentation. Perhaps
this odour proceeds from .he decomposition of a
MEXICO. 205
vegeto-animal matter, analogous to the gluten
eontained in the juice of the agave.
The cultivation of the maguey is an object of
such importance for the revenue, that the entry
duties paid in the three cities of Mexico, Toluca,
and Puebla, amounted, in 1793, to the sum of
817,739 — or 178,880/, sterling. The exe
reer of perception were then 56,608 piastres, or
2,583/, sterling ; so that the government drew
from the agave juice a nett revenue of 761,131
iastres, or 166,497/, or more than 3,800,000
francs. The desire of increasing the revenues of
the crown occasioned latterly a heavy tax on the
fabrication of pulque, equally vexatious and incons
siderate. It is time to change the system in this
respect, otherwise it is to be presumed that this
cultivation, one of the most ancient and lucrative
will insensibly decline, notwithstanding the decided
predilection of the people for the fermented juice
of the agave.
A very intoxicating brandy is formed from the
pulque, which is called me.xical, or aguardiente
de magucy We have been assured that the plant
cultivated for distillation differs essentiaily from the
common maguey, or maguey de pulque. The
sugar-cane has also a particular variety, with a
violet stalk, which came from the coast of Africa
(caiio de Guinea), and which is preterred in the
province of Caracas for the fabrication of rum to
the sugar-cane of Otaheite. The Spanish govern-
ment, and particularly the real hacienda, has been
long very severe against the mexical, which is
strictly prohibited, because the use of+it is pre-
judicial to the Spanish brandy trade. An enor.
mous quantity, however, of this maguey brand
is manufactured in the intendances of Valladolid,
Mexico, and Durango, especially in the new king-
dom of Leon. We may judge of the value of
this illicit traffic by considering the disproportion
between the popuiation of Mexico and the annual
importation of European brandy into Vera Cruz,
The whole importation only amounts to 32,000
barrels! In several parts of the kingdom, for ex-
ample in the provincias internas and the district of
Tuxpan, belonging to the intendancy of Guada-
laxara, for some time past the mexical has been
publicly sold on payment of a small duty. This
measure, which ought to be general, has been both
profitable to the revenue, and has put an end to
the complaints of the inhabitants.
But iis maguey is not only the vine of the
Aztecs, it can also supply the place of the hemp of
Asia, and the papyrus (eyperus papyrus) of the
Egyptians. The paper on which the ancient
Mexicans painted their hieroglyphical figures was]
— ee ——
———
y
{
i
|
|
206 MEXICO.
[made of the fibres of agave leaves, macerated in
water, and disposed in layers like the fibres of the
Egyptian cyperus, and the mulberry (broussone-
tia) of the S, sea islands. Humboldt brought
with him several fragments of Aztec manuscripts
written on maguey paper, of « thickness so differs
ent that some of them resemble pasteboard, while
others resemble Chinese paper, ‘These fragments
were so much the more interesting, as the only
hieroglyphics which exist at Vienna, Rome, and
Veletri, are on Mexican stag-skins. The thread
which is obtained from the maguey is known in
rs by the name of pite thread, and it is pre-
ferred by naturalists to every other, because it is
less subject to twist. It does not, however, resist
so well as that prepared from the fibres of the
phormium. The juice (rugo de cocuyza) which
the agave yields when it is still far from the period
of efflorescence is very acrid, and is successfully
employed as a caustic in the cleaning of wounds,
The prickles which terminate the leaves served
formerly, like those of the cactus, for pins and
nails to the Indians, ‘Che Mexican priests pierced
their arms and breast with them in their acts of
expiation, analogous to those of the buddists of
Hindostan,
We may conclude from all that we have related
respecting the use of the different parts of the
maguey, that next to the maize and potato, this
plant is the most useful of all the productions with
which nature has supplied the mountaineers of
equinoctial America,
When+the fetters which the government has
hitherto put on several branches of the national
industry shall be removed, when the Mexican
agriculture shall be no longer restrained by .a
system of administration, which, while it impove-
rishes the colonies, does not enrich the mother
country, the maguey plantations will be gradually
succeeded by vineyards, ‘The cultivation of the
vine will augment with the number of the whites,
who consume a great quantity of the wines of
Spain, France, Madeira, and the Canary islands,
But in the present state of things, the vine can
hardly be included in the territorial riches of
Mexico, the harvest of it being so inconsiderable,
The grape of the best quality is that of Zapotitlan,
in the intendancy of Oaxaca, There are also
vineyards near Dolores and San Luis de la Paz to
the n, of Guanaxuato, and in the provincias ine
ternas near Parras, and the Passo del Norte. The
wine of the Passo is in great estimation, especiall
that of the estate of the Marquis de San Miguel,
which keeps for a great number of years, although
very little care is bestowed on the making of it.
They complain in the country that the must of
the table-land ferments with difficulty ; and they
add arope to the juice of the grape, that is to say,
a small quantity of wine in which sugar has been
infused, and which by means of dressing has been
reduced into a syrup. This process gives to the
Mexican wines a flavour of must, which they,
would lose if the making of wine was more studied
among them. When in the course of ages the new
continent, jealous of its independence, shall wish
to dispense with the productions of the old, the
mountainous and temperate parts of Mexico, Gua-
temala, New Granada, and Caracas, will suppl
wine to the whole of N. America; and they vill
then become to that country what France, Italy,
and Spain have long been to the x. of Europe.
Cuap. VIII.
Table of the geographical positions of the kingdom
of Nucva Espana; for which see the end of the
general preface to this work.
Cuap. IX,
Table of the most remarkable elevations measured in the interior of Nueva Espaia.
The work published with the title of Nivellement barometrique fait dans les Regions Equinoxiales du
Nouveau Continent, in 1799—1804, contains more than 200 points in the interior of Nueva Es-
pafia, of which Mr. Humboldt determined the clevation above the level of the sea, either by the
barometer, or by trigonometrical methods. We have merely inserted in the following table the abso-
lute heights of the most remarkable mountains and cities. ‘The points marked with an asterisk are
doubtful. The Recueil d’ Observations astronomiques et de Mesures barometriques of Mr. Humboldt,
edited by M. Oltmanns, may also be consulted, (vol. i, pages 318 to 334). ]
MEXICO. 207
Mine de la Valenciana 2328 1194 7637
dually
of the
whites, Height above the level of the sea,
ines of Names of places of observation. preerny te Vie: rman Oe
place.
islands. Dok: ey
ne can In metres, | Tn toises, J'n Eng, feet,
hes of | eee - a — eiennasiaagnlh dererinattiemes | nies wetmmsanis Kgnmpintrailr cer
lerable. Volcan de Popocatepetl, volcan grande de Mexico 6 de Puebla 5400 2771 | 17716
otitlan, Pic d’Orizaba or Citlaltepetl - ” . 6295 2717 1771
re also E Nevado d’lztaccihuatl, Sierra Nevada of Mexico ° ° AGSG 2456 | 15700
. Paz to Nevado de Toluca, at the rock of Frailes - . . A621 2572 | 15159
plas ine Coflre de Perote or Nauhcampatepetl : - - A089 2098 | 135)4
e. The Cerro de Axusco, six leagues to the s. s. w. of Mexico - 3674" | 1885* | 12052
pee Pic de 'Tancitaro - : - . : - 3200* | I1Gi2 | 10498
iguel, El Jacal, summit of the Cerro de las Nabajas . : S124 1603 | 10249
though : Mamanchota or Organos d’Actopan, n, e. from Mexico - 2977 1527 9766
g of it. Volcan de Colima - - - - . . 2800" | 1437 9186
must of Volcan de Jorullo, in the intendancy of Valladolid : - 1301 667 4267
nd they Mexico, at the convent of St. Augustin - - - 2277 1168 7470
3 to say, Pachuca - - - - - . . 2484 1974 $149
las been Moran, mine near the Real del Monte - : . 2595. 1331 8513
has been Real del Monte, mine . . - ° . 2781 1497 9057
#8 to the Tula, city : - . ° - ° - 2053 1053 6735
ch they» Toluca, city - - - - - - 2688 1379 83818
2 studied ; Cuernavaca, city : - : - . ” 1656 849 5433
the new Tasco, city == : - - - - : 1784 915 5852
hall wish Chilpansingo, city - . - : - 1380 708 | 4597
old, the q Puebla de los Angeles, city = - - - : - 2194 1126 7198
co, Gua- Perote, town - - ° - . . 2354 1208 7723
l supply Xalapa, city . - - - . . 1321 678 A333
hey will Valladolid, city - - - - - - 1952 1001 6404
e, Italy, Pazcuaro, city - - - - : - 2202 1130 7224
rope. Charo, city - - ° - ° . 1907 978 6256
Villa de Islahuaca, inthe intendancy of Valladolid - - 2585 1326 8481
San Juan del Rio, town : - - - - 1978 1015 6489
kingdom Queretaro, city - : : - : : 1940 995 6364
nd of the Celaya, city : - - - : - 1835 941 6020
Salamanca, city - - - - : : 1757 902 5763
Guanaxuato, city - - - : : - 2084 1069 6836
Durango, city - 2U87* | 1071 6847
wiales du eee
eva Ls-
r by the Cuar. X. to one another, is unfortunately not that part
he abso- General considerations on the possibility of unit- which contains the two ports of Acapulco and
erisk are ing the South sea and Atlantic ocean, viz. By Vera Cruz, and the capital of Mexico. ‘There
umboldt, the rivers of Peace and Tacoutche Tesse— are, according to Mr. Humboldt’s astronomical
. Sources of the Rio Bravo and Rio Colorado— observations, from Acapulco to Mexico an oblique
Asthmus of Tcehuantepec—Lake of Nicaragua distance of 2° 40' 19", or 155,885 toises, or
—Asthmus of Panama— Bay of Cupica— £97,664 feet ; from Mexico to Vera Cruz 2° 57! al
Canal of Choco—Rio Gualluga—Gulf of St. or 158,572 toises, or 1,014,860 feet; and from
George. the port of Acapulco tothe port of Vera Cruz, in
‘Tur part of Mexico in which the two oceans, a direct line, 4°10' 7’. It is in these distances
tlie Atlantic and the S. sea, approach the nearest that the old maps are most faulty. From the ob- |
et
id
! }
aD ae
} ees
Naa
bil
i
}
208 MEXICO.
{servations published by M. de Cassini, in the
account of the voyage of Chappe, the distance
from Mexico to Vera Cruz appears 5° 10! of long.
instead of 2° 57', the real distance between these
two great cities. In adopting for Vera Cruz the
longitude given by Chappe, and for Acapulco
that ofthe map of the Depét drawn up in 1784,
the breadth of the Mexican isthmus betwixt the
two pots would be 175 leagues, 75 leagues be-
yond the truth.
The isthmus of Tehuantepec, to the s. e. of the
port of Vera Cruz, is the point of Nueva Espaia in
which the continent is narrowest. From the At-
lantic ocean to the S, sea the distance is 45 leagues.
The approximation of the sources of the rivers
Huasacualo and Chimalapa seems to favour the
roject of a canal for interior navigation; a pro-
ject with which the Count of Revillagigedo, one
of the most zealous viceroys for the public good,
has ‘been for a long time occupied. When we
come to speak of the intendancy of Oaxaca, we
shall return to this object, so important to all
civilized Europe. We must confine ourselves
here to the problem of the communication between
the two seas, in all the generality of which it is
susceptible; and although it may appear that the
nature of the question of which we are about to
treat, does not exclusively apply to the article
Mexico, yetas it is in this bihedocn that the two
oceans, the Atlantic and the S. sea, as we have be-
fore observed, approach the nearest to each other;
and as it is consequently to this noint that the eyes
of the inquirer will be naturally bent; we shall
endeavour to present in one view nine points,
several of which are not sufficiently known in Eu-
rope, and all offering a greater or less probability
either of canals or interior river communications,
At a time when the new continent, profiting by the
misfortunes and perpetual dissensions of Europe,
advances rapidly towards civilization; and when
the commerce of China, and the 2. w. coast of
America, becomes yearly of greater importance,
the subject which we here summarily discuss is of
the greatest interest for the commerce and political
preponderancy of nations.
hese ive points, which at different times have
fixed the attcition of statesmen and merchants in
the colonies, present very different advantages,
We shall range them according to their geogra-
phical position, ee DINE with the most 2. part
of the new continent, and following the coasts to
the s. of the island of Chiloe. It can only be after
having examined all the projects hitherto formed
for the communication of the two seas, that the
government can decide which of them merits the
preference. Before this examination, exact mate-
rials for which are not yet collected, it would be
imprudent to cut canals in the isthmuses of Gua-
sacualco or Panama,
lL. Under the 54° 37’ of n. lat. in the parallel
of Queen Charlotte’s island, the sources of the river
of Peace, or Ounigigah, approach to within seven
leagues of the sources of the Tacoutche Tesse,
supposed the same with the river of Colombia,
The first of these rivers discharges itself into the
N. ocean, after having mingled its waters with
those of the Slave lake, and the river Mackenzie,
The second river, Colombia, enters the Pacific
ocean, near cape Disappointment, to the s. of
Nootka sound, according to the celebrated voyager
Vancouver, under the 46° 19’ of lat. The cordil.
lera, or chain of the stony mountains, aboundin
in coal, was found b - Fiedler to be elevate
in some places 3520 English feet, or 550 toises,
above the neighbouring plains. It separates the
sources of the rivers of Peace and Colombia. Ac-
cording to Mackenzie’s account, who passed this
cordillera in the month of August 1793, it is prac-
ticable enough for carriages, ani the mountains
appear of no very great elevation. ‘To avoid the
great winding of the Colombia, another communi-
cation still shorter might be opened from the
sources of the Tacoutche Tesse to the Salmon
river, the mouth of which is to the e. of the Prins
cess Royal islands, in the 52° 26/ of lat. Mace
kenzie rightly observes, that the government which
should open this communication between the two
oceans, by forming regular establishments in the
interior of the country, and at the extremities of
the rivers, would get possession of the whole fur
trade of N. America, from the 48° of lat. to the
ole, excepting a part of the coast which has been
ong included in Russian America. Canada,
from the multitude and course of its rivers, pre-
sents facilities for internal commerce similar to
those of oriental Siberia, The mouth of the river
Colombia seems to invite Europeans to found a fine
colony there; for its banks afford fertile land in
abundance, covered with superb timber. It must
be allowed, however, that notwithstanding the
examination by Mr. Broughton, we still know
but a very small part of Colombia, which, like the
Severn and the Thames, appears of a dispropor-
tionate contraction as it leaves the coast. Every
geographer who carefully compares Mackenzie’s
maps with Vancouver's, will astonished that
the Colombia, in descending from these stony
mountains, which we cannot help considering as a
prolongation of the Andes of Mexico, should tra-
verse the chain of mountains which approach the}
*t mate-
ould be
of Gua-
arallel
he river
in seven
e Tesse,
lombia.
into the
rs with
ckenzie,
Pacific
he s. of
voyager
e cordile
pundin,
tlevate
) toises,
rates the
a. Ace
sed this
is prace
puntaing
void the
mmuni-
om the
Salmon
he Prin-
Mace
t which
the two
in the
ities of
hole fur
. to the
as been
anada,
S, pre-
ilar to
he river
da fine
and in
It must
ng the
know
ike the
propor-
Every
enzie’s
ed that
stony
ng as a
hid tra-
h the]
MEXICO. 209
[shore of the Great ocean, whose principal summits
are mount St. Helen and mount Rainier. But M.
Malte-Brun has started important doubts concern-
ing the identity of the 'Tacontche esse and the
Rio Colombia. He even presumes, (as may be
seen in the Geogr. Mathem. vol. xv. p. 117), that
the former discharges itself into the gulf of Cali-
fornia; a bold suppositio:, which would give to
the Tacoutche 'Tesse a course of an enormous
length. It must be allowed that all that part of
the w. of N. America is still but very imperfectly
known.
In the 50° of lat. the Nelson river, the Saska-
shawan, and the Missoury, which may be regarded
as one of the principal branches of the Mississippi,
furnish equal facilities of communication with the
Pacific ocean. All these rivers take their rise at
the foot of the stony mountains. But we have not
yet surhcient acquaintance with the nature of the
ground through which the communication is pro-
posed to be established, to pronounce upon the
utility of these projects. The journey of Captain
Lewis, at the expence of the Anglo-American
government, on the Mississippi and the Missoury,
has thrown considerable light on this interesting
problem.
2. The nex! projection is through the Rio del
Norte, or Rio Bravo; the sources of which are
only separated from the sources of the Rio Colo-
rado by a mountainous tract of from 12to 13 leagues
in breadth. Sce article Bravo.
3. The isthmus of ‘'chuantepec comprises, un-
der the 16° of lat. the sources of the Rio Huasa-
cualco, which is discharged into the gulf of
Mexico, and the sources of the Rio de Chimalapa.
The waters of this last river mix with those of the
acific ocean near the Barra de S$. Francisco.
We consider here the Rio del Passo as the prin-
cipal source of the river Huasacualco, although
the latter only takes its name at the Paso de la
Fabrica, after one of its arms, which comes from
the mountains De los Mexes, unites with the Rio
del Passo, We shall examine afterwards the pos-
sibility of cutting a canal, of from six to seven
leagues, in the forests of Tarifa. We shall merely
observe here, that since, in 1798, a road has been
opened which leads by land from the port of Te-
huantepec, to the Embarcadero de la Cruz, the
same road havirg been completed in 1800; the
Rio Huasacualcy forms, in reality, a commercial
communication between the two oceans. During
ihe course of tae war with the English, the indigo
of Guatemala, the most precious of all: known
indigos, came by the way of this isthmus to the
port of Vera Cruz, and from thence to Europe.
4. The great lake of Nicaragua communicates
VOL, Yt.
not only with the lake of Leon, but also on the
e. by the river of San Juan, with the sea of the
Antilles. ‘The communication with the Pacific
ocean would be effected in cutting a canal across
the isthmus which separates the lak. fo» the gulf
of Papagayo. On this strait isthha.s are to be
found the volcanic and isolated summits of Bom-
bacho, at 1i° 7! of lat., of Granada, and of the
Papagayo, at 10° 50! of lat. ‘The old maps point
out a communication by water as existing across
the isthmus from the lake to the Great ocean,
Other maps, somewhat newer, represent a river
under the name of Rio Partido, which gives one of
its branches to the Pacific ocean, and the other to
the lake of Nicaragua ; but this divided stream
does not appear on the last maps published by the
Spaniards.
There are in the archives of Madrid several
French and English memoirs on the possibility
of the junction of the lake of Nicaragua with the
Pacific ocean: viz. Afemoire sur le passage de la
mer du Suda la mer du Nord, par Af. la Bastide,
en 1791. Voyage de Alarchand, vol. i. p. 505.
Mapa del Golfo de Mexico por Thonias Lopes y
Juan de la Cruz, 1755. The commerce carricd
on by the English on the coast of Mosquitos has
greatly contributed to give celebrity to this project
of communication between the two seas. In none
or the memoirs which have come to our knowledge
is the principal point, the height of the ground in
the isthmus, sufficiently cleared up.
Frem the kingdom of New Granada to the en-
virons of the capital of Mexico, there is not a sin-
gle mountain, a single level, a single city, of which
we know the elevation above the level of ths sea,
Does there exist an uninterrupted chain of moun-
tains in the provinces of Veragua and Nicaragua?
Has this cerdillera, which is supposed to unite
the Andes of Peru to the mountains of Mexico, its
central chain to the w. or the e. of the lake of Ni«
caragua? Would not the isthmus of Papagayo
rather present a hilly-tract than a continued core
dillera? 'These are problems whose solution is
equally interesting to the statesman and the geo-
graphical naturalist !
There is nospot on the globe so full of volcanoes
as this part of America, from lat. 11° or 13°; but
do not these conical summits form groups which,
separately from one another, rise from the plain
itself? We ought not to be astonished that we are
ignorant of these very important facts; we shall
soon see that even the height of the mountains
which traverse the isthmus of Panama is not yet
known. Perhaps the communication of the lake
of Nicaragua with the Pacific ocean could be car.
ried on by the lake of Leon, by means of the river]
KE
es
mee Sis ko
SE. oS el
210
Tosta, which, on the road from Leon to Realexo,
escens from the volcano of Telica. In fact, the
ground appears there very little elevated. The
account of the voyage of Dampier leads us even to
suppose that there exists no chain of mountains
between the lake of Nicaragua and the S., sea.
*¢ The coast of Nicoya,” says this great naviga-
tor, ‘is low, and covered at ful! tide. To arrive
from Realexo to Leon, we must go 20 miles across
a country flat and covered with mangle-trees.””
The city of Lon itself is situated in a savanna.
There is a smallriver which, passing near Realexo,
might facilitate the communication between the
latter port and that of Leon. (‘See Collection of Dam-
picr’s and Wafer’s Voyages, vol. i. p. 113, 119,
218). From the w. bank of the lake of Nicara-
gua there are only four marine ‘eagues to the bot-
tom of the gulf of Papagayo, and seven to that of
Nicoyo, which navigators call La Caldera. Dam-
pier says expressly that the ground between La
Caldera and the lake is a iittle hilly, but for the
greatest part level and like a savanna,
The coast of Nicaragua is almost inaccessible in
the months of August, September, ana October,
on account of the terrible storms and rains; in
January and February, on account of the furious
n.e. and e.m.e. winds called Papagayos. ‘This
circumstance is exceedingly inconvenient for navi-
gation. ‘The port of ‘Tehuantepec, on the isthmus
of Guasacualco, is not more favoured by nature ;
it gives its name to the hurricanes which blow from
the n, w. and which frighten vessels from landing
at the small ports of Sabinas and. Ventosa.
5. The isthmus of Panama was crossed for the
first time by Vasco Nuiiez de Balboa, in 1513.
Since this memorable epocha in the history of
geographical discoveries, the proiect of a canal
has occupied every mind; and yet at this day,
after the lapse of SOO years, there neither cxists a
survey of the ground, nor an exact determination
of the positions of Panama and Portobello. The
longitude of the first of these two ports has been
iound with relation to Carthagena ; the longitude
of the second has been fixed from Guayaquil.
‘The operations of Fidalgo and Malaspina are un-
doubtedly deserving of very great confidence ; but
errors ar: “sensibly multiplied, when by chrono-
metrical vu, crations from the isle of ‘Trinidad to
Portobeilo, and from Lima to Panama, one posi-
tion becomes dependent on another. It would be
important to carry the time directly from Panama
to Portobello, and thus to connect the operations
in the S. sea with those which the Spanish govern-
ment has carried on in the Atlantic ocean. Per-
haps MM. Fidalgo, Tiscar, and Noguera, may
fone day advance with their instrumcits to thes.
MEXICO.
coast of the isthmus, while MM. Colmeares,
Trasvirivill, and Quartara, shall carry their opera-
tions to the 2. coast. ‘The expedition of Fidalgo
was destined for the coast situated between the isle
of Trinidad and Portobello, the expedition of Colo-
menares for the coast of Chile, and the expedition
of Moraleda and Quartara for the part between
Guayaquil and Realexo. To form au idea of
the uncertainty which still prevails as to the form
and breadth of the isthmus (for example towards
Nata), we have only to compare the maps of Lo-
pez With those of Arrowsmith, and with the more
recent ones of the Deposito Hydrografico of Ma-
drid. The river Chagre, which flows into the sea of
the Antilles to the w. of Portohello, presents, not-
withstanding its sinuosities and itsrapids, great iaci-
lity for commerce ; its breadth is 120 toises at its
mouth, and 20 toises near Cruces, where it begins to
be navigable. It requires four or five days at pres
sent to ascend the Rio Chagre from its mouth to
Cruces. Ifthe waters are very high, the current
must be struggled with for 10or 12 days. From
Cruces to Panama merchandizes are transported on
the backs of mules, for a space of five small leagues.
The barometrical heights related in the travels of
Ulloa, in his Observations Astionomiques, p. 97,
lead us io suppose that there exists in the Rio
Chagre, from the sea of the Antilles to the Embar-
cadero, or Venta de Cruces, a difference of level
of from 35 to 40 toises. ‘This must appear a very
small diflerence to those who have ascended the
Rio Chagre ; they forget that the force of the cur-
rent depends as much on a great accumulation of
water near the sources, as on the general descent of
the river; that is to say, of the descent of the
Rio Chagre above Cruces. On comparing the
barometrical survey of Ulloa with that made by
Humboldt in the river of Magdalena, we perceive
that the elevation of Cruces above the ocean, far
from being small, is, on the contrary, very consi-
derable. The fall of the Rio de la Magdelena from
Honda to the dike of Mahates, near Barrancas,
is nearly 170 toises, or 1088 feet; and this distance,
nevertheless, is not, as we might suppose, four times,
but eight times, greater than that of Cruces, at the
fort of Chagre,.
The engineers in proposing to the court of
Madrid that the river Chagre should serve for
establishing a communication between the two
oceans, have projected a canal from the Venta de
Cruces to Panama. This canal would have to
pass through a hilly tract, of the height of which
we are completely ignorant. We only know that
from Cruces the ascent is at first rapid, and that
there is then a descent for several hours towards
the S, sea, It is very astonishing, that in cross |
Imeares,
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MEXICO. 211
fing the isthmus neither La Condamine nor Don
jeorge Juan and Ulloa had the curiosity to ob-
serve their barometer, for the sake of informing us
what is the height. of the most elevated point on the
route of the castle of Chagre at Panama. These
illustrious savans sojourned three months in that
in‘eresting region for the commercial world; but
tier stay has added little to the old observations
which we owe to Dampier and to Wafer. How-
ever, it appears beyond a doubt that we find the
principal cordillera, or rather a range of hills that
may be regarded as a prolongation of the Andes
of New Granada, towards the S. sea, between
Cruces and Panama. It is from thence that the
two oceans are said io be discernible at the sawe
time, which would only require an absolute height
of 290 metres, or 947 English feet. However,
Lionel Wafer complains that he could not enjoy
this interesting spectacle. He assures us, more-
over, that the hills which form the central chain
are separated from one another by valleys which
allow free course for passage of the rivers. (See
Description of the Isthmus of America, 1729, p.
297.) Ulloa also asserts, vol. i. p. 101, that near
the town of Panama, a little to the n. of the port,
is the mountain of L’Ancon, which, according to
a geometrical measurement, is 101 toises (646 feet)
in height. If these assertions be well founded, we
might believe in the possibility of a canal from
Cruces to Panama, of which the navigation would
only be interrupted by a very few locks.
There are other points where, according to me-
moirs drawn up in 1598, the isthmus has been pro-
posed to be cut ; for example, in joining the sources
of the rivers called Caimito and Rio Grande, with
the Rio Trinidad. Thee. part of the isthmus is
the narrowest, but the ground appcars to be also
most elevated there. This is at least what has been
remarked in the frightful road travelled by the cou-
rier from Portobello to Panama, a two days jour-
ney, which goes by the village of Pequeni, and
is full of the greatest difficulties,
In every age and climate, of two neighbouring
seas, the one has been considered as more elevated
than the other, Traces of this common opinion are
to be found among the ancients. Strabo relates,
that in his time the gulf of Corinth near Lecheum
was believed to be above the level of the sea of
Cenchrew. He is of opinion, (Lib. i. ed, Sieben-
kees, v. i. p. 146,) that it would be very danger-
ous to cut the isthmus of the Peloponnesus in the
lace where the Corinthians, by means of particu-
jar machines, had established a portage. In Ame-
rica, the S, sea .. zenerally supposed to be higher
at the isthmus of Panama than the Atlantic ocean.
After a struggle of several days against the current
of the Rio Chagre, we naturally believe the ascent
to be greater than the descent from the hills near
Cruces to Pa ma, Nothing, in fact, can be
more treacherous than the estimates which we are
apt fo form of the difference of level on along and
easy descent. Humboldt could hardly believe his
own eyes at Pern, when he found, by means of a
barometrical measurement, that the city of Lima
was OL toises, or 582 feet, higher than the port of
Callao. An earthquake must cover entirely the
rock of '":< isle San Lorenzo with water before the
ocean can reach the capital of Pera. ‘The idea of
a difference of level between the Atlantic and S.
sea has been combated by Don George Juan, who
found the height of the column o. mercury the
same at the mouth of the Chagre and at Panama,
The imperfection of the meteorological instru-
ments then in use, and the want of every sort of
thermometrical correction of the calculation of
heights, might also give rise to doubts. These
doubts have acquired additional force since the
French engineers, in the expedition to Egypt,
found the Red sea six toises, or 38 feet, higher
than the Mediterranean, ‘Till a geometrical sur-
vey be executed in the isthmus itself, we can only
have recourse to barometrical measurements. ‘Those
made by Humboldt at the mouth of the Rio Sinu in
the Atlantic sea, and on the coast of the S. sea in
Peru, prove, with every allowance for temperature,
that if there is a difference of level between the two
seas, it cannot exceed six or seven metres, or 19
or 22 feet.
When we consider the effect of the current of
rotation, (that is to say, the general motion from
¢. to w. observed in the part of the ocean com-
prised in the torrid zone), which carries the waters
from e. to w. and accumulates them towards the
coast of Costa Rica aut Veragua, we are tempted
t» admit, contrary to the received opinion, that
the Atlantic is a little higher than the S. sea.
Trivial causes of a local nature, such as the con-
figuration of the coast, currents and winds (as in
the straits of Babelmandel), may trouble the equi-
librium which ought necessarily to exist between
all the parts of the ocean, As the tides rise at Por-
tubelle to a third part of a metre, or 13 inches,
and at Panama to four or five metres, or 13 or 16
feet, the levels of the two neighbouring seas onght
to vary with the different establishnients of the
ports, isut these trivial inequalities, far from ob-
structing hydraulical operations, would even be
favourable for sluices.
We cannot doubt that if the isthmus of Panama
were once burst by some similar catastrophe to]
EE
212 MEXICO.
{that which opened the columns of Hercules, (see
Diodorus Sicrtus, lib. iv. p. 226. lib. xvii. p. 533.
edit. Rhodom.) the current of rotation in place of
ascending towards the gulf of Mexico, and_ is-
suing through the canal of Bahama, would follow
the sume parallel from the coast of Paria to the
Philippine islands. The effect of this opening,
or new. strait, would extend much beyond the
banks of Newfoundland, and would either occa-
sion the disappearance or diminish the celerity of
the Hotwater river, known by the name of Gulf
Stream, which leaving Florida on the x. e. flows
in the 43° of latitude to the e. and especially the
s. e. towards the coast cf Africa. Such would be
the effects of an inundation analogous to that of
which the memory has been preserved in the tra-
ditions of the Samothracians. But shall we dare
to compare the pitiful works of man with canals
cut by Nature herself, with straits like the Helles-
pont and the Dardanelles !
Strabo, (Strabo, ed. Sicbenkees, t. i. p. 156),
appears inclined to believe that the sea will one
day open the isthmus of Suez. No such catas-
trophe can be expected in the isthmus of Panama,
unless enormous volcanic convulsions, very im-
probable in the actual state of repose of our
planet, should occasion extraordinary revolutions.
A tongue of land lengthened out from ec. to w. in
a direction almost parallel to that of the current of
rotation escapes, as it were, the shock of the waves.
The isthmus of Panama would be seriously threat-
ened, if it extended from s. to 2. and was situated
between the port of Carthago and the mouth of
the Rio San Juan, if the narrowest part of the
vew continent lay between the 10° and the L1° of
latitude.
‘The navigation of the river Chagre is difficult,
both on account of its sinuosities and the celerity
of the current, frequently trom one to two metres
per second, or from 3.28 to 6.56 tect. These si-
nuosities, however, afford a counter current, by
means of which the small vessels called bongos,
and chatas, ascend the river, either with oars,
poles, or towing. Were these sinnosities to be
cut, and the old bed of the river to be dried up,
this advantage would cease, and it would be infi-
nitely difficult to arrive fromthe N. sea to Cruces.
From all the information which Humboldt could
procure relating to this isthmus, while he remained
at Carthagena and Guayaquil, it appeared to him
that the expectation of a canal of seven metres, or
22 feet 11 inches, in depth, and from 22 to 28
metres, or from 72 feet 2 inches, to 91 tect 10
inches, in breadth, which, like a pass ora strait,
should go from sca to sea, and admit the vessels
which sail from Europe to the East Indies, ought
to be completely abandoned. The elevation of
the ground would force the engineer to have re-
course either to subterraneous galleries, or to the
system of sluices; and the merchandizes destined
to pass the isthmus of Panama could only, there-
fore, be transported in flat-bottomed boats uns
able to keep the sea. Entrepots at Panama and
Portobello would be requisite. Every nation
which wished to trade in this way would be de-
pendent on the masters of the isthmus and canal;
and this would be a very great inconvenience for
the vessels dispatched from Europe. Supposing
then that this canal were cut, the greatest number
of these vessels would probably continue their
voyage round cape Horn. We see that the pas-
sage of the sound is still frequented, notwithstand-
ing the existence of the Kyder canal, which con-
nects the occan with the Baltic sea.
It would be otherwise with the productions of
w. America, or the goods sent from Europe to
the coast of the Pacific ocean, These goods would
cross the isthmus at less expence, and with less
danger, particularly in time of war, than in doube
ling the s. extremity of the new continent. In the
present state of things, the carriage of three quin-
tals on mule-back from Panama to Portobello
costs from three to four piastres (from 12s. 6d. to
16s. 8d.) But the uncultivated state in which the
govenment allows the isthmus to remain is such,
that ihe carriage of the copper of Chile, the guin-
quina of Peru, and the 60 or 70.000 vaneeas of
cacao (the vanega weighing 110 Casiilian pounds),
annually exported by Guayaquil, across this neck
of land, requires many more beasts of burden than
can be procured, so that the slow and expensive
navigation round cape Horn is preferred.
In 1802 and 1803, when the Spanish commerce
was every where harassed by the English cruisers,
a great part of the cacao was carried across the
kingdom of Nueva Espaiia, and embarked at Vera
Cruz for Cadiz, ‘They preferred the passage from
Guayaquil to Acapulco and a land journey of 100
leagues from Acapulco to Vera Cruz, to the danger
of along navigation by cape Horn, and the diffi-
culty of struggling with the current along the
coasts of Peru and Chile. This example proves,
that, if the construction of a canal across the isth-
mus of Panama, or that of Guasacualco, abounds
with too many difficulties from the multiplicity of
sluices, the commerce of America would gain the
most important advantages from good causeways,
carried trom ‘Vehuantepec to the Embarcadero de
Ja Cruz, and trom Panama to Portobello. — It is
true that in the isthmus, the pasturage to this day |
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MEXICO. 213
[is very unfavourable to the nourishment and multi
plication of cattle; but it is no less true that the’
assertion of Raynal (t.iv. p. 150), that domestic ani-
mals transported to Portobello lose their fecundity,
should be considered as totally destitute of truth.
The fact is, that it would be easy, in so fertile a soil,
to form savannas by cutting down forests, or to
cultivate the paspalum purpureum, the milium ni-
gricans, and particularly the medicago sativa, which
grows abundantly in Peru in the warmest districts.
The introducion of camels would be still a surer
means of diminishing the expence of carriage.
These land-ships, as they are called by the orien-
tals, hitherto exist only in the province of Cara-
cas, and were brought there from the Canary
islands by the Marquis de Toro.
Moreover, no political consideration should op-
pose the progress of population, agriculture, com-
merce, and civilization, in the isthmus of Panama.
The more this neck of land shall be cultivated, the
more resistance will it oppose to the enemies of the
Spanish government. ‘The events which took
place at Buenos Ayres prove the advantages of a
concentrated population in the case of an invasion.
If any enterprising nation wished to become pos-
sessed of the isthmus, it could do so with the
greatest ease at present, when good and numcrous
fortifications are destitute of arms to defend them.
The unhealthiness of the climate, though now
much diminished at Potobello, would alone op-
pose great obstacles to any military undertaking in
the isthmus. It is from St. Charles de Chiloe, and
not from Panama, that Peru can be attacked. It
requires from three to five months to ascend from
Panama to Lima. But the whale and cachalot
fishery, which in 1803 drew 60 English vessels to
the S. sea, and the facilities for the Chinese com-
merce and the furs of Nootka sound, are baits of a
very seductive nature. They will draw, sooner
or later, the masters of the ocean to a point of the
globe destined by nature to change the face of the
commercial system of nations.
6. To the s. e. of Panama, following the coast
of the Pacific ocean, from cape S. Miguel to cape
Corientes, we find the small port and bay of Cupica,
which has acquired celebrity, on account of a new
plan of communication between the two seas.
See this article, (Cupica).
7. In the interior of the province of Choco, the
small ravine (quebrada) De la Raspadura, unites
the neighbouring sources of the Rio de Noanaina,
called also Rio San Juan, and the small river
Quito. The latter, the Rio Andageda, and the
Rio Zitara, form the Rio d’Atrato, which dis-
charges itself into the AUantic ocean, while the
Rio San Juan flows into the S. sea. A monk of
great activity, curé of the village of Novita, em-
ployed his parishioners to dig a small canal in the
ravine De Ja Raspadura, by means of which, when
the rains are abundant, canoes loaded with cacao
pass from sea to sea, This interior commuricas
tion has existed since 1788, unknown in Eure pe.
The small canal of Raspadura unites, on the coasts
of the two oceans, two points 75 leagues distant
from one another.
8. In lat. 10° s. two or three days journey from
Lima, we reach the banks of the Rio Guallaga (or
Huallaga), by which we may without doubling
cape Horn arrive at the banks of the Grand Para
in Brazil. Thesources even of the Rio Huanuco,
which runs into the Guallaga, are only four or five
leagues distant from the source of the Rio Huaura,
which flows into the Pacific ocean. The Rio
Xauxa, also, which contributes to form the
Apuremac and the Ucayale, has its rise near the
source of the Rio Rimac. The height of the
cordillera, and the nature of the ground, render the
execution of a canal impossible ; but the construc-
tion of a commodious road, from the capital of
Peru to the Rio de Huanuco, would facilitate the
transport of goods to Europe. The great rivers
Ucayale and Guallaga would carry in five or six
weeks the productions of Peru to the mouth of the
Amazons, and to the neighbouring coasts of Europe,
while a passage of four months'is requisite to con-
vey the same goods to the same point, in doubling
cape Horn. ‘The cultivation of the fine regions
situated on the e. declivity of the Andes, and the
prosperity and wealth of their inhabitants, depend
on a free navigation of the river of the Amazons.
This liberty, denied by the court of Portugal to the
Spaniards, might have been acquired in the sequel
to the events which preceded the peace of 1801.
9. Before the coast of the Patagonians was suf-
ticiently known, the gulf of St. George, situated
between the 45° and the 47° of s. lat. was supposed
to enter so far into the interior of the country, as
to communicate with the arms of the sea which
interrupt the continuity of the w. coast, that is to
say, with the coast opposite to the archipelago of
Chayamapu. Were this supposition founded on
solid bases, the vessels destined for the S, sea might
cross 8, America 7° to the 2, of the straits of Magel-
lan, and shorten their route more than 700 leagues,
In this way, navigators might avoid the dangers
which, notwithstanding the perfection of nautical
science, still accompany the voyage round cape
Horn and along the Patagonian coast, from cape
Pilares to the parallel of the Chonos islands,
These ideas, in 1790, occupied the attention of]
e14 MEXICO,
the court of Madrid. M. Gil Lemos, viceroy of
eru, an upright and zealous administrator, equips
ed a small expedition under the orders of M.
floraleda, to examine the s. coast of Chile. The
aforesaid person visited the archipelagos of Chiloe
and Chonos, and the w. coast of the Patagonians,
from 1787 down to 1796. Two very interesting
manuscripts, drawn up by M. Moraleda, are to
be found in the archives of the viceroyalty of
Lima: the title of the one is, Viage al Recono-
cimiento de las Islas de Chiloe, 1786; the other
comprehends the Reconocimiento del Archipelago
de los Chonos y Costa occidental Patagonica,
1792—1796. Curious and interesting extracts
might be published from these journals, which
contain details regarding the cities De los Cesares
and De l’Argucllo, which are said to have been
founded in 1554, and are placed by apocryphal
accounts between 42° and 49° of s. lat. Humboldt
saw the instructions the above person received at
Lima, which recommended to him the greatest
secrecy in case he should be happy enough to
discover a communication between the two seas.
But M. Moraleda discovered in 1793, that the
Estero de Aysen, visited before him in 1763 by
the Jesuits, Fathers Jose Garcia and Juan Vicuiia,
was, of all the arms of the sea, that in which the
waters of the ocean advance the farthest towards
the e. Yet it is but eight leagues in length, and
terminates at the isle De la Cruz, where it receives
a small river, near a hot spring. Hence the canal
of Aysen, situated in the 45° 98! of lat. is still 88
leagues distant from the gulf of St. George. This
gulf was exactly surveyed by the expedition of
Malaspina. Inthe year 1746 a communication was,
in the same manner, suspected in Europe between
the bay of St. J ulien(lat. 50° 53')and the Greatocean.
M. Humboldt has sketched in one plate the
nine points which appear to afford means of com-
munication between the two oceans, by the junc-
tion of neighbouring rivers, either by canals or
carriage-roads between the places where the rivers
become navigable. These sketches are not of equal
accuracy, astronomically considered; but he
wished to save the reader the labour of seeking in
several maps what may be contained in one; and
it is the duty of the government which possesses
the finest and most fertile part of the globe to
perfect what he has merely hinted at in this dis-
cussion. Two Spanish engincers, MM, Le Maur,
drew up superb plans of the canal De los Guines,
projected for traversing the whole island of Cuba,
from Batabano to the Havanah, <A similar sur-
vey of the isthmus of Guasacualco, the lake Nica-
ragua, of the country between Cruces and Panama,
and between Cupica and the Rio Naipi, would
direct the statesman in his choice, and enable him
to decide, if it is at Mexico or Darien that this
undertaking should be executed ; an undertaking
calculated to immortalize a government occupied
with the true interests of humanity.
The long cireumnavigation of . America would
then be less frequent ; and a communication would
be opened for the goods which pass from the At.
lantic ocean to the 8. sea. The time is past (as
observes M. de Fleurieu, in his learned notes on
the Voyage de Marchand, t. i. p. 566) ‘ when
Spain, through a jealous policy, refused to other
nations a thoroughfare through the possessions of
which she so long kept the world in ignorance,”
Those who are at present at the head of the
government are enlightened enough to give a
favourable reception to the liberal ideas proposed
to them; and the presence of a stranger is no
longer regarded as a danger for the country,
Should a canal of communication be opened be-
tween the two oceans, the productions of Nootka
sound and of China will be brought more than
2000 leagues nearer to Europe and the United
States. Then only can any great changes be ef-
fected in the political state of e. Asia, for this
neck of land, the barrier against the waves of the
Atlantic ocean, has been for many ages the bulwark
of the independence of China and Japan.
Cuap. XI.
Glance on the coast of the Great ocean, which
extends from the port of San Francisco and from
cape Mendocino to the Russian establishments
in Prince William’s sound,
Tue whole of this coast has been visited since
the end of the 16th century by Spanish naviga-
tors; but it has only been carefully examined by
order of the viceroys of New Spain since 1774.
Numerous expeditions of discovery have followed
one another up to 1792, ‘The colony attempted to
be established by the Spaniards at Nootka fixed
for some time the attention of all the maritime
powers of Europe. A few sheds erected on the
coast, and a miserable bastion defended by swivel
guns, and a few cabbages planted within an enclo-
sure, were very near exciting a bloody war be-
tween Spain and England ; and it was only by the
destruction of the establishment founded at the
island of Quadra and of Vancouver, that Macuina,
the tays or prince of Nootka, was enabled to
preserve his independence. Several nations of
curope have frequented these latitudes since 1786,
for the sake of the trade in sea otter skins; but
their rivalry has had the most disadvantageous |
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MEXICO. 215
[consequences both for themselves and the natives
of the country. The price of the skins as they
rose on the coast of America fell enormously in
China, Corruption of manners has increased
among the Indians ; and by following the same
nolicy by which the African coasts have been
faid waste, the Europeans endeavoured to take
advantage of the discord among the éays. Several
of the most debauched sailors deserted their ships
to settle among the natives of the country, At
Nootka, as well as at the Sandwich islands, the
most fearful mixture of primitive barbarity with
the vices of polished Europe is to be observed. It
is diflicult to conceive that the few species of roots
of the old continent transplanted into these fertile
regions by voyagers, which figure in the list of the
benefits that the Europeans boast of having bestow-
ed on the inhabitants of the S. sea islands, have
proved any thing like a compensation for the real
evils which they introduced among them,
At the glorious epocha in the 16th century, when
the Spanish nation, fayoured by a combination of
singular circumstances, freely displayed the re-
sources of their genius and the force of their
character; the problem of a passage to the x. w.
and a direct road to the E. Indics, occupied the
minds of the Castilians with the same ardour dis-
played by some other nations within these 30 or
40 years. We do not allude to the apocryphal
voyages of Ferrer Maldonado, Juan de Fuca, and
Bartolome Fonte, to which for a long time only
too much importance was given. ‘The most part
o. the impostures published under the names of
these three navigators were destroyed by the labo-
rious and learned discussion of several officers of the
Spanish marine. (See Memoirs of Don Ciriaco
Cevallos. Researches into the Archives of Seville,
by Don Augustin Cean, Historical Introduction
to the Voyage of Galiano and Valdes, p. xlix. lvi.
and Ixxvi. Ixxxiii.) In place of bringing for-
ward names nearly fabulous, and losing ourselves
in the uncertainty of hypotheses, we shall confine
ourselyes to indicate here what is incontestibly
proved by historical documents. ‘The following
notices, partly drawn from the manuscript memoirs
of Don Antonio Bonilla and M, Casasola, preserved
in the archives of the viceroyalty of Mexico, pre-
sent facts which, combined together, deserve the
attention of the reader. ‘These notices displaying,
as it were, the varying picture of the national
activity, sometimes excited and sometimes palsied,
will no doubt be interesting.
The names of Cabrillo and Gali are less cele-
brated than Fuca and Fonte. ‘The true recital of
a modest navigator has neither the charm nor the
power which accompany deception. wuan Ro-
driguez Cabrillo visited the coast of New California
to the 87° 10’, or the Punta del Aiio Nuevo, to the
n. of Monterey, He perished (onthe 3d January
1543) at the island of San Bernardo, near the chan-
nel of Santa Barbara, according to the manuscript
preserved in the Archivo-general de Indias at Mae
drid, But Bartolome Ferrelo, his pilot, continued
his discoveries n. to the 43° of lat. when he saw
the coast of cape Blanc, called by Vancouver cape
Orford.
Francisco Gali, in his voyage from Macao to
Acapulco, discovereed in 1582 the n. w. coast of
America under the 57° 30’. He admired, like’ all
those who since his time have visited New Cornwall;
the beauty of those colossal mountains, of which the
summit is covered with perpetual snow, while their
bottom is covered with the most beautiful vegeta-
tion. On correcting the old observations by the
new, in places of which the identity is ascertained,
we find that Gali coasted part of the archipelago
of the Prince of Wales, or that of King George.
Sir Francis Drake only went as far as the 48° of
lat. to the 2. of cape Grenville in New Georgia.
Of the two expeditions undertaken by Sebastian
Viscayno in 1596 and 1602, the last only was
directed to the coast of New California. Thirty
two maps, drawn up at Mexico by the cosmogra-
pher Henry Martinez, prove that Viscayno surveyed
those coasts with more care and more _intelli-
gence than was ever done by any pilot before him.
‘The diseases of his crew, the want of provision,
and the extreme rigour of the season, prevented
him, however, from ascending higher than cape
S. Sebastian, situated under the 42° of lat. a little
to the 2. of the bay of the Trinity. One vessel of
Viscayno’s expedition, the frigate commanded by
Antonio Florez, alone eg cape Mendocino.
This frigate reached the mouth of a river in the
AS° of lat. which appears to haye been already
discoved by Cabrillo in 1543, and which was be-
lieved by Martin de Aguilar to be the w. extremity
of the straits of Anian. We must not confound
this entry or river of Aguilar, which could not be
found again in our times, with the mouth of the
Rio Colombia (lat. 46° 15’) celebrated from the
voyage of Vancouver, Gray, and Captain Lewis.
The brilliant epocha otf the discoveries made
anciently by the Spaniards on the n. w. coast of
America ended with Gali and Viscayno. ‘The
history of the navigations.of the 17th century, and
the first half of the 18th,. offers us no expedition
directed from the coast of Mexico to the immense
shore from cape Mendocino to the confines of e.
Asia. In place of the Spanish the Russian flag ]
216 M2Z“xiIco.
[was alone seen to float in these latitudes, waving on
the vessels commanded by two intrepid navigators,
Bering and Tschiricow.
At length, after an interruption of nearly 170
years, the court of Madrid again turned its atten-
tion to the coast of the Great ocean. But it was
not alone the desire of discoveries useful to science
which roused the government from its lethargy.
It was rather the fear of being attacked in its most
n. possessions in New Spain; it was the dread of
secing Kuropean establishments in the neighbour.
hood of those of California. Of all the Spanish
expeditions undertaken between 1774 and 1792,
the two last alone bear the true character of
expeditions of discovery. ‘They were commanded
by officers whose labours display an_ intimate
acquaintance with nautical astronomy. ‘The names
of Alexander Malaspina, Galiano, Espinosa, Val-
des, and Vernaci, will ever hold an honourable
place in the list of the intelligent and intrepid
Navigators to whom we owe an exact knowledge
of the x. w. coast of the new continent. If their
predecessors could not give the same perfection
to their operations, it was because, setting out from
San Blas or Monterey, they were unprovided with
instruments and the other means furnished by
civilized Europe.
The first important expedition made after the
voyage of Viscayno was that of Juan Perez, who
commanded the corvette Santiago, formerly called
La Nueva Galicia. As neither Cook nor Barring-
ton, nor M. de Fleurieu, appear to uave had any
knowledge of this important voyage, we shall here
insert several facts extracted from a manuscript
journal, which was kept by two monks, Jray
Juan Crespi, and Fray ‘Tomas de la Peja, and for
which Humboldt was indebted to the kindness of
M. Don Guillermo Aguirre, a member of the azvdi-
encia of Mexico. Perez and his pilot, Estevan
Jose Martinez, left the port of San Blas on the
24th January 1774. They were ordered to exa-
mine all the coast from the port of San Carlos de
Monterey to the 60° of latitude. After touching
at Monterey they set sail again on the 7th June.
They discovered on the 20th July the island De
la Marguerite (which is the x. w. point of Queen
Charlotte’s island), and the strait which separates
this island from that of the Prince of Wales. On
the 9th August they anchored, the first of all the
European navigators, in Nootka road, which they
called the port of San Lorenzo, and which the il-
lustrious Cook four years afterwards called King
George’s sound. They carried on barter with the
natives, among whom they saw iron and copper.
They gave them axes and knives for skins and
otter furs. Perez could not land on account of the
rough weather and high seas, His sloop was even
on the point of being lost in attempting to land;
and the corvette was obliged to cut its cables and
to abandon its anchors to get into the open sea,
The Indians stole several articles belonging to M.
Perez and his crew; and this circumstance, re.
lated in the journal of Father Crespi, may serve
to resolve the famous difficulty attending the Eu-
ropean silver spoons found there by Captain Cook
in 1778 in the possession of the Indians of Nootka,
The corvette Santiago returned to Monterey on
the 27th of August 1774, afier a cruise of eight
months.
In the following year a second expedition set
out from San Blas, under the command of Don
Bruno Heceta, Don Juan de Ayala, and Don Juan
de la Bodega y Quadra. ‘This voyage, which
singularly advanced the discovery of the n.w.
coast, is known from the journal of the pilot Mau.
relle, published by M. Barrington and joined to
the instructions of the unfortunate La Perouse.
Quadra discovered the mouth of the Rio Co-
lombia, called Entrada de Heceta, the Pic of San
Jacinto (mount Edgecumbe), near Norfolk bay,
and the fine port of Bucareli (lat. 55° 24’), which
from the researches of Vancouver we know to be-
long to the w. coast of the great island of the ar.
chipelago of the Prince of Wales. ‘This port is
surrounded by seven volcanoes, of which the
summits, covered with perpetual snow, throw up
flames and ashes. M. Quadra found there a
great number of dogs which the Indians use for
hunting. Humboldt states to have in his posses-
sion two very curious small maps, engraved in
1788, in the city of Mexico, which give the bear-
ings of the coast from the 17° to the 58° of lati-
tude, as they were discovered in the expedition of
Quadra. One of these maps is entitled, ** Carta
geografica de la costa occidental de la California,
situada al Norte de la linea sobre el mar Asiatico
que se discubrio en los afios de 1769 y 1775, por el
Teniente de Navio, Don Juan Francisco de Bodega
y Quadra y por el Alferez de Fragata, Don Jose
Cajlizares desde los 17 hasta los 58 grados.”? On this
map the coast appears almost without entradas
and without islands. In this we remark L’ Ense-
nada de Ezeta (Rio Colombia) and L’ Entrada de
Juan Perez, but under the name of the port ot
San Lorenzo (Nootka), seen by the same Perez in
1774. The other is called “ Plan del gran puerto
de San Francisco discubierto por Don Jose de
Caiiizares en el mar Asiatico.”” Vancouver dis«
tinguishes the ports of St. Francis, Sir Francis
Drake, and Bodega, as three different ports, M./
i
t
1
a
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MEXICO. 217
fde Fleurieu considers them as identical. Voyage
de Marchand, vol. i. p.54. Quadra believes, as
we have already observed, that Drake anchored at
the port De la Bogeda.
'The court of Madrid gave orders in 1776 to the
viceroy of Mexico, to prepare a new expedition
to examine the coast of America to the 70° of a.
latitude. For this purpose two corvettes were
built, La Princesa and La Favorita; but this
building experienced such delay, that the expe-
dition, commanded by Quadra and Don Ignacio
Arteaga, could not set sail from the port of San
Blas till the 11th February 1779. During this
interval Cook visited the same coast. Quadra and
the pilot Don Francisco Maurelle carefully exa-
mined the port De Bucareli, the Mont Sant Elie,
and the island De la Magdalena, called by Van-
couver Hinchinbrook island (lat. 60° 25’), situ-
ated at the entry of Prince William’s bay, and
the island of Regla, one of the most sterile islands
in Cook river. The expedition returned to San
Blas on the 2Ist November 1779. We find from
a manuscript procured at Mexico, that the schis-
tous rocks in the vicinity of the port of Bucareli
in Prince of Wales’s island contain metalliferous
seams.
The memorable war which gave liberty to a
great part of N. America, prevented the viceroys
of Mexico from pursuing expeditions of discovery
to the 2. of Mendocino. The court of Madrid
gave orders to suspend the expeditions so long as
the hostilities should endure between Spain and
England. This interruption continued even long
after the peace of Versailles; and it was not till
1788 that two Spanish vessels, the frigate La Prin-
cesa, and the packet-boat San Carlos, commanded
by Don Esteban Martinez and Don Gonzalo Lo-
pez de Haro, left the port of San Blas with the
design of examining the position and state of the
Russian establishments on the 2. w. coast of Ame-
rica. ‘The existence of these establishments, of
which it appears that the court of Madrid had no
knowledge till after the publication of the third
voyage of the illustrious Cook, gave the greatest
uneasiness to the Spanish government. It saw
with chagrin that the fur trade drew numerous
English, French, and American vessels towards a
coast which, before the return of Lieutenant King
to London, had been as little frequented by Eu-
ropeans as the land of the Nuyts, or that of En-
dracht in New Holland.
The expedition of Martinez and Haro lasted
from the 8th March to the 5th of December 1788.
These navigators made the direct route from San
Blas to the entry of Prince William, called by the
VOL. IN.
Russians the gulf Tschugatskaja, They visited
Cook river, the Kichtak (Kodiak) islands, Schu-
magin, Unimak, and Unalaschka (Onalaska).—
They were very friendly treated in the different
factories which they found established in Cook
river and Unalaschka, and they even received
communication of several maps drawn up by the
Russians of these latitudes, Humboldt found in
the archives of the viceroyalty of Mexico a large
volume in folio, bearing the title of Aeconocimiento
de los quatros establecimientos Russos al Norte de
la Catifornia, hecho en 1788, The historical ac-
count of the voyage of Martinez contained in this
manuscript furnishes, however, very few data re-
lative to the Russian colonies in the new conti-
nent. No person in the crew understanding a
word of the Russian language, they could only
make themselves understood by signs. They for-
got, before undertaking this distant expedition, to
bring an interpreter from Lurope. The evil was
without remedy. However, M. Martinez would
have had as great difficulty in finding a Russian
in the whole extent of Spanish America as Sir
George Staunton had to discover a Chinese in
England or France.
Since the voyages of Cook, Dixon, Portlock,
Mears, and Duncan, the Europeans began to con-
sider the port of Nootka as_ the principal fur
market of the 2.w. coast of N. America. This
consideration induced the court cf Madrid to do
in 1789 what it could easier have done 15 years
sooner, immediately after the voyage of Juan
Perez. M. Martinez, who had been visiting the
Russian factories, received orders to make a solid
establishment at Nootka, and to examine carefully
that part of the coast comprised between the 50°
and the 55° of latitude, which Captain Cook could
not survey in the course of his navigation.
The port of Nootka is on the e. coast of an
island, which, according to the survey in 1791 by
MM. Espinosa and Cevallos, is 20 marine miles in
breadth, and which is separated by the channel of
Tasis from the great island, now called the island
of Quadra and Vancouver. It is therefore equally
false to assert that the port of Nootka, called by
the natives Yucuatl, belongs to the great island of
Quadra, as it is inaccurate to say that cape Horn
is the extremity of ‘Tierra del Fuego. It was
an extraordinary misconception in the illustrious
Cook in converting the name of Yucuatl into
Nootka, this last word being unknown to the na-
tives of the country, and having no analogy to
any of the words of their language excepting
noutchi, which signifies mountain. It would ap-
pear, however, from what is said of Captain Cook]
FF
218
[by Mr. King, that his car was by no means very
accurate in Abttngutaktig sounds,
Don Esteban Martinez, commanding the frigate
La Princesa, and the packet-boat San Carlos,
anchored in the port of Nootka on the 5th May
1789, He was received ina very friendly man-
ner by the chief Mactina, who recollected very
well having seen him with M. Perez in 1774, and
who even shewed the beautiful Monterey shells
which were then presented tohim, Macnina, the
tays of the island of Yucuatl, has an absolute au-
thority ; he is the Montezuma of these countries ;
and his name has become celebrated among all
the nations who carry on the sea-otter skin trade.
We know not if Macuina yet lives; but it was
said at Mexico in the end of 1803, that, more
jealous of his independence than the king of the
Sandwich islands, who has declared himself the
vassal of England, he was endeavouring to procure
fire-arms and powder to protect himself from the
insults to which he was frequently exposed by Eu-
ropean navigators, See Nootka.
Martinez did not carry his researches beyond
the 50° of latitude. ‘Two months after his entry
into the port of Nootka he saw the arrival of an
English vessel, the Argonaut, commanded by
James Colnet, known by his observations at the
Galapagos islands, Colnet showed the Spanish
navigator the orders which he had received from
his government to establish a factory at Nootka,
to construct a frigate and a cutter, and‘to prevent
every other European nation from interfering with
the fur trade, It was in vain Martinez replied,
that long before Cook, Juan Perez had anchored
on the same coast. The dispute which arose be-
tween the commanders of the Argonaut and the
Princesa was on ihe point of occasioning a rup-
ture between the courts of London and Madrid.
Martinez, to establish the priority of his rights,
made use of a violent and very illegal measure:
he arrested Colnet, and sent him by San Blas to
the city of Mexico. ‘The true proprietor of the
Nootka country, the Tays Macuina, declared him-
self prudently for the vanquishing party ; but the
viceroy, who deemed it prop ¢ to hasten the recal
of Martinez, sent out three other armed vessels in
the commencement of the year 1790 to the 2. w.
coast of America,
Don Francisco Elisa, and Don Salvador Fi-
dalgo, the brother of the astronomer who sur-
veyed the coast of S. America, from the mouth
of the Dragon to Portobello, commanded this new
expedition, M. Fidalgo visited Cook creek and
Prince William’s sound, and he completed vue
examination of that coast, which was only after-
MEXICO,
wards examined by the intrepid Vanconver.
Under the 60° 54 of latitude, at the n. extre
mity of Prince Witliain’s sound, M. Fidalgo was
witness of a phenomenon, probably volcanic, of
a most extraordinary nature. ‘Nhe Indians con.
ducted him into a plain covered with snow, where
he saw great masses of ice and stone thrown up to
prodigious heights in the air with a dreadful noise,
Don Francisco Elisa remained at Nootka to ene
large and fortify the establishment founded by
Martinez in the preceding year. It was not yet
known in this part of the world, that by a treaty
signed at the Escurial on the 28th October 1790,
Spain had desisted from her pretensions to Nootka
and Cox channel in favour of the court of Lon-
don, The frigate Dedalus, which brought orders
to Vancouver to watch over the execution of this
treaty, only arrived at the port of Nootka in the
month of August 1792, at an epocha when Fi-
dalgo was employed in forming a second Spanish
establishment to the s.e. of the island of Quadra
on the continent, at the port of Nujiez Gaona, or
Quinacamet, situated under the 48° 20’ of latitude,
at the creek of Juan de Fuca.
The expedition of Captain Elisa was followed
by two others, which, for the importance of their
astronomical operations, and the excellence of the
instruments with which they were provided, may
be compared with the expeditions of Cook, La
Perouse, and Vancouver,
We mean the voyage
of the illustrious Malaspina in 1791, and that of
Galiano and Valdes in 1799.
The operations of Malaspina and the officers
under him embrace an immense extent of coast
from the mouth of the Rio de la Plata to Prince
William’s sound. But this able navigator is stiil
more celebrated for his misfortunes than his dis«
coveries. After examining both hemispheres, and
escaping all the dangers of the ocean, he had still
greater to suffer from his court; and he drageed
out six years in a dungeon, the victim of a political
intrigue. Ue obtained iis liberty from the French
government, and returned to his native country ;
and he enjoys in solitude on the banks of the Arno
the profound impressions which the contemplation
of nature and the study of man under so many
different climates have left on a mind of great sen-
sibility, tried in the school of adversity.
The labours of Malaspina remain buried in the
archives, not because the government dreaded
the disclosure of secrets, the concealment of which
might be deemed useful, but that the name of this
intrepid navigator might be doomed to eternal ob-
livion, Fortunately the directors of theDeposito H y-
drografico of Madrid, (established by a royal order’
icouver.
. extree
ilo was
anic, of
ans con-
vy, Where
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ain the
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MEXICO. 219
Ton the 6th August 1797), have communicated to
the public the principal results of the astronomical
observations of Malaspina’s expedition, ‘The
charts which have appeared at Madrid since 1799
are founded in a ereat measure on those important
results; but instead of the name of the chief, we
merely find the names of the corvettes La Descu-
bierta and La Atrevida, which were commanded
by Malaspina,
His expedition, which set out from Cadiz on
the 30th July 1789, only arrived at the port of
Acaputco on the 2d February L791, At this pe-
riod the court of Madrid again turned tts attention
to a subject which had been under dispute in the
beginning of the 17th century, the pretended straits
by which Lorenzo Ferrer Maldonado passed in
1588 from the Labrador coast to the Great ocean,
A memoir read by M, Buache at the Academy of
Sciences revived the hope of the existence of such
a passage ; and the corvettes La Descubierta and
4,’Atrevida received orders to ascend to high lati-
tudes on the n.w. coast of America, and to ex-
amine all the passages and creeks which interrupt
the continuity of the shore between the 53° and 60°
of latitude. Malaspina, accompanied by the bo-
tanists Haenke and Nee, set sail from Acapulco on
the Ist May 1791. After a navigation of three
weeks he reached cape S$. Bartholomew, which
had already been ascertained by Quadra in 1775,
by Cook in 1778, and in 1786 by Dixon. He
surveyed the coast from the mountain of San Ja-
cinto, near cape Ndgecumbe (Cabo Eiigano), lat.
57° I 30’ to Montagu island, opposite the entrance
of Prince William’s sound. During the course of
this expedition, the length of the pendulum and
the inclination and declination of the magnetic
needle were determined on several points of the
coast. ‘The elevation of S. Elie and mount Fair-
weather (or Cerro de Buen 'Tempo), which are the
principal summits of the cordi/lera of New Nor-
folk, were very carefully measured: the height of
the former is 17,850, and of the second 14,992
feet. The knowledge of their height and position
may be of great assistance to navigators when
they are prevented by unfavourable weather from
sceing the sun for whole weeks; for by seeing
these pics at a distance of 80 or 100 miles, they
may ascertain the position of their vessel by simple
elevations and angles of altitude.
After a vain attempt to discover the straits men-
tioned in the account of the apocryphal voyage ot
Maldonado, and after remaining some time at
port Mulgrave, in Bering’s bay, (lat. 59° 34’ 20",
Alexander Malaspina directed his courses, He
anchored at the port of Nootka on the 15th August,
sounded the channels round the island of Yucuatl,
and determined by observations purely cclestial
the positions of Nootka, Monterey, and the island
of Guadaloupe, at which the galleon of the Philip-
pines (La Nao de China), generally stops, and
cape San Lucas, The corvette La Atrevida en-
tered Acapulco, and the corvette La Descubierta
entered San Blas in the month of October 1791,
A voyage of six months was no doubt by no
means suflicient for discovering and surveying an
extensive coast with that minute care which Wve
admire in the voyage of Vancouver, which lasted
three years, However, the expedition of Malas-
pina has one particular merit, which consists not
only in the number of astrononical observations,
but also in the judicious method employed for at-
taining certain results. The longitude and latitude
of four points of the coast, cape San Lucas, Mon-
terey, Nootka, and port Mulgrave, were ascer-
tained in an absolute manner. The intermediate
yoints were connected with these fixed points
y means of four seaewatches of Arnold. ‘This
method, employed by the officers of Malaspina’s
expedition, MM. Espinosa, Cevallos, and Vernaci,
is much better than the partial corrections usuaily
made in chronometrical longitudes by the results
of lunar distances,
The celebrated Malaspina had scarcely returned
to the coast of Mexico, when, discontented with
not having seen ata sufficient nearness the extent
of coast from the island of Nootka to cape Men-
docino, he engaged Count de Revillagigedo, the
viceroy, to prepare a new expedition of discovery
towards the x, w. coast of America, ‘The viceroy,
who was of an active and enterprising disposition,
yielded with so much the greater facility to this
desire, as new information, received from the
officers stationed at Nootka, seemed to give proba-
bility to the existence of a channel, of which the
discovery was attributed to the Greek pilot, Juande
Fuca, in the end of the 16th century. Martinez
had indeed, in 1774, perceived a very broad open-
ing under the 48° 20! of latitude. ‘This opening
was successively visited by the pilot of the Ger-
trudis, by Ensign Don Manuel Quimper, who
commanded the bilander La Princesa Real, and in
1791 by Captain Elisa, They even discovered se-
cure and spacious ports in it. It was to complete
this survey that the galeras Sutil and Mexicana
left Acapulco on the 8th March 1792, under the
command of Don Dionisiso Galiano and Don
Cayetano Valdes.
These able and experienced astronomers, ac-
companied by MM. Salamanca and Vernaci,
sailed round the large island which now bears the}
FRQ
220 MEXICO,
[name of Quadra and Vancouver, and they em-
ployed four months in this laborious and danger.
ous navigation, After passing the straits of Fuca
and Haro, they fell in with, in the channel Del
Rosario, called by the English the gulf of
Georgia, the English navigators Vancouver and
Broughton, employed in the same researches with
themselves. ‘I'he two expeditions made a mutual
and unreserved communication of their labours ;
they assisted one another in their operations; and
there subsisted among them till the moment of
their separation a good intelligence and complete
harmony, of which, at another epocha, an example
had not been set by the astronomers on the ridge
of the cordilleras.
Galiano and Valdes, on their return from Noot-
ka to Monterey, again examined the mouth of the
Ascencion, which Don Bruno Eccta discovered on
the 17th August 1775, and which was called the
river of Colombia by the celebrated American na-
vigator Gray, from the name of the sloop under
his command, This examination w.s of so much
the greater importance, as Vancouyer, who had
already kept very close to this coast, was unable to
perceive any entrance from the 45° of latitude to
the channel of Fuca; and as this learned naviga-
tor sh a then to doubt of the existence of the Rio
de Colombia, or the Entrada de Eceta,
In 1797 the Spanish government gave orders
that the charts drawn up in the course of the ex-
pedition of MM. Galiano and Valdes should be
published, ‘in order that they might be in the
hands of the public before those of Vancouver.”
However, the publication did not take place till
1802; and geographers now possess the advan-
tage of being able to compare together the charts
of Vancouver, those of the Spanish navigators pub-
lished by the Deposiio Hydrografico of Madrid,
and the Russian chart published at Petersburgh in
1802, in the depéi of the maps of the charts of
the emperor. This comparison is so much the
more necessary, as the same capes, the same pas-
sages, and the same islands, frequently bear three
or four different names; and geographical syno-
nomy has by that means become as confused as the
synonomy of cryptogamcous plants has become
from an analogous cause.
At the same epocha at which the vessels Sutil
and Mexicana were employed in examining, in
the greatest detail, the shore between the parallels
of 45° and 51°, the Count de Revillagigedo des-
tined another expedition for higher latitudes.
The mouth of the river of Martin de Aquilar had
been unsuccesstully sought for in the vicinity of
cape Orford and cape Gregory. Alexander Ma-
laspina, in place of the famous channel De Maldo-
nado, had only found openings without any out-
let, Galiano and Valdes had ascertained that the
strait of Fuca was merely on arm of the seo,
which separates an island of more than 1700
square leagues, that of Quadra and Vancouver,
from the mountainous coast of New Georgia, ‘The
extent of this island, calculated according to the
maps of Vancouver, is 1730 square leagues, of 25
to the sexagesimal degree. It is the largest island
to be found on this w. coast of America, There
still remained doubts as to the existence of the
straits, of which the discovery was attributed to
admiral Fuentes or Fonte, which was supposed to
be under the 53° of latitude. Cook regretted his
want of ability to examine this part of the conti-
nent of New Hanover ; and the assertions of Cap-
tain Colnet, an able navigator, rendered it ex-
tremely probable that the continuity of the coast
was interrupted in these latitudes, ‘To resolve a
problem of such importance, the viceroy of New
Bpain gave orders to Licutenant Don Jacinto Caa-
maho, commander of the frigate Aranzazu, to ex-
amine with the greatest care the shore from the
51° to the 56° of vn. latitude, M.Caamaiio set
sail from the port of San Blas on the 20th March
1792; and he made a voyage of six months, He
carefully surveyed the n. part of Queen Charlotte’s
island, the s. coast of the Prince of Wales’s island,
which he called Isla de Ulloa, the islands of Re-
villagigedo, of Banks (or De la Calamidad), and
of Aristizabal, and the great inlet of Moniiio, the
mouth of which is opposite the archipelago of Pitt.
The considerable number of Spanish denomina-
tions preserved by Vancouver in his charts proves
that the expeditions, of which we have given a
summary account, contributed in no small degree
to our knowledge of a coast, which, from the 45°
of latitude to cape Douglas, to the ¢. of Cook’s
creek, is now more accurately surveyed than the
most part of the coasts of Europe.
We have now given all the information which
we could procure with regard to the voyages
undertaken by the Spaniards, trom 1553 to our own
times, towards the w. coast of Nueva Espaiia to
then. of New California, ‘The assemblage of these
materials appears to us to be necessary ina work
embracing whatever concerns the political and
commercial relations of Mexico.
The geographers, who are eager to divide the
work for the sake of facilitating the study of their
science, distinguish on the 7. w. coast an English
part, a Spanish part, and a Rassian part. These
divisions have been made without consulting the
chiefs of the different _ who inhabit these]
» Maldo-
any out-
that the
the sen,
ain 1700
ncouver,
ia. The
ig to the
es, of 25
st island
There
e of the
buted to
posed to
etted his
e conti.
of Cap-
it exe
he coast
resolve a
+ of New
nto Caa-
1, to ex-
rom the
nao set
» March
hs. He
1arlotte’s
s island,
sof Re-
ad), and
lifio, the
0 of Pitt.
nominae
8 proves
given a
I degree
the 45°
i Cook’s
than the
n which
voyages
our own
spania to
eof these
1a work
ical and
vide the
of their
English
These
lting the
it these ]
‘countries! If the puerile ceremonies which the
Iburo ywans call taking possession, and if astrono-
ical observations made on a recently discovered
coast, could give rights of property, this portion of
the new continent would be singularly pieced out
and divided among the Spaniards, Lnglish, Rus-
sians, 'rench, and Americans, One small island
would sometimes be shared by two or three no-
tions at once, because each might have discovered
a different cape of it. ‘The great sinuosity of the
coast between the parallels of 65° and 60° embraces
the successive discoveries of Gali, Bering, and
Tschirekow, Quadra, Cook, La Perouse, Malas-
pina, and Vancouver !
No European nation has yet formed a solid
establishment on the immense extent of coast from
“ape Mendocino to the 59° of latitude. Beyond
this limit the Russian factories commence, the most
part of which are scattered and distant from one
another, like the factories established by European
nations for these last 300 years on the coast of
Africa, ‘The most part of these small Russian co-
lonies have no communication with one another
but by sea; and the new denominations of Rus-
sian America, or Russian Possessions in the New
Continent, ought not to induce us to believe that
ihe coast of the basin of Bering, the peninsula
Alaska, or the country of the Tschugatschi, have
become Russian provinces, in the sense which we
give to this word, speaking of the Spanish provinces
of Sonora or New Biscay.
The w. coast of America affords the only ex-
ample of a shore of 1900 leagues in length, in-
habited by one European nation, The Spaniards,
as we have already indicated in the commence-
ment of this work, have formed establishments
from fort Maullin in Chile to 8. Francis in New
California. ‘To the 2. of the parallel of 38° suc-
eced independent Indian tribes. Jt ts probable
that these tribes will be gradually subdued by the
Russian colonists, who, towards the end of the
last century, passed over from the e, extremity of
Asia to the continent of America. The progre.s
of these Russian Siberians towards the s, ought na-
turally to be more rapid than that of the Spanish
Mexicans towards the 2. A people of hunters,
accustomed to live in a foggy and excessively
cold climate, find the temperature of the coast of
New Cornwall very agreeable ; but this coast ap-
pears an uninhabitable country, a polar region, to
colonists from a temperate climate, from the fer-
tile and delicious plains of Sonora and New Cali-
fornia.
The Spanish government since 1788 has begun
to testify uncasiness at the appearance of the Rus-
MEXICO. 221
sians on the 7.w, coast of the new continent, Con-
sidering every European nation in the light of a
dangerous neighbour, they examined the situation
of the Russian factories, The fear ceased on its
being known at Madrid that these factories did not
extend e. beyond Cook’s inlet. When the Em-
peror Paul, in 1799, declared war against Spain,
it was some time in agitation at Mexico to prepare
a maritime expedition in the ports of San Blas and
Monterey against the Russian colonics in Ame
rica, If this project had been carried into execus
tion we should have seen at hostilities two nations,
who, occupying the opposite extremities of Eu
rope, approach each other in the other hemisphere
on the e. and w, limits of their vast empires,
The interval which separates these limits be-
comes progressively smaller ; and it és for the po-
litical interest of Nueva Espaiia to k iow weurately
the parallel to which the Russian nation Ins al-
ready advanced towards the e. ands, A manus
script which exists in the archives of the vices
royalty of Mexico, and which was seen by Hum-
boldt, gave him only vague and incomplete no-
tions. It describes the state of the Russian estas
blishments as they were 20 years ago. M. Malte
Bran, in his Universal Geography, gives an intes
resting article on the n. w. coast of America, He
was the first who made known the account of the
voyage of Billings, (entitled, ‘* Account of the
geographical and astronomical expedition under.
taken for exploring the coast of the Icy sea, the
land of the 'Tshutski, and the islands between Asia
and America, under the command of Captain
Billings, between the years 1785 and 1794, by
Martin Sauer, secretary to the expedition. Putet-
chestwie flota-kapitana Sarytschewa po severowo-
stochnoi tschasti sibiri, ledowitawa mora, i wos-
tochnogo okcana, 1804,") published by M.Saryts-
chew, which is preferable to that of M. Sauer.
The following account of the Russian factories is
extracted from an ofticial document, being a chart
of discoveries successively made by Russian navi-
gators in the Pacific ocean, and in the Icy sea,
published in 1802. It shews the same to be merely
collections of sheds and huts, that serve, however,
as emporiums for the fur trade.
On the coast nearest to Asia, along Bering’s
straits, between the 67° and 64° 10’ of latitude,
under the parallels of Lapland and Iceland, we find
a great number of huts frequented by the Siberian
hunters. The principal posts, reckoning from 7.
to s. are, Kigiltach, Leglelachtok, Tuguten,:
Netschich, Tchinegritn, Chibalech, Topar, Pinte-
pata, Agulichan, Chavani, and Nugran, near
cape Rodney (Cap du Parent). ‘These habitations |
\ ‘
222 MEXICO.
fof the natives of Russian America are only from
30 to AO leagues distant from the huts of the
Tchoutskis of Avciatic Russia. The straits of
Bering, which separate them, are filled with desert
islands, of which the most 2. is called Imaglin.
The n. e. extremity of Asia forms a peninsula,
which is only connected with the great mass of the
continent by a narrow isthmus between the two
gulfs Mitschigmen and Kaltschin, The Asiatic
coast which borders the straits of Bering is peopled
by great numbers of celaceous mammiferi. On
this coast the ‘Tchoutskis, who live in perpetual
war with the Americans, have collected together
their habitations, ‘Their small villages are called
Nakan, 'Tugulan, and ‘Tschigin.
Following the coast of the continent of America
from cape Rodney and Norton creek to cape Ma-
Jovodan, tape Littlewater, we find no Russian
establishment ; but the natives have a great num-
ber of huts collected together on the shore between
the 63° 20/ and 60° 5! of latitude. The most 2. of
their habitations are Agibaniach and Chalmiagmi,
and the most s. Kuynegach and Kuymin.
The bay of Bristol, to the 2. of the peninsula
Alaska (or Aliaska) is called by the Russians the
gulf Kamischezkaia, They in general preserve
none of the English names given by Captain Cook
and Captain Vancouver, in their charts, to the x.
of the 55° of latitude. ‘They choose rather to vive
no names to the two great islands which contain
the Pic 'Trubizin (the mount Edgecumbe of Van-
couver, and Cerro de San Jacinto of Quadra), and
cape 'I'schiricof (cape San Bartholomé), than
adopt the denominations of King George's Archi-
pelago, and Prince of Wales’s Archipelago. _
The coast from the gulf Kamischezkaia to New
Cornwall is inhabited by five tribes, who form as
many great territorial divisions in the colonies of
Russian America. ‘Their names are Koniagi, Ke-
nayzi, 'I'schugatschi, Ugalachmiuti, and Noliugi.
‘The most 2. part of Alaska, and the island of
Kodiak, vulgarly called by the Russians NKichtak,
though Kightak, in the language ofthe natives, in
general means only an islae.!, belongs to the Ko-
niagi division. A great interior lake of more than
26 leagues in length, and [2 in breadth, communi-
cates by the river Igtschiagick with the bay of
Bristol. There are two forts and several factories
on the Kodiak island (Ktadiak), and the small ad-
jacent islands. ‘The forts established by Scheli-
koff bear the name of Karluk and the Three Sancti-
fiers. M. Malte Brun says, that according to the
latest information, the Kichtak archipelago was
destined to contain the head place of all the Russian
settlements. Sarytschew asserts, that there are a bi-
shopand Russian monastery in the island of Umanak
(Umnak). We do not know whether there has been
any similar establishment elsewhere 5 for the chart
published in 1802 indicates no factory either at Um-
nak, Unimak, or Unalaschka. It is, however,
read at Mexico, inéhe manuscript journal of Mar-
tinez’s voyage, that the Spaniards found several
Russian houses, and about 100 small barks, at the
island of Unalaschka in 1788. ‘Phe natives of the
peninsula Alaska call themselves the men of the
eas. (Kagataya-Koung’ns).
The Kenayzi inhabit the zw. coast of Cook creek,
or the gulf Nenayskia, ‘The Rada factory,
visited by Vancouver, is situated there under the
61° 8’. The governor of the island of Kodiak,
a Greek named Ivanitsch Delareff, assured M.
Sauer, that, notwithstanding the. rigour of the cli-
mate, grain would thrive well on the banks of
Cook river. He introduced the cultivation of
cabbages and potatoes into the gardens at Kodiak.
The Tschugatschi occupy the country between
the 2. extremity of Cook inlet and the e. of Prince
William’s bay (Tschugaiskaia gulf.) There are
several factories and three small forts in this dis-
trict: fort Alexander, near the mouth of port
Chatham, and the forts of the ‘Tuk islands, Green
island of Vancouver), and 'Tchalca (Hinchinbrook
island).
The Ugalachiniuti extend from the gulf of
Prince William to the bay of Jakutal, called by
Vancouver Bering’s bay; and here we must not
confound the bay of Bering of Vancouver, situated
at the foot of mount St. Elie, with the Bering’s
bay of the Spauish maps, near mount Fairweather
(Nevado de Buentiempo.) Indeed, without an ac-
curate acquaintance with geographical synonymy,
the Spanish, Enetish, Russian, and French works
on the». w. coast of America, are almost unintel-
ligible 5 and it is only by a minute comparison of
the maps that this synonymy can be fixed, "Phe
factor of St. Simon is near cape Suckling, (cape
Ee of the Russians), It appears that the central
chain of the cordilleras of New Norfolk is consi-
derably distant from the coast at the Pic of St.
Elie; for the natives informed M. Barrow, who
ascended the river Maduaja (Copper river) for a
Jeneth of 500 werst: (120 leagues), that it would
require two days journey a, to reach the bigh
chain of the mountains.
The Koliugi inhabit the mountainous country
of New Norfolk, and the ». part of New Corn-
wall, The Russians mark Burrough bay on their
charts (latitude 55° 50’) opposite the Revillagigedo
island of Vancouver (Isla de Gravina of the Spa-
nish maps), asthe most s. and ¢, boundaries of the |
{
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MEX
fextent of country of which they claim the pro-
perty. It appears that the great island of the
King George archipelago hus, in’ fact, been ex-
amined with more care and more minutely >y the
Russian navigators than by Vancouver. OF dis
we may easily convince ourselves by comparing
attentively the w. coast of this island, especially
the environs of cape Trubizin (cape Edgecumbe),
and ofthe port of the Archangel St. Michael, in Sitka
bay (the Norfolk sound of the English, and ‘Tebinki-
tané bay of Marchand), on the charts published at
Petersburgh-in the imperial depot, in 1802, and on
the charts of Vancouver. The most s. Russian esta-
blishment of this district of the oliugi is a small for-
tress (crupost) in the bay of Jakutal, at the foot of
the cordillera which connects mount: Fairweather
with Mont St. Mlie, near port Mulgrave, under the
59° 97' of latitude. The proximity of mountains
covered with eternal snow, and the great breadth
of the continent from the 58° of fatitude, render
the climate of this coast of New Norfolk, and the
country of the Ugalachmiuti, excessively cold and
inimical to the progress of vegetation,
When the sloops of the expedition of Malas:
pina penetrated into che interior of the bay of Jda-
kutal as far as the port of Desengatio, they found
the a, extremity of the port under the 59° of lati-
tude covered in the month of July with a solid
mass of ice. We might be inclined to believe that
this mass belonged to a glacier which terminated
in high maritime Alps; but Mackenzie relates, that
on examining the banks of the slave lake, 250
leagues to the e. under 61° of fatitude, he found
the lake wholly frozen over in the month of June,
The difference of temperature observable in general
on thee, and zw. coast of the new continent, appears
only to be very sensible to thes. of the parallel of
43°, which passes through New Hanover and
the great island of Queen Charlotte.
There is nearly the same absolute distance from
Petersburgh to the most e. Russian factory on
the continent of America, as from Madrid to the
port of San Francisco in New California, ‘The
breadth of the Russian empire embraces under the
GO” of Tatitude an extent of country of nearly 2100
leagues 5 but the small fort of the bay of Jakutal
is still more than 600 leagues distant from the most
a. limits of the Mexican possessions. "The natives
of these 2. regions have, for a long time, been
eruclly harassed by the Siberian hunters. Wo-
men and children were retained as hostages in the
Russian factories, ‘The instructions given by the
Empress Catharine to Captain Billings, drawn up
by the illustrious Pallas, breathe the spirit of phi-
Santhropy, and the most noble sensibility. The
Ic oO. 228
present government is seriously occupied in dimi-
nishing the abuses, and repressing the vexations ;
but itis difficult to prevent these evils at the extre-
mities of a vast empire; and the American is
doomed to feel every instant his distance from the
capital, Moreover, it appears more than proba-
ble that before the Russians shall clear the interval
which separates them from the Spaniards, some
other enterprising power will attempt to establish
colonies cither on the coast of New Georgia, or
on the fertile islands in its vicinity.
Chronological series of the Indian Emperors of
Mexico.
1, Acamapictli, the first king of the Mexicans ;
elected when they established themselves on the
Jake; he married Hanqueitl, daughter of the king
Acolmictli of Cohuetitlan, and having no heir,
he married a second time with 'Pezcatlamiahuatl,
daughter of the noble 'Tetepanco ; he reigned 20
years with much despotism, refused to be tributary
to the king of Agcapuzalco, and being engaged
all his lite in keeping up a spirit of harmony
among his vassals, died not without great fame.
2, Elutzizhuitl, son of the former; who obtained
the crown not by hereditary right, but through the
election of the elders and chiefs of the republic 5
he marricd Ayanhzihuatl, daughter of the king of
Azeapuzalco, and following the maxims of — his
father, took for his second wife Miahuaxochitl,
daughter of Texcacahualtzin, king of Quauhna-
hnac, so that these two princes uniting their force
heeame the most formidable power of all the other
nations 2 ils emperor nominated as captain-gene-
ralof his armies Quatlecohualtzin, his brother; ex-
pressed his abhorrence at the inhumanity of Maxila,
In slaying hisinfant son, Acolnahucatl; and reigned
happily for 22 years.
3. Chimalpopoca, brother of the former, who
suffered the greatest: indignities from his brother-
in-law Maxtla, emperor of Azcapuzalco, who,
after having deceived Chimalpopoca, violated one
of his wives, and then fled ; Chimalpopoca, irti-
tated at this, sent back to his brother-in-law a pres
sent of some women’s garments, instead of the re-
gular Gribute, saying that these were more fitting
to hin: than bows and arrows: this conduct, ot
course, ivritated the emperor, and knowing that
Chimalpopoca had made a conspiracy against his
life, determined to seize him; when Chinialpo-
poca, not being able to resist the force brought
against him, had recourse to solicit the protection
or his god Huitzilopochtli, together with his
nobles, making a festival on the occasion, which
he was on the eve of celebrating when the troops
of Maxtla entered the city and took him prisoner,
224 MEXICO.
He was immediately confined in prison, and very
scantily supplied with food, and at last, to deprive
his enemy of the triumph of killing him, put an
end to his own existence.
4. Izcohuatl, son of the former king Acamapictli,
elected on acconnt of the valour and credit he had
manifested whilst captain-general of the armics ;
being born of a female slave, he was legitimized
by his father, and was 46 years old when he took
the sceptre in his hands; he governed with great
rudence, and was one of the happiest of the
exican kings: he conquered many provinces,
gained many baitles, and he revenged the affronts
offered to his predecessor, destroying the empire
of the 'Tapanccas in one battle, through the death
of Maxtla, who flying before the victors, took re-
fuge in some baths called Temascal, and here he
was killed by means of poles and stones. Izco-
huatl, full of triumphal honours, and after having
greatly extended the kingdom, built the temple of
the idol Chihuacohuatl, which means mother-
snake, and in the year following the famous tem-
ple of Huitzilopochtli, the first god of the Mexi-
cans: shortly afterwards he was attacked with an
infirmity, and died in a few days.
5. Moctecuhzuma, the first of this name, which
means angry man; he was also called Ilhuicamina,
or the man who shoots arrows to heaven; he was
captain-general of the army, when he was elected
through his merit and brilliant valour : his first care,
after he was elected king, was to build a temple and
a house to the lying deity of the demon in the ward
called Huitznahuac, and thinking that his domi-
nions were too small, he extended them by the
conquests of the provinces of Chalco, Tlatilalco,
Cohuixca, Oztlomantlaca, Cuezalteca, Ichatezi-
panteca, Teoxahualcas, conquering all the natives
of these provinces, as well as those of ‘Tachco and
Tlachmalac. Returning from the conquests of the
latter, he enlarged the temple and habitation of
his chief god Huitzilopochtli, adorning it with the
spoils of victory, and returned toa campaign
against the Chilapenecas, the Quaulteopan,
and ‘Tzumpahuacan, rendering these also sub-
ject to him. After this he reigned.nine years in
peace and quictness, when the waters of the lake
rose to such an height as to run through the whole
city; he having then consulted with the king of
Tezcuco concerning a remedy, had just finished
surrounding the city with a dry wall when the Spa-
niards arrived. To this misfortune succeeded
another of a distressing famine, also the rebellion
of Chalco and some other provinces, which were
always very jealous of this powerful prince: at
last he died, crowned with victories, in the 29th
year of his reign, according to the computation
of the Mexicans, giving wise regulations respect-
ing the election of his successor.
6. Axayacatl, who exercised the office of cap-
tain-general, and thought worthy from his valour
of ascending the throne; he was not less prospe-
rous than his predecessor, and although the Father
Acos!a, Herrera, and other historians, do not place
him in the sixth order of succession as he stands
here, and make him the son of the fermer, the
contrary is the case, according to the Mexican an-
nals, written in their own types and figures, and
of whose chronology ours is a counterpart. This
emperor made tributary to him the ‘Tlatelulcos,
and various other kings and chiefs, and was taken
in a battle which he was fighting against the Oto-
mies of the kingdom of Xiquipilco; he was al-
ways the first in dangers and the last to fly, a
stranger to fear, and inclined rather to inhumanity
than to clemency ; he at last died full of glory.
7. Tizoc, the seventh king of the Mexicans,
elder brother of Axayacatl, on the election of whom
to the empire, the present became captain-general,
and was actually filling this post when chosen to
the throne. Although he was not so warlike and
courageous as his predecessors, yet he had a war
with the Indians of Tlacotepcc, and came off vic-
torious; after this he dedicated himself to peace
and to religious culture, determining to build
another still more sumptuous temple to Huitzilo-
pochtli ; and for this end had collected immense
quantities of. materials, when his death, which
happened about three years after he had projected
this undertaking, putan end to his views ; he died
by some wounds which were given him by some
women at the instigation of Tichotlela, a noble of
Iztapalapan, and who were sent to him for that
purpose, and not by his vassals on account of
their being disgusted at his effeminate habits, as
Acosta pretends; for, were itso, the women who
inflicted the murder would not have been put. to
death for their crime, as was, in fact, the case.
8. Ahuizotl, brother of the former; also graced
with the title of captain-general ; he began his
reign by busying himself in the completion of the
temple of the god Huitzilopochtii, and afterwards
declared war against the Mazahuas, who had re-
belled, and having conquered these he turned his
arms against the '['ziuhcoacas and Topacnecas, of
the province of Xalisco, keeping the prisoners of
these campaigns and of that of Tlacapan for sacri-
fice in the dedication of the temple, the number of
them, as it is said, amounting to 72,000. In the
Ath year of his reign Mexico experienced a dread-
ful earthquake, to which followed an inundation
A wf *s @2 A ww
ee ome
yutation
respect-
of cap-
s valour
prospe-
» Father
ot place
e stands
rer, the
ican an-
es, and
t. This
telulcos,
as taken
the Oto-
was al-
o fly, a
umanity
glory.
exicans,
of whom
general,
hosen to
like and
ad a war
» off vic-
to peace
to build
Luitzilo-
immense
» which
yrojected
he died
by some
noble of
for that
ount of
bits, as
nen who
pn put to
case,
o graced
bran his
n of the
terwards
had re-
rned his
ecas, of
koners of
or sacri-
mber of
In the
a dread-
ndation
MEXICO. 225
of the city by the overflowing of the waters of the
lake; and in order to guard more effectually against
a like misfortune, another stone wall was made,
which also served to divide the salt-water from the
fresh : he endeavoured to bring to Mexico the
water of Huitzilopuchco, putting to death Tzut-
zumatzin for contradicting and telling him that in
so doing he would drown Mexico; and when this
proved to be the case, he was so angry at his own
weakness that he struck himself a blow which he
had afterwards cause to repent. In the mean time,
however, he extended his dominions throughout
nearly the whole of Nueva Espaiia as far as Gua-
temala; discovered the quarry of the tezontli-
stone, of which the houses of the city are built,
and were then beautified ; and after a reign of 18
years, and being reputed the greatest monarch that
had reigned in that kingdom, died from the effects
of the blow he had struck himself, although three
years after, to the universal regret of his vassals,
and was succeeded in the throne by,
9. Moctecuhzuma, the second of this name,
the 10th in the series of the kings, and not the
llth, as we are wrongly informed by the chro-
nologer Don Antonio de Solis ; he was son of the
King Axayacatl, and nephew of 'Tizoc and Ahui-
zot! ; he was elected, because from his reputation
he was thought likely to equal his predecessor ;
he was very grave and demure; it was looked
upon as a miracle if he spoke, and yet when he
made a speech in the council of state, of which he
was a member, his eloquence caused universal
admiration. He was generally shut up in a great
ralpul or saloon, which he had destined for him-
self in the grand temple of Huitzilopochtli, with
whom he was said to have frequent commune, and
to whom he was priest; and wher he received
intelligence of his election to the throne he was
in the act of sweeping the temple. His first act
was tosaily forth to the punishment of the province
of Atlixco, which was in a state of rebellion. On
his return thence, his real character appeared, and
he manifested a great degree of haughtiness and
hypocrisy. He declared war against the republic
of ‘Tlaxcala, in which he uniformly met with bed
success ; and, when he had reigned four years, a
most distressing famine was suffered in his king-
dom: he renovated the aqueduct by which the
water was conveyed to the city, fortifying and
enlarging the causeway ; he afterwards had con-
tinual wars, in which he subjected many provinces,
and extended the limits of his empire as far as the
provinces of Honduras and Nicaragua; he was
looked up to and feared on all sides, and had
reigned 18 years when he recived news of the
VOL, 111.
arrival of the Spaniards under Hernan Cortes upon
the coast; he received them with kindness and
affection, and died from a wound which he had
received by a stone thrown at the Spaniards from
the Indians, as he was going to a party of the
latter to order them to lay down their arms.
10. Cuitlahuatlan, and not Guatimozin, as the
Spanish historians have it: this emperor was the
brother of the former, elected as soon as the death
of the other was known, and whilst the Mexicans
were at war with the Spaniards ; he followed up
the war with great eagerness ; but his reign was of
short duration, for, when the city was in the
greatest danger, he escaped by the lake witha
numerous fleet of canoes ; but was soon afterwards
made prisoner, lost his kingdom, and then his life ;
since Hernan Cortes ordered him to be strangled
in his journey to Honduras, having found that he
had attempted to regain the empire, after that he
had acknowledged for its emperor, and sworn
homage to, Charles V.
Catalogue of the Archbishops who haye pre-
sided in Mexico.
1. Don Fr. Juan de Zumarraga, of the order of
San Francisco, native of the town of Durango in
Vizcaya; he was guardian of his convent ot
Abrogo, and withdrawn ‘rom thence by the Em-
peror Charles V. through the fame of his heroic
virtues ; presented to be first bishop, and after-
wards archbishop of the holy cathedral of Mexico ;
heat first refused, but afterwards accepted this office
in 1527; his holiness granted him the pall in 1545.
So great was his piety and his virtue that he had
a vision of the Most Holy Virgin, to whom he
dedicated the first hermitage ; he died in 1548, at
the advanced age of 80, having in his life confirms -
ed no lessthan 14,500 Indians.
2. Don Fr. Alonso de Montufar, of the order of
preachers, native of the city of Loja in the king-
dom of Granada; he was prior of his convent of
Santa Cruz, calificador of the holy office, elevated
to the dignity of this archbishopric in 1551, labour-
ed with indefatigable zeal, celebrated two provincial
councils, one in 1555, the other in 1561, perfected
the hermitage of Nuestra Sefiora de Guadalupe,
and died, after a long illness, in 1569.
3. Don Pedro de Moya y Contreras, native of
Cordoba, doctor in sacred canons in the university
of Salamanca, maestre-escuela in the holy church
of Canaria, inquisitor of Murcia, aad founder of
the church of Mexico, elected archbishop in 1573;
he celebrated a third provincial council in 1585,
and owing to the skill and ability manifested by
him, the king was induced to charge him with the
visitation of the whole kingdom, and with the.
GG
226
office of viceroy and captainship-general through
the death of the Count of Coruna; he was called
to Spain to give an account of his visitation, and
the king being satisfied thereat, conferred on him
the presidency of the supreme council of the
Indies: a few months efter that he died, in 1591.
4. Don Alonso Fernandez Bonilla, also native of
Cordoba, inquisitor, fiscal of the holy tribunal of
Mexico, dean of its holy church, bishop of Gua-
dalaxara in Nueva Galicia, nominated visitor-
general of Peru, which office he filled with great
credit ; and presented to the bishopric by King
Philip IL. in 1592; after having been consecrated
in Lima, he received orders to pass over to the
city of Quito to pacify the disturbances which
had been raised by the establishment of the Alca-
bala; but he died before he had proceeded on his
journey.
5. Don Fr. Garcia de Santa Maria y Mendoza,
of the order of San Gerénimo, native of Alcala de
Henares, of the house of the Dukes of Infantado ;
prior of the royal monastery of the [scorial,
general of his order, executor to King Don Philip
Il. and presented to the archbishopric of Mexico
by King D. Philip III. in 1600 ; he accepted this
office rather by compulsion, and manifested such
zeal in the discharge of his duty, that he under-
went excessive labours during the six years of his
government, in the reformation of the clergy and
in the defence of the ecclesiastical immunity ; he
was a religious, charitable, and pious man, and
dicd in apostolic fame in 1606.
6. Don Fr. Garcia Guerra, of the order of St,
Domingo, native of the town of Fromesta in the
bishopric of Palencia; he was prior and master of
the province in his convent of Valladolid, and
presented to this archbishopric in 1607; governed
with singular ability os well in ecclesiastical as
secular concerns, as he was also nominated viceroy ;
endowed a monthly charity for persons of decayed
fortune in the church of Nuestra Sefiora de Gua-
dalupe, and died in consequence of a fall which
he had in getting into his carriage, in 1611.
7. Don Juan Perez de Ja Serna, native of the
town of Cervera, in the bishopric of Cuenca,
collegiate of San Antonio de Siguenza, and in
the colegio mayor of Santa Cruz de Valladolid,
professor in the same, and magisterial canon of the
church of Zamora; elected archbishop in 1613,
a charge which he managed with such skill that
he left behind him the reputation of a most excel-
lent pastor; he was, accordingly, a great favourite
with the chief pontiff, who wrote to him many letters
of endearment. Te had made himself beloved by
his subjects, and used to give them alms with his
MEXICO.
own hands, removed the body of the venerable
servant of God, Gregorio Lopez, and published,
at his own expence, the third provincial council
that was celebrated by his predecessor ; blessed
the second chapel which was dedicated to the
Virgin of Guadalupe in 1622; and such were his
merits, that the king wishing to have him nearer to
himself, removed him to the bishopric of Zamora,
where he died in 1631.
8. Don Francisco Manso y Zuiiga, native of
the town of Cajias in the ‘ishopric of Calahorra,
collegiate in the colegio mayor of Santa Cruz de
Valladolid, evening lecturer of sacred canons in that
university, oidor of the chancery of Granada ; of the
council of his Majesty in the real hacienda, or royal
revenues, and in the supreme council of the Indies ;
abbot of San Adian, chief priest of La Rioja and
of Camero Viejo in that church, and presented
to this bishopric by Senior Don Felipe TV. in
1629; he manifested his ardent zeal in the succour
which he afforded at the inundation of Mexico in
1630, going out himself in a canoe to distribute
food, nor less anxious for the common good in the
plague which succeeded ; he was promoted to the
archbishopric of Badajoz and Cartagena, and to
the commissariate cf the holy crusade, to the
archbishopric of Burgos, and to a seat in the
council of the Indies, his Majesty having conferred
upon him the title of Conde de Hervias and Viz-
conde de Negueruela.
9, Don Francisco Verdugo, native of the city
of Carmona, collegiate of Santa Maria de Jesus
in Sevilla, morning lecturer in sacred canons, in-
quisitor of Lima, and bishop of Guamanga ; pre-
sented to the archbishopric of Mexico, but he died
in that city before he received the bulls.
10. Don Feliciano de la Vega, native of Lima,
jubilee morning lecturer in sacred canons, canon
of that holy church and chanter, provisor and
vicar-general of the archbishopric, judge of the
appeals of its suffragans ; elected bishop of Popay-
an and Vera Cruz in 1628, and presented to this
metropolitan bishopric of Mexico in 1638; he
was a man of consummate learning, as his works
testify, and equally great in his apostolic zeal.
As to his qualifications, it will be enough to ob-
serve, that, of the 4000 opinions that he had given,
not one of them has been revoked; he did not
take possession of the bishopric, having dicd be-
fore he entered it at Mazatlan, 30 leagues from
Acapulco, in 1640.
Il. he venerable Sefior D. Juan de Palafox y
Mendoza, bishop of La Puebla de los Angeles; pro-
moted to this bishopric, which he did not accept.
12, Don Juan de Maiozca, native of Marquina
enerable
blished,
council
blessed
to the
were his
rearer to
Zamora,
native of
lahorra,
Cruz de
is in that
2; of the
or royal
» Indies ;
ioja and
resented
IV. in
succour
exico in
jistribute
xd in the
ed to the
, and to
, to the
t in the
onferred
ind Viz-
the city
le Jesus
nORS, ins
ras pre-
he died
f Lima,
By canon
isor and
of the
t Popay-
to this
38; he
is works
ic zeal,
h to ob-
d given,
did not
died be-
ues from
afox v
es3 pros
accept.
arquina
MEXICO. 227
in Vizcaya, collegiate of the royal and most ancient
college of Bartolomé el Viejo of Salamanca, first
inquisitor of Cartagena de Indias, afterwards of
Lima, and of La Suprema, and president of the
chancery of Granada; presented to this bishopric
in 1643; he died in 1654.
i. Don Marcelo Lopez de Azcona, abbot of
Roncesvalles ; presented to the archbishopric the
aforesaid year, 1653, and he died a few days after
taking possession,
14, Don Mateo de Sagade Burguciro, native of
Pontevedra in Galicia, collegiate in the co/egio
mayor of Santa Cruz de Valladolid, professor of
arts in that of Durango, and of sacred writings in
the university there ; magisterial canon in the holy
churches of Astorga and of Toledo, and elected
archbishop of Mexico in 1635; he was a most
strenuous defender of the ecclesiastical jurisdiction,
and was presented by his Majesty to the bishopric
of Cadiz in 1662; shortly afterwards to that of
Leon, and lastly to the church of Cartagena in
1663, where he died in 1672.
15. Don Diego Osorio de Escobar y Llamas,
native of Coruia in Galicia, advocate of the royal
councils, canonical doctor of the church of ‘Toledo,
inquisitor-gencral of its archbishopric ; of the coun-
cil of the government of his most excellent the
Seiior Cardinal of Sandoval ; bishop of La Puebla
de los Angeles in 1636, and in L664 viceroy, go-
vernor, and captain-general of Nueva Espaiia ;
elected archbishop, which dignity, although he
refused, he kept till the arrival of a successor.
16. Don Alonso de Cueva y Davalos, native of
Mexico, magisterial canon, treasurer, and arch-
deacon of the church of La Puebla, dean of this
metropolitan church, bishop of Oaxaca, a man of
illustrious birth and singular virtues ; but who died
before he took the pall, in 1663: he was interred
in the same cathedral in which he was baptized.
17. Don Fr. Marcos Ramirez de Prado, of the
order of San Francisco, native of Madrid; was
bishop of Chiapa and Mechoacin, visitor of the
tribunal of the holy crusade in Nueva Espana ;
promoted to this archbishopric in 1666, entered to
take possession with universal jubilee, and whilst
expectation was alive to see the effects of that
wonderful ability which had graced all his other
stations, he died in the following year without re-
ceiving the pall.
18. Don #r. Payo Enriquez de Rivera, of the
order of San Agustin, native of Sevilla, son of the
Duke of Alcala, prior of various convents, and
rector of the college of Dofa Maria de Aragon in
Madrid, calificador of the holy oflice, bishop of
Guatemala and of Mechoacin, and presented to this
bishopric in 1668: he was a man extremely moe
dest and charitable, zealous fur ecclesiastical disci-
pline, and was elevated to the supreme command
of viceroy and captain-general in 1673: his disin-
terested, useful, and pacific government lasted for
some time, and having passed over to Spain, where
he was called to fill the bishopric of Cuenca, he re-
tired to the convent of Nuestra Sefiora del Risco
of his order, close to the city of Avila, where
bringing himself to an austere religious life, lie
died in L6S4.
19. Don Manuel Fernandez de Santa Cruz Sas
hagun, native of Palencia, collegiate of the college
of Santa Cruz de Valladolid, magisterial canon of
Segovia, elected bishop of Chiapa, Guadalaxara,
and of La Puebla de los Angeles fn 16773 pro-
moted to the archbishopric of Mexico in 1680, but
renounced it together with the viceroyship with
extreme humility.
20. Don Francisco de Aguiar, native of the
town of Betanzos in Galicia, collegiate of the
colegio mayor of Cuenca in the university of Sa-
lamancn, magisterial canon of Astorga, peniten-
Hiary of Santiago 5 presented to the bishopric of
Mechoacan, and to this bishopric in LOSI; he pre-
served throughout his life an angelic purity, and
a modesty foreign to all pride, and so zealous was
he in the perforniance of his duty that he visited
the whole diocese with excessive fatigue, bringing
many souls to the bosom of the church: he was
an example for prelates, being charitable, devout,
edifying, vigilant in the reform of customs, kind
to all, and severe only to himself. It was he that
put on foot the establishing of the college for tee
male children of San Miguel de Belen, and at his
solicitude was built the college called the Semi-
nario ‘Pridentino ; he also built the house for the
reception of mad women, there called De Sayagos,
was a great benefactor to the house of compassion
for married women, and laid the first stone of the
magnificent temple of Guadalupe, and died in
1698. There are some who speak of his beatifica-
tion, since, even in his life-time, he deserved the
eulogy of the apostelic see, and of the Cardinal
Aguirre in the catalogue of the bishops of Mexico.
21. Don Juan de Ortega Montaties, native of
Llanes in the principality of Asturias: he arrived
through his merits to the bishopric of Durango,
afterwards to that of Mechoacan, to that of Gua-
temala, and the viceroyalty and captainship-gene-
ral of Nueva Espaiia; promoted to this arches
bishopric in 1701. ‘The integrity with which he
governed induced his Majesty to entrust to him
the command for the second time, and through a
great zeal of finishing the temple of the Virgin of
GGe
| (i
"; es
aie
i
; 1
228 MEXICO.
Guadalupe, he went about personally to collect
alms for the purpose through the city, and just as
it was finished and ready to be dedicated he died,
in 1710.
22. Don Joseph Lanciego y Eguiluz, native of
the town of Viana in the kingdom of Navarra, of
the order of San Benito, preacher to his Majesty,
calificadov of La Suprema, and abbot of his monas-
tery of Naxera ; presented to the bishopric in 1711:
he governed with great prudence, and with cqual
zeal visited the whole of the bishopric ; erected at
his own expence the greater part of the building
of the college of Belén, was watchful over the
chapels of the sanctuary of Nuestra Seiiora, and
obtained the bull for the erection of the church into
a collegiate ; he died in 1728.
23. Don Manuel Joseph de Endaya y Ilaro,
native of Luzon in the Philippine isles, master in
philosophy, and doctor in sacred theology in the
university of Manila, canon of the holy church of
Plasencia, archdeacon of Alarcon, cignitary of the
church of Cuenca ; presented to the bishopric of
Oviedo, from whence he was called to the council
which was celebrated by the Pontiff Benedict XIII.
in 1725, and in which he did the office of bishop,
assistant, and domestic prelate of the apostolic
chapel : he was elected bishop of Mexico in 1728,
and, having already in his hands the bull and the
sacred pall, died at Benaventa, a town of his dio-
cese, in 1729.
24, Don Juan Antonio de Lardizabal y Elorza,
native of Segura in Vizcaya, collegiate-major in
the old college of San Bartolomé de Salamanca,
professor of philosophy at Durango, and of the
disciples of Scotus, in that university, magisterial
canon of that holy church, and elected bishop of
La Puebla de los Angeles in 1722; promoted to
this holy metropolitan church in 1727, which dig-
nity he immediately renounced.
25. Don Juan Antonio de Vizarron y Equiar-
reta, native of the city and port of Santa Maria,
titular archdeacon of the holy patriarchal church
of Sevilla, a principal attendant to his Majesty ;
elected archbishop of Mexico in 1730, was vice-
roy and captain-general of the kingdom, and, in
either employ, paid large sums of money for the
benefit of his flock in various foundations, perpe-
tual monuments of his good name, as were those
in particular relating to the chapel in the Colegio
Tridentino, and the pious work of his having en-
dowed 4000 dollars annually for the support of
such females as were bringing up for a religious life:
he received and solemnized the oath of the patroness
Nuestra Sefiora de Guadalupe, and died in 1747.
26. Don Manuel Joseph Rubio y Salinas, na-
tive of Colmenar Viejo in Castilla la Nueva, visitor.
general of the bishopric of Oviedo, and of the
abbey of Alcala la Real, chaplain of honour to his
Majesty, fiscal of his royal chapel, house, and
court, perpetual abbot of regular canons of San
Isidro de Leon; presented to this bishopric by
Sefior Don Fernando YI. in 1747; a man of singu-
lar parts, charitable, affable, and zealous for the
honour of God; he erected the beautiful royal col-
lege of Nuestra Seiiora de Guadalupe, obtained for
it, of the holy see, the confirmation of an universal
patronage in N. America, and died in 1765.
27. Don Francisco Antonio de Lorenzana y
Buitron, collegiate in the colegio mayor of San Sal-
vador de Oviedo, native of Leon, canon of the
holy church, primate of Toledo, vicar-general of
the same place, abbot of St. Vicente, and bishop
of Plasencia, and from thence removed, through
his merit, in 1766, to the archbishopric of Mexico,
where he governed with the greatest skill and bene-
volence,when his Majesty elected him tothe supreme
dignity of the archbishopric of Toledo in 1771.
28. Don Alonso Nuiiez de Haro y Peralta, na-
tive of Huete, collegiate-mayor of Bolonia, canon
of Toledo, and archbishop in 1771.
[Mextico, Gulf of, is that part of the N. At-
lantic ocean which washes the s. and s. w. coast of
Florida, the e. coast of New Leon and New Gal-
licia, in New Mexico, and the x.e. coast of Old
Mexico, or New Spain, in N. America. It is
properly bounded on the v. by the Iloridas, and
on the s. by the gulf of Darien, or perhaps still
more properly by the 2. w. point of the isthmus
of Darien, supposing a line to be drawn from one
to the other. The gulf of Mexico is therefore to
be considered as the w. part of the great gulf be-
tween the 2. and s, continents of America. This
spacious gulf contains a great many islands of va-
rious extent and size ; and it receives several great
rivers, particularly the Mississippi, the river of the
N. and a multitude of others of comparatively less
note. Its coasts are so irregular and indented
that its lesser gulfs and bays are almost innumer-
able; the chief of these are the gulf of Honduras
and Guanajos, and the bays of Campechy, Pa-
laxay, and St. Louis. It is conjectured by some,
and we think with great reason, to have been for-
merly land ; and that the constant attrition of the
waters in the Gulf stream has worn it to its present
form. Sce Guu Siream, and Gulf of Froripa ;
also for a table of the longitudes and latitudes of
the most important places about this bay, see the
end of the general preface. ]
Mexico, Nuevo, another extensive kingdom,
the most 7. part of the dominions of Nueva Espaia
Visitor-
of the
t to his
se, and
of San
pric by
f singu-
for the
yal col-
ined for
niversal
5.
zana
San Sal
. of the
neral of
bishop
through
Mexico,
nd bene-
supreme
771.
Ita, na-
» canon
N. At-
coast of
ew Gal-
of Old
It is
as, and
ps still
isthmus
rom one
refore to
gulf be-
This
Is of va-
ral great
r of the
ely less
ndented
inumer-
onduras
hy, Pa-
yy some,
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s present
ORIDA$
udes of
see the
nedom,
Espaiia
MEXICO. 229
in America ; bounded s. by the province of Du-
rango, ¢. by Louisiana, . by unknown regions,
and w. by the great ridge of stony mountains
which divide N. America; is included between
long. 108° and 107° 20! w. and from lat. 31° to
38° 15’. Its length is 425 miles from 7. to s. and
its average width about 90 from e. to w.
The first notice of this country was given by
some Conchos Indians to the Fr. Agustin Ruiz,
of the order of San Francisco, in 1581 : he accord-«
ingly went over to discover it with certain people
that were sent him from Mexico for that purpose,
under the command of Antonio de Espejo. ‘The
natives, who had already been instructed in the
Catholic religion by Alvar Nuiiez de Cabeza de
Vaca, Andres Dorantes, Bernardino del Castillo,
and the Negro Estebanico, who had been saved
from being wrecked in the ship of Panfilo de Nar-
vacz in Florida, and had traversed the country till
they arrived at Mexico, received Ruiz and his
party in an amicable manner, and Espejo bore the
news of this reception back to Mexico. In 1595,
during the viceroyship of Don Luis de Velasco,
Juan de Ojjate entered to reduce these provinces,
which were then in a state of rebellion, having put
to death the governor, and many missionaries who
were amongst them,
This kingdom enjoys various tempcratures,
cold, hot, and moderate. It is fertile and plea-
sant, produces abundance of wheat, maize, deli-
cate fruits and vegetables, and peculiarly fine
grapes. The mountains are covered with firs,
oaks of different species, savines, and many other
trees of different qualities, and from which certain
portions of wood are cut. Here are found a vae
riety of animals, such as deer, wolves, bears, apes,
mountain sheep, and a species of deer so large as
to equal a mule in stature, its horn measuring
nearly two yards in length. Here are also many
singular birds, particularly in the snowy parts,
where they are caught alive the whole year round,
being held in great estimation. Although some
mines have been discovered, yet they have proved
all of tin.
The population of this kingdom consists of 30
settlements of Indians, who are reduccions from the
nations of the Piros, Tiguas, Mansos, Queres,
Suiis, Tolonas, Xernes, Xeres, Picuries, Thanos,
Pecos, Teguas, Thaos, and Sumas, and are very
numerous, ‘They are of bette: appearance as to
colour and proportion than the other Indians, go
always clothed, and wear goat-skin shoes, are very
fond of employment ; and the women, in particu-
lar, are dextrous in weaving mantles of wool and
cotton for vesture. They are always on horse-
back, and their dwellings deserve particular at-
tention, as being different from those of any other
Indians. These are a sort of barracks, from three
to four stories high, well put together, and having
no door; the inhabitants getting into an upper
floor by means of a small ladder, which at night
they draw up after them, to guard themselves
from the attacks of the nations which are their
enemies, These huts are erected opposite to cach
other for the purpose of mutual protection,
This kingdom has many rivers and streams, but
the principal and largest is that called Del Norte,
which passes through the middle of it. The monks
of the order of San Francisco have converted the
natives to the Catholic faith, and they have esta-
blished some extensive missions since the year 1660.
The capital is Santa Fé.
peeves geographers confound the kingdom, or,
as Humboldt designates it, the province of New
Mexico with the provincias internas,; and they
speak of it as a country rich in mines, and of vast
extent. The celebrated author of the Philosophie
History of the European Establishments in the ‘'wo
Indies has contributed to propagate this error. Its
territorial extent has already been accurately given,
and is much less than people of no great informa-
tion in geographicai matters are apt to suppose
even in that country. The national vanity of the
Spaniards loves to magnify the spaces, and to res
move, if not in reality, at least in imagination, the
limits of the country occupied by them to as great,
a distance as possible. In the memoirs which
Humboldt peocn ie on the position of the Mexi-
can mines, the distance from Arispeto the Rosario is
estimated at 300, and from Arispe to Copala at 400
marine leagues, without reflecting that the whole
intendancy of Soiiora is not 280 marine leagues in
length. From the same cause, and especially for
the sake of conciliating the favour of the court,
the conquistadores, the missionary monks, and the
first colonists, gave weighty names to small things,
We have elsewhere described one kingdom, that
of Leon, of which the whole population does not
equal the number of Franciscan monks in Spain.
Sometimes a few collected huts take the pompous
titie of Villa. A cross planted in the forests of
Guayana figures on the maps of the missions sent
to Madrid and Rome, as a village inhabited by
Indians. It is only after living long in the Spa-
nish colonies, and after examining more narrowly
these fictions of kingdoms, towns, and villages,
that the traveller can form a proper scale for the
reduction of objects to their just value.
The Spanish conquerors, shortly after the de-
struction of the Aztec empire, set on foot solic}
~
230 MEXICO.
[establishments in the x, of Anahuac. The town
of Durango was founded under the administra-
tion of the second viceroy of New Spain, Ve-
lasco el Primero, in 1559. ft was then a mili-
tary post against the incursions of the Chichimec
Indians. ‘lowards the end of the I6th century,
the viceroy, Count de Monterey, sent the valorous
Juan de Onate to New Mexico. It was this gene-
ral who, after driving off the wandering Indians,
peopled the banks of the great Rio del Norte.
From the town of Chihuahua a earriage can go
to Santa Fé of New Mexico. A sort of caleche is
generally used, which (he Catalonians call volan-
tes. ‘The road is beautiful and level; and it
passes along the e, bank of the Great river (Rio
Grande), which is crossed at the Paso del Norte.
The banks of the river are extremely picturesque,
and are adorned with beautiful poplars, and other
trees peculiar to the temperate zone.
Itis remarkable enough to see that, after the
lapse of two centuries of colonization, the province
of New Mexico does not yet join the intendancy
of New Biscay. ‘The two provinces are separated
by a desert, in which travellers are sometimes
attacked by the Cumanches Indians. This desert
extends from the Paso del Norte towards the town
of Albuquerque. Before 1680, in which year
there was a general revolt among the Indians of
New Mexico, this extent of uncultivated and un-
inhabited country was much less considerable than
itis now. ‘There were then three villages, San
Pascual, Semillete, and Socorro, which were si-
tuated between the marsh of the Muerto and the
town of Santa Fé. Bishop ‘Tamaron perceived
the ruins of them in 1760; and he found apricots
growing wild in the ficlds, an indication of the
former cultivation of the country. ‘The two most
dangerous points for travellers are the defi.e of
Robledo, w. from the Rio del Norte, opposite the
Sierra de Dota Ana, and the desert of the Muerto,
where many whites have been assassinated by
wandering Indians. ;
The desert of the Muerto is a plain 30 leagues
in length, destitute of water. ‘The whole of this
country is in general of an alarming state of
aridity ; for the mountains De los Mansos, situated
to the e. of the road from Durango to Santa I’é,
do not give rise to a single brook. Notwithstand-
ing the mildness of the climate, and the progress
of industry, a great part of this country, as well
as Old California, and several districts of New
Biscay, and the intendancy of Guadalaxara, will
never admit of any considerable population.
New Mexico, although under the same latitude
with Syria and central Persia, has a remarkably
1
cold climate. It freezes there in the middle of
May. Near Santa Fé, and a little farther »,
(under the parallel of the Morea), the Rio det
Norte is sometimes covered, for a succession of
several years, with ice thick enough to admit the
passage of horses and carriages. We are igno-
rant of the clevation of the soil of the province of
New Mexico ; but Humboldt does not believe that,
under the 37° of lat. the bed of the river is more
than 7 or 800 metres, or 2296 or 2624 feet,
of clevation above the level of the ocean. ‘The
mountains which bound the valley of the Rio del
Norte, and even those at the foot of which the
village of ‘Taos is situated, lose their snow towards
the beginning of the month of June.
The great river of the N. rises in the Sierra
Verde, which is the point of separation between
the streams which flow into the gulf of Mexico,
and those which flow into the S. sea. It has its
eriodical rises (crecientes) like the Orinoco, the
Mississippi and a great number of rivers of both
continents, ‘The waters of the Rio del Norte be-
gin to swell in the month of April; they are at
their height in the beginning of May ; and they
fall towards the end of June. ‘The inhabitants can
only ford the river on horses of an extraordinary
size during the drought of summer, when the
strength of the current is greatly diminished.
These horses in Peru are called cavallos chimba-
dores. Several persons mount at once ; and if the
horse takes footing occasionally in swimming, this
mode of passing the river is called passar el rio @
volapie.
The water of the Rio del Norte, like that of
the Orinoco, and all the great rivers of S. America,
isextremely muddy. In New Biscay they con-
sider a small river, called Rio Puerco (nasty river),
the mouth of which lies s, from the town of Albu-
querque, near Valencia, as the cause of this phe-
nomenon; but M. ‘Tamaron observed that its
waters were muddy far above Santa Fé and the
town of Taos. ‘The inhabitants of the Paso del
Norte have preserved the recollection of a very
extraordinary event which took place in 1752.
The whole bed of the river became dry all of a
sudden for more than 30 leagues above, and 20
leagues below the Paso; and the water of the river
precipitated itself into a newly-formed chasm, and
only made its re-appearance near the Presidio de
San Eleazario. This loss of the Rio del Norte re-
mained for a considerable time ; the fine plains
which surround the Paso, and which are inter-
sected with small canals of irrigation, remained
without water; and the inhabitants dug wells in
the sand, with which the bed of the river was filled. |
Idle of
‘ther 2,
Rio det
ssion of
Imit the
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1 The
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t has its
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ordinary
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and the
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a very
n 1752,
yall ofa
and 90
the river
asm, and
esidio de
orte re-
le plains
re inter-
emained
wells in
s filled. |
{At length, after the lapse of several weeks, the
water resumed its ancient course, no doubt be-
cause the chasm and the subterraneous conductors
had filled up. This phenomenon bears some
analogy toa fact which Humboldt was told by
the Indians of Jaen de Bracamoros during his
stay at ‘Tomependa. In the beginning of the 18th
century the inhabitants of the village of Puyaya
saw, to their great terror and astonishment, the
bed of the river Amazonas completely dried up
for several hours. A part of the rocks near the
cataract (pongo) of Rentema had fallen down
through an earthquake; and the waters of the
Marajion had stopt in their course till they could
get over the dike formed by the fall. In the x.
part of New Mexico, near ‘Taos, and to the x. of
that city, rivers take their rise which run into the
Mississippi. ‘The Rio de Pecos is probably the
same with the Red river of the Natchitoches, and
the Rio Napestla is, perhaps, the same river which,
farther e. takes the name of Arkanas.
The colonists of this province, known for their
great energy of character, live in a state of perpe-
tual warfare with the neighbouring Indians. It is
on account of this insecurity of the country life
that we find the towns more populous than we
should expect in so desert a country. ‘The situa-
tion of the inhabitants of New Mexico bears, in
many respects, a great resemblance to that of the
people of Europe during the middle ages. So
long as insulation exposes men to personal danger,
‘we can hope for the establishment of no equili-
brium between the population of towns and that of
the country.
However, the Indians who live on an intimate
footing with the Spanish colonists are by no means
all equally barbarous. ‘Those of the e. are war-
like, and wander about from place to place. If
they carry on any commerce with the whites, it is
frequently without personal intercourse, and ac-
cording to principles of which sonic traces are to
be found among some of the tribes of Africa. ‘The
sivages, in their excursions to the 7. of the Bolson
de Mapimi, plant along the road between Chihua-
hua and Santa Fé small crosses, to which they
suspend a leathern pocket, with a piece of stag
flesh, At the foot of the cross a butfalo’s hide is
stretched out. ‘The Indian indicates by these
signs that he wishes to carry on a commerce of
barter with those who adore the cross. He offers
the Christian traveller a hide for provisions, of
which he does not fix the quantity. ‘The soldiers
of the presidios, who understand the hieroglyphi-
cal language of the Indians, take away the buffalo
hide, and leave some salted flesh at the foot of the
MEXICO. 231
cross. (Diario del Illmo. Sehor Tamaron, MS.)
This system of commerce indicates at once an
extraordinary mixture of good faith and distrust.
The Indians to the w. of the Rio del Norte, be-
tween the rivers Gila and Colorado, form a con-
trast with the wandering and distrustful Indians
of the savannas to the e. of New Mexico. Father
Garces is one of the latest missionaries who in 1773
visited the country of the Moqui, watered by the
Rio de Yaquesila, He was astonishe « to find
there an Indian town with two great squares,
houses of several stories, and streets well laid out,
and parallel to one another. [very evening the
people assembled together on the terraces of which
the roofs of the houses are formed. ‘The construc.
tion of the edifices of the Moqui is the same with
that of the Casas Grandes on the banks of the Rio
Gila, of which we have already spoken. ‘The
Indians who inhabit the 2. part of New Mexico
give also a considerable elevation to their houses,
for the sake of discovering the approach of their
enemics. Every thing in these countries appears
to announce traces of the cultivation of the ancient
Mexicans. We are informed even by the Indian
traditions, that 20 leagues zn. from the Moqui, near
the mouth of the Rio Zaguananas, the banks of
the Nabajoa were the first abode of the Aztecs after
their departure from Aztlan, On considering the
civilization which exists on several points of the
n. w. coast of America, in the Moqut, and on the
banks of the Gila, ‘we are tempted to believe that
at the period of the migration of the Toltecs, the
Acolhues, and the Aztecs, several tribes separated
from the great siass of the people to establish
themselves in faese m, regions. However, the
language spoken by the Indians of the Moqui, the
Yabipais, who wear long beards, and those who
inhabit the plains in the vicinity of the Rio Colo-
rado, is essentially different from the Mexican
language ; in proof of which assertion, sce the tes-
timony of several missionary monks well versed in
the knowledge of the Aztec language. (Chronica
Serafica del Collegio de Queretaro, p. 408.)
In the 17th century several missionaries of the
order of St. Francis established themselves among
the Indians of the Moqui and Nabajoa, who were
massacred inthe great revolt of the Indians in 1680.
Humboldt states that he had seen in manuscript
maps drawn up before that period the name of the
Provincia del Moqui.
‘The province of New Mexico contains three
villas or towns, (Santa Fé, Santa Cruz de la Ca-
ada y Taos, and Albuquerque y Alameda), 26
pueblos or settlements, three parroqzias or parishes,
19 missions, and no solitary farm (rancho). |
4
ia
232 M EX
{The population in 1803 amounted to40,200, and
the extent of surface in square leagues is 5709;
the number of inhabitants to the square league be-
ing seven. |
{ Mexico, atownship in Herkemer county, New
York, incorporated in 1796, lying on Canada and
Wood creeks, and Oneida lake. }
MEXILLONES, a port of the coast of the S,
sea, in the province and corregimiento of Atacama
and kingdom of Peru.
Mexituones, an island of the S, sea, situate
near the coast of the kingdom of Chile, in the pro-
vince and corregimiento of Coquimbo, It is in
lat. 29° 20’.
MEXISTLAN, a settlement of the head settle.
ment of the district of Chichicatepec, and alcaldia
mayor of Villalta, in Nueva Espaiia. It contains
62 families of Indians, and is eight leagues s. w.
of its capital.
MEXORADA. See Cotvy.
MEXTITLAN ve wa Sierra, a jurisdic-
tion and alcaldia mayor of the kingdom of Nueva
Espaiia. Its territory is covered with sierras,
mountains, and darrancas, and such is its rough-
ness and asperity as to deny all cultivation, This
sierra is so lofty and extensive that it is known
throughout the kingdom by the name of Sierra
Madre de Mextitlan, and is in fact one of the
largest .» be found in those vast regions, and serv-
ing as a voundary to many neighbouring jurisdic-
tions. The productions of this country, and those
in which a traflic is carried on, are seeds and cot-
ton; but it is sometimes much in want of water,
which, as supplied only by ariver which runs here,
is at times so scarce as to put the inhabitants to
very serious inconvenience. ‘The population con-
sists of 10 principal settlements or head settlements
of districts, and upon these the following are de-
pendent.
Mextitlan, Santiago Tepehuacan,
Sta. Maria Molango, San Lorenzo Ixtacayotla
Colotlan, Tianguistengo,
Chapuluacin, Tlanchinol,
Meztitlan, Zizicaxtla.
The capital is ofthe same name, of a mild tempe-
rature, and situate in a fertile and pleasant glen,
by which runs a river descending from the seerra,
its waters being used in irrigating the fields which
are cultivated on its banks, whenever there may be
a deficiency of rain. This town contains 2000
families of Mexican Indians, and 15 or 20 of Spa-
niards, J/ustees, and Miulattoes ; with a good con-
vent of monks of the order of San Agustin. It is
95 miles e. n. e. of Mexico, in long. 98° 2’ w. and
Jat. 20° 37' 2.
MIA
Mextityan, another settlement, of the head
settlement and a/caldia mayor of Compostela in the
kingdom of Nucva Galicia; situate in the island
of San Sebastian,
MEYOPONTE, a settlement and real of gold
mines of the Portuguese, in the kingdom of Brazil,
and country of the Guayazas Indians; situate on
the shore of the river of its name; although Mr,
D’Anville places it on the side of the river Pa-
ranaiba.
Meyoponte. The above river of the samc
name, which rises in the territory of the Guayazas
Indians, runs n, and enters the sources of the river
Tocantines.
MEZTITLAN, a settlement of the head settle-
ment of the district and alcaldia mayor of Mex-
titlan in Nueva Espajia, annexed to the curacy of
Molango. It contains 163 families of Indians, and
lies seven leagues to the e. 2. e. of its capital. .
MEZTLA, a small settlement or ward of the
alcaldia mayor of Guauchinango in Nueva Es.
paiia, annexed to the curacy of the settlement of
aola.
MIACATLAN, San Satvanor pe, a settle.
ment of the head settlement of the district of Maza-
catepec, and alcaldia mayor of Cuernavaca, in
Nueva Espaiia, It contains 20 families of Indians
and 19 of Mustees and Mulattoes, who live by
sowing maize, this being the only produce of the
place. Itis cight leagues x. of its head setile-
ment,
MIAHUATLAN, a jurisdiction and alcaldia
mayor of Nueva Espaiia in the province and
bishopric of Oaxaca ; bounded w. by the corre-
gimiento of this city, and n. by the jurisdiction of
Cimatlan ; by that of Nexapa on the e. and that
of Theozaqualco on thes. Its length between e.
and s. is more than 40 leagues, and its width some-
what less, It consists of 73 settlements without
those of the smaller wards, and its territory is very
fruitful, especially in cochineal, which is its prin-
cipal commerce, and which makes it one of the
best and most desirable a/caldias of the kingdom.
‘The capital is a settlement of the same name,
with the dedicatory title of San Andrés. It is of
a mild and pleasant temperature, inhabited by 615
families of Indians, including those of the wards
of its district, and some Spaniards, Mustees, and
Mulattoes, who live in various estates and farms of
its district. It abounds in cochineal, in the com-
merce of which there are many rich merchants.
The flesh of the cattle here, and especially that of
the sheep, is very delicious, nor are there want-
ing plenty of seeds and fruit. It is 108 leagues
s. €. of Mexico, in long. 275° 15’, and lat. 18° 35’.
the head
ela in the
1¢ island
lof gold
of Brazil,
situate on
ugh Mr,
river Pa.
the same
Grlayazas
the river
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of Mex-
curacy of
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ital, .
rl of the
ueva Ts.
lement of
, a settle.
of Maza-
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of Indians
o live by
uce of the
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ince and
he corre-
diction of
and that
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th some-
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'y is very
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ngdom.
me name,
It is of
ed by 615
the wards
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d farms of
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lly that of
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8 leagues
t. 18° 35’.
MIA
The principal or head settlements of the district
are as follows :
S. Luis de Amatlan, S. Justo Otzolotepec,
Losicha, S. Vicente,
S. Mateode las S. Pinas, S. Miguel Zuchitepec,
S. Pablo Coatlan, Santa Catalina,
Santa Maria Otzolotepec, Seneguia.
Mianvatian, with the dedicatory title of San
Joseph, another settlement of the head settlement
of the district of Naulingo, and alcaldia mayor of
Xalapa, in the same kingdom ; situate ina moun-
tainous tract, the temperature of which is cold,
owing to its being near the sierra which lies to the
n. Itisinhabited by 140 families of Indians, de-
dicated to the cultivation of the land, and with the
productions of this consists the commerce of the
place. Itis one league to the n. n. w. of its head
settlement.
MIAHUATLAN, another settlement, of the same
head settlement of the district and alcaldia mayor
as the former, which in the Mexican tongue sig-
nifies a long ear of maize, from the abundance
which this soil yields. It contains 72 families of
Indians, and is two leagues to the m. of its head
settlement.
MiAnuATLAN, another, a small settlement or
ward of the head settlement of the district of Aca-
tepec, and alcaldia mayor of Thehuacan, in the
same kingdom, It is close to its head settlement.
MIALILU, or Mavuuu, a river of the king-
dom of Chile, being a large arm of the river Dia-
mante, formed by that of the Tenuyan and others.
It runs s.s.e. and enters the Como-Leuvu or
Gran Desaguadero de los Sauces.
(MIAMI River, Littie, in the N. W. territory,
has a s, w. course, and empties into the Ohio, on
the e. side of the town of Columbia, 20 miles e. of
the Great Miami, ina straight linc, but 27 taking
inthe meanders of the Ohio. It is too small for
batteaux navigation. Its banks are goud land,
and so high as to prevent in common the overflow-
ing of the water. At the distance of 57 miles from
the Ohio, the Miamis approximate each other
within eight miles and a bale, On this river are
several salts sings.)
jarani River, Great, or Great MINEAMI,
called also AssERENtET, or Rocky River, in the
N.W. territory, has as. by w. course, and emptics
into the Ohio by a mouth 200 yards wide, 324 miles
from Big Bones, 63 miles from the Rapids, and
233 from the mouth of the Ohio. It is one of the
most beautiful streams in the territory, and is so
clear and transparent, at its highest state, thata
pin may very plainly be seen at its bottom, It has
a very stony channel, a swift stream, but no falls,
VOL. Ill.
MIC 233
At the Picque or Pickawee towns, above 75 miles
from its mouth, it is not above 30 yards broad,
et loaded batteaux can ascend 50 miles higher.
Lhe portage from the navigable waters of its ec.
branch to Sandusky river is nine miles, and from
those of its w. branch to the Miami of the lakes,
only five miles. _ltalsointerlocks with the Scioto. |
been or Meames or tHt Lakes, a navi-
gable riverofthe N. W. territory, which falls into
lake Erie, at thes.w. cornerof the lake. As. branch
of this river communicates with the Great Miami
by a portage of five miles. This river is called by
some writers Mawmce, also Omee, and Manmick,
See Ternitony N. W. ofthe Ohio,
[Miami, or Meame, a village on the Miami of
the Lake near the Miami fort. Large canoes can
come from Quiatanon, a small French settlement on
the w. side of the Wabash, 50 miles below the
Miami carrying-plrce, which last is nine miles
from this vi loge.
{MIAMIS, or Meames, an Indian nation who
inhabit on the Miami river, and the s. side of lake
Michigan. They can raise about 300 warriors.
In consequence of lands ceded to the United States
by the treaty of Greenville, August 3d, 1795, go-
vernment paid them a sum in hand, and engaged
to pay them annually for ever, to the value of 1000
dollars in goods. |
[Miamis Bay, at the mouth of the Miami of
the Lakes. }
Mramis, a fort in the same country; situate
on the shore of the river of its name, near lake Erie,
built by the French in 1750.
Miamtis, asmall river of the same country, which
runs 7. e. and enters the lake Erie.
All the above take their names from a nation
of Indian savages, who dwell at the source of the
lake Michigan, where in a place called Chicagou
they havea village, in which resides their chief or
cazique, who can bring into the field 4 or 5000
fighting men ; never going abroad himself without
a guard of 40 men, the same number keeping
watch day and night by his cabin; this chief sel-
dom appears in public, and communicates his
orders through his officers.
MIAMO, « settlement of the province of Guae
yana, and government of Cumanaé ; one of those
of the missions which were held there by the Cata-
lonian Capuchin fathers.
(MIATA Island, one of the Society islands in
the S. Pacific ocean. Lat. 17° 40's. Long. 148°
3! w.
MICANI, San Francisco ne, a settlement
of the province and corregimiento of Chayanta or
Charcas in Peru.
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234 MIC
MICHAEL, See S, Miaver and S, Micnet,]
Micuaet, St. or Fony pes Neares, a town
on the s. peninsula of St. Domingo island, 10
Jeagues n. e. of St. ag a
[Micnact, St. or St, Miaver River, is also
‘on thes, coast of the isthmus between N, and S.
America, and on the N. Pacific ocean, and 18
leagues to the w, of port Martin Lopez, and three e.
of Guibaltigue. It has three fathoms water at flood.
Within the river tothe n, ¢. is the burning mountain
of St. Miguel, in the midst of an open pain. J
Micuacn, St. a small island of the N. sea,
near the coast of the province and colony of Geore
gia, at the entrance of port Royal, and one of
those called the Georgian.
[Micitre’s Bay, St. on thee. side of the island
of Barbadoes, in the W. Indies, a little 2. of
Foul’s bay, n.e. of which last bay are Cobler’s
rocks, in the shape of a horn. J
‘ [Micuacu’s Bay, St. in Tierra Firme, in the
3. sea.
[Micuaer’s, Sr. a parish in Charlestown dis-
trict, S, Carolina.)
[Micuaun’s, St. a town in Talbot county,
Maryland, eight miles w. of Euston, and 21s. e.
of Annapolis. |
MICHAPARU, a small river of the province
and government of Guayana or Nueva Andalucia,
it runs from s. to m. and enters the Orinoco to the
w. of the rapid stream of Camiseta,
MICHARDS, a small island of the N. sea;
situate near the coast of N. Carolina, at the en-
trance or mouth of the strait of Albemarle.
MICHATOYATL, a large river of the pro-
vince and corregimiento of Chiquimula in the king-
dom of Guatemala. It rises from a lake which
is about four leagues from the spot where the capi-
tal stood. It gives such a great fall, that, accord-
ingto Fr. Juan de ‘Torquemada, a musket-shot
fired from the bottom will not reach its top; and
forming an immense cavity in the rock in which it
falls, so that in it breed bats of an enormous size,
and which, ifthey find « person or any animal sleep-
ing, will suck their blood: in this cave they are
as thick as leaves, and are of the size of a hen:
moreover, trom the great mischief they do to the
calves, the breed of cattle has greatly decreased in
these parts.
MICHAU, a port of the s. coast of the Royal
island or Cape Breton, between she port Tou-
louse and the island of St. Esprit.
Micuau, asmall island, situate near the coast
of the same province as the former port, and at the
entrance of the same.
MICHEL, S. a small island, situate in lake
MIC
Superior, of New France or Canada in N, Ame-
rica, and in the point of Chagovamigon,
[Mronen, 8. Sce S. Micuer, and 8S. Mi.
CHAEL,
MICHICANI, a settlement and asiento of the
silver mines of the province and government of
Chucuito in Peru, annexed to the curacy of its
capital; situated on the shore of the lake Uma.
marca on the s.
MICHIGAN, Lake, one of the five of New
France or Canada, of N. America, between a point
of the continent, close to Michillimakinak ; an
establishment of the Huron Indians, stretching
towards the s, and the other point which is apposite
and looks to the n. the two points forming a strait,
by which the lake Huron communicates with this,
Its vicinity is very unpleasant for an establishment,
from its excessive, coldness, the which no doubt
arises trom the continual agitation of the lakes b
the n. wind. This lake, of which we treat, is
the least, although it is no less than 300 leagues in
circumference, without reckoning the bay of Buants,
which runs inland tor 28 leagues, ‘I'he inequality
of the tides greatly affects the navigation of this
lake; their irregularity has been frequently marked,
and it has been found that they observe no rule
whatever, being in some places extremely high.
Near the island of Michillimakinak they rise
during the full of the moon in 24 hours, so as to run
completely into the interior of the lake, and it is
not less certain, | vever wonderful, that besides
these tides there ‘ther current always runnin
from lake Huro: J adjoining lake, and which
is common to both, although it docs not impede the
natural course of the lake Michigan, which, the
same as lake Superior, discharges its waters into
the lake Huron. The first of these two currents,
that is to say, that which runs from lake Huron to
Michigan, is more perceptible when the wind blows
a contrary way to it, that is from the s.; and then
may be seen pieces of ice floating from the former
lake to the latter with the same velocity as a ship
sailing before the wind; and, indeed, the same is
the case in the Bahama channel,
In the channel by which lake Superior empties
itself into the Huron, are many streams or currents
below the surface of the water, and which are at
times so strong as to break the fishermen’s nets ;
from which we may judge that this great lake
throws a certain part of its waters into the lake
Michigan, by means of subterranean courses, by
the same means as it is alleged that the Caspian
unites with the Euxine sea, and this with the
Mediterranean.
In what relates to lake Superior, this presumption
. Ame.
3. Mie
of the
vent of
y of its
+ Uma.
of New
& point
ik; an
etching
pposite
a strait,
ith this,
shment,
» doubt
ukes by
reat, 1s
| hoe in
uants,
qualit
+; thie
narked,
no rule
y high.
ey rise
is to run
and it is
besides
runnin
whic
nede the
ch, the
ers into
urrents,
Huron to
id blows
nd then
b former
sa ship
same 1s
empties
urrents
are at
rs nets ;
at lake
he lake
tses, by
Jaspian
ith the
mption
MIC
is well founded, in os much that it receives at least
40 large rivers, of the which 10 or 12 are nearly
as wide as the strait itself, from whence it would
follow, that were there no other egress for the waters
than this channel, it would send out much less
water than it received, ‘The same may be asserted
of lake Michigan, which also receives a great
number of rivers, many of them very large ; from
which it is remarkable to judge that, besides the
outlet afforded to its waters into lake Huron, it
must have other subterraneous channels, as we
have said of lake Superior. This conjecture is
corroborated by a discovery that all the rocks
that have been found at a certain depth near the
strait called St. Mary’s Falls, are as porous ns a
sponge, and that many of them are washed into
large hollows, which must arise from the currents
before mentioned.
In the navigation from Michillimakinak to the
river St. Joseph, it is found that although the
wind is against the course of the vessel, she will
make no less than eight or 10 leagues a day,
proving that the current must contribute to her
course, the same also being the case at the entrance
of the bay of Puants. It is not to be doubted but
that the waters of this bay, which have no other
egress than through one part, run into lake Mi-
chigan ; and that this, being in the same situation,
empties itself into Huron, both of them, besides
these waters, receiving, the one and the other,
different rivers, some of which are not less than the
Scine in France. These currents are not percepti-
ble, save in the middle of the channel, by a kind of
reflux or reaction of the waters along either shore,
which is very advantageous for the coasting of
the small canoes, here made of the trunks of trees,
and which first run five leagues to the w. to enter the
lake Michigan, and: afterwards to the s. the same
being the only course which vessels have for 100
leagues, being the extent of this lake from 7. tos.
and from whence they continue their passage till
they reach fort St. Joseph. ‘The part of the land
which divides the two lakes Huron and Michigan,
isa country the most fertile and charming that one
can possibly imagine.
Michigan Lake is the largest and most conside-
rable lake which is wholly within the United States,
and lies between lat. 42° 10’ and 45° 40! n. and
between 84° 30! and 87° 30! w. long. It is navi-
gable for shipping of any burden, and communi-
cates with lake Huron, at the x. e. part, through the
straits of Michillimakinak, ‘The strait is six miles
broad, and the fort of its name stands on an island
at the mouth of the strait. In this lake are several
kinds of fish ; particularly trout of an excellent
MIC 235
quality, weighing from 20 to 60 pounds, and
some Live been taken in the strait which weigh 90
pounds. On the n. w, part of this lake, the waters
push through a narrow strait, and branch out into
two bays; that to the n. is called Noquet’s bay,
the other to thes, Puants, or Green bay, which last,
with the lake, forms a long peninsula, called cape
‘Townsend, or Vermillion point. About 30 miles
s. of bay de Puants, is lake Winnebago, which
communicates with it: and a very short portage
interrupts the water communication, s. w. from
Winnebago lake through Fox river, then through
Ooisconsin, into the river Missisippi. Chicago river,
also at the s. w. extremily of lake Michigan,
furnishes a communication interrupted by a still
shorter passage with Illinois river, See all these
laces mentioned under their respective names.
ake Michigan reccives many small rivers from tho
w. and e. some 150 and even 250 yards broad at
their mouths. See Granvo, Masticon, Ma-
name, Sr. Josern, &c. }
[MicuiGan, anewly erected territorial govern-
ment of the United States, bounded s, by a line
drawn from the s. part of lake Michigan to the
bay of Miamis which is the most w. bay of lake
Erie, w. by the lake of its name, x. by the straits
of S, Mary’s, and e. by lake Huron, the river and
lake St. Clair and part of lake Erie. It is well
watered on the w. side by a number of rivers which
empty into lake Michigan, and in the midst of
this territory is a rather fine elevated plain.
The population of this government amounted
by the census of 1810 to 4762 souls,
MICHILLIMAKINAK, a small island of lake
Huron in New France or Canada, in N. America,
situate in 45° 45’ n. lat. It has a moderate-sized
town, in which used to be carried on a trade in
skins, owing to its being resorted to by, and being
very convenient for the meeting of, several savage
nations of Indians: this traflic is, at the present
day transferred to Hudson’s bay by the river
Borbon, The situation of the island is very
advantageous, from lying between the three great
lakes, the Michigan, which is 300 leagues in cir-
cumference, exclusive of the great bay of Pvants,
into which it empties itself; the Huron,which is 550,
and of a triangular figure; and the last, the lake
Superior, which is 500; the whole of them being
navigable for large vessels, and the two first being
divided only by a small strait, in the which there is
sufficient water for the same vessels, without any
obstruction through the whole of the luke Erie to
Niagara. Betwcen the lakes Huron and Superior
is a communicationgby means of a canal 22 leagues
long, but which is interrupted by many cascades
HH 2
236 MIC
or falls, which impede the canoes from arriving
to disemberk at Michillimakinak whatever they
might bring from lake Superior. [This island,
within the line of the United States, was delivered
to them by the British, by treaty, in 1794, and
retaken in the present year, 1812. |
MICHIMALOYA, a settlement of the alcaldia
mayor of ‘Tula in Nueva Espaiia ; annexed to the
curacy of its capital, from whence it lies a quarter
of a league to the x. w. It contains 60 families,
{MICHIPICOTON, a river which empties into
lake Superior, on the n. ¢, side of the lake. It
has its source not far distant from Moose river, a
water of James’s bay. It forms at its mouth a bay
of its own name; and on the w. part of the bry,
is a large island so called, close to the land ; a small
strait only separates it from Otter’s head on the x. |
[Micuiricoron House, in Upper Canada, is
situated on the e. side of the mouth of the above
river, in lat 47° 56! n.
[MICHISCOUL is the Indian and present name
of the mostz. siver in Vermont. It rises in Belvi-
dere, and runs nearly x. e. until it has crossed into
Canada, where it runs some distance; it turns w.
then s, re-enters the state of Vermont, in Richford,
and empties into lake Champlain, at Michiscoui
bay at Highgate. It is navigable for the largest
boats to the falls at Swan town, seven miles from
its mouth. Michiscoui, La Moelie, and Onion
rivers, wre nearly of the same magnitude. ]
[Micutscovt Tongue or Bay, a long point of
land which extends s. into lake Champlain from
the n. e. corner of the state of Vermont, on the w.
side of the bay of this name, and forms the town-
ship of Allburgh.]
MICHIUILCA, a settlement of the province
and corregimiento of 'Tarma in Peru, annexed to
the curacy of Tapu.
MICIMPUCHU, asettlement of the provinceand
government of Venezucla; situate on the shore of the
river Tucuyo, to the 2. } to the x. e. of the city.
MICKLON, a small island, situate near the
s. coast of Newfoundland, at the mouth or entrance
of the gulf of St. Lawrence.
{MICKMACKS, an Indian nation which inhabit
the country between the Shapody mountains, and
the gulf of St. Lawrence in Nova Scotia, opposite
to St. John’s Island. ‘This nation convey their
sentiments by hieroglyphics marked on the rind of
the birch and on paper, which the Roman mis-
sionaries perfectly understand. Many of them
reside at the heads of the rivers in King’s and
Hants counties. }
[MICOYA Bay is situated oy the s, w. coast of
Mexico, or New Spain, on the N, Pacific ocean.
MID
In some charts it is laid down in lat. 10° 15’ n. and
having cape Blanco and Chira island for its s, ¢.
limit.
MICTLAN, a settlement of the head settlement
of the district of Tequantepec in Nueva Espaiia ;
iis name meaning hell. It was thronged with
inhabitants in the time of the Indians, and adorned
with very superb edifices ; arhongst the most cele-
brated of which was a temple dedicated to the
devil, with dwellings for its priests, and having an
hall adorned with stones sad curiosities with great
ingenuity. The doors, which were extremely
lofty, were composed of only three pieces of stone,
one on cach side and one above. It had also
another saloon, supported with pillars so thick that
two men could scarcely make their arms meet
round them, and yet of one solid block of stone.
The first Spaniards who discovered this temple
aflirmed that these pillars were 50 feet high, and
that they were very like those in the great church
of St. Mary’s at Rome. ‘The Emperor Mocthe-
cutzuma had centinels from amongst the people of
this settlement, who might give him intelligence
of what was going on at sea; and these were the
people who gave intelligence of the arrival of Cortes.
MICULAPAYA, a settlement of the province
and corregimiento of Porco in Peru.
MIDDLE, some small islands of the lake Ontario
in New France or Canada, of N. America. They
are three, and are situated close to the 2. coast.
{Mippre Bank, a fishing ground in the Atlan-
tic ocean, which lies from 7. e. to s. w. between
St. Peter’s bank and that of Sable island, and
opposite to and s. e. of Cape Breton island; laid
down in some charts between lat. 44° 32! and 45°
34/n,. and between long, 57° 37' and 59° ran
[ Mippie Cape is to the s. w. of cape Anthony,
in Staten Land, on the strait Le Maire, and the
most w. point of that island, at the extremity of
S. America. ]
{Mippue Islands, or Innas pe EN Menno, on
the w. coast of New Mexico, and are between the
islands of Chira and St. Luke. ‘They are in the
N. Pacific ocean, in lat 9° 30’. There is only
from six to seven fathoms from Chira to these
islands, and all vessels should keep nearer to them
than to the main. |
[Mippe States, one of the grand divisions of
the United States, (so denominated in reference to
the 2. and s. states) comprehending the states of
New York, New Jersey, Peansylvania, Delaware,
and the Territory N.W. of the Ohio; which see. |
MIDDLEBERG, a new town of New York
in Schoharie county, incorporated in 1797. |
(MIDDLEBOROUGH, the Namaskett of the:
ona — I
eo ee
5! 2. and
its s. e.
tilement
Uspaiia ;
ed with
adorned
ost cele.
t to the
Wing an
th great
tremely
of stone,
wd also
ick that
ms meet
f stone.
temple
eh, and
church
Mocthe-
cople of
lligence
vere the
f Cortes.
province
Ontario
They
ast.
¢ Atlan-
between
id, and
d; laid
and 45°
zl
nthony,
and the
nity of
b10, on
een the
ec in the
is only
o these
to them
sions of
rence to
tates of
laware,
rh see. |
v York
of the:
MID
ancient Iudians, a township in Plymouth county,
Massachusetts, bounded w. by Freetown and
Yaunton, e. by Carver and Warhan, and is 35
miles s. of Boston; was incorporated in 1669,
and contains 4596 inhabitants. ‘Fhis town was
formerly thickly inhabited by Indian natives,
governed by the noted sachem 'Tispacan: there are
now only SQ or 40 souls remaining, who, to supply
their immediate necessities, make and sell brooms
and baskets. ‘Fhe town is remarkable for a large
range of ponds, which produce several sorts of
fish, and large quantities of iron ore. ‘The bottom
of Assowamset pond may be said to be an entire
mine of iron ore. Men go out with boats, and use
instruments like oyster dredges, to get up the ore
from the bottom of the pond, It is now so much
exhausted, that half a ton is thought a good day’s
work for one man ; but for a number of years one
man could take up four times the quantity. In an
adjacent pond there is yet great plenty at 20 feet deep,
as well as from shoaler water. Great quantities of
nails are made here. In winter, the farmers and
young men are employed in this manufacture.
Here, and at Milton in Norfolk county, the first
rolling and slitting mills were erected about 40
yea i ago, but were imperfect and unproductive,
In conaparison with those of the presenttime. ‘The
prints of naked hands and feet are to be scen on seve-
ral rocks in this town, supposed to have been done
by the Indians. ‘These are probably similar to those
observed in the states of Tennessee and Virginie
PMIDDLEBOURG Key, asmallislet, separatec
from St, Martin’s, in the W. Indies, on the 7. e. }
[| MIDDLEBURG, or Eooa, the most s. of
all the Friendly islands, in the 8. Pacific ocean ;
and is about 10 leagues in circuit. }
MIDDLEBURGH, Nuevo, a city of the pro-
vince and government of Guayana, in the part
possessed by the Dutch. It is situate on the
shore of the river Poumaron, and near the coast,
in the point or cape of Nassau,
MippLeBurGny, a cape or point of land on the
s, coast of the straits of Magellan, in the extremity
which looks to the a. of the island of Luis el
Grande,
[MIDDLEBURY, a post town of Vermont, and
capital of Addison county. It is 30 miles, by w.
of Rutland, 12 from Vergennes, and 97 s. <. of
Burlington, Here is a brewery upon a_ pretty
large scale, The township lies on the e. side of
Otter creck, and contains 395 inhabitants. ]
[MIDDLEFTELD, a township in Nampshire
county, Massachusetts, 30 miles 7. w. of Spring-
field. It was incorporated in 1783, and contains
608 inhabitants. |
MID 237
PMIppPeoors village in New Jersey, cight
miles w. of Brunswick, on the cross post-road from
Brunswick to Flemington, and on the x. bank of
Rariton river, |
(MIDDLESEX, a county of Massachusetts,
bounded 2. by the state of New Hampshire, e. by
issex county, s. by Suffolk, and w. by Worcester
county. Its figure is nearly equal to a square of
AO miles on a side; its greatest length being 52,
and its greatest breadth 42 miles. It has 42 town-
ships, which contain 42,737 inhabitants. ‘The
religious societies are, 55 of Congregationalists, six
of Baptists, and some Presbyterians. It was made
a county in 1643, It is watered by five principal
rivers, Merrimack, Charles, Concord, Nashua,
and Mystick ; besides smaller streams, ‘The chief
towns are Charlestown, Cambridge, and Concord.
Charlestown is the only sea-port in the county ;
Concord is the most respectable inland town, and
is near the centre of the county, being 16 miles
n. w. of Boston, ‘There are in the county 24
fulling-mills, about 70 tan-yards, four paper-mills,
two snuff-mills, six distilleries, and about 20 pot and
pearlash houses. The s. and 7, sides of the count
are hilly, but not mountainous ; few of the hills
exceeding 100 feet in height, and are covered with
wood, or cultivated quite to the summits. © The air
is generally serene, and the temperature mild.
The extreme variation of Fahrenheit’s thermometer
may be considered as 100° ina year; but it is in
very few instances, that in the course of a year it
reaches either extreme ; 92° may be considered as
the extreme summer heat, and 5° or 6° below 0°,
as that of the winter cold. In thé winter of
1796-97, it sunk to 11° below 0°. The soil is:
various, insome parts of rich, black loam; and in
others it is light and sandy. It produces the tim-
ber, grain, and fruit which are common through.
out the state, either by natural growth or culti-
vation. ]
{[Mippiesrx, a maritime county of Connecti-
cut, bounded n. by Hartford county, s. by Long
island sound, e. by New London county, and w,.
by Newhaven. Its greatest length is about 30
miles, and its greatest breadth 19 niles. [tis di-
vided into six townships, containing 18,855 inha-
bitants, of whom 22t are slaves. Connecticut
river runs the whole length of the county, and on
{he streams which flow into it are a number ot
mills, Middletown is the chief town. ]
[Mipptesex, acounty of New Jersey, bound-
edn. by Essex, a. w. and w. by Somerset, s. w.
by Burlington, s. e. by Monmouth, e. by Ra-
riton bay and part of Staten island. It contains
15,956 inhabitants, including 1918 slaves. From
238 MID
the mouth of Rariton river up to Brunswick the
land on both sides is generally good, both for pas-
turage-and tillage, producing considerable quan-
tities of every kind of grain and hay. }
Mipp.esex, a county of Virginia, onthe s.
side of Rappahannock river, on Chesapeak bay.
It is about 35 miles in length, and seven in breadth,
containing 4140 inhabitants, including 2558 slaves.
‘Urbana is the chief town. ]
(Mipp.esex, a township in Chittendon county,
Vermont, on the x. ¢. side of Onion river. It con-
tains 60 inhabitants. |
[Mrppuesex Canal, Massachusetts, it is ex-
‘pected, will be of great importance to the states of
assachusetts and New Hampshire. It is now
opening at a vast expence by an incorporated
company. The design is to open a water com-
munication from the waters of Merrimack river at
Chelmsford to the harbour of Boston. The route
of the canal will be s, through the e. parts of
Chelmsford and Billerica, the w. part of Wil-
mington, and the middle of Woburn; where it
comes to some ponds, from which the waters run
by Mystick river into Boston barbour. The dis-
tance from the Merrimack to these ponds will be
17 miles. The canal wili, without meeting with
any large hills or deep valleys, be straighter than
the country road near it. The distance from the
Merrimack to Medford, as the canal will be made,
is 27, and to Boston 31 miles. The canal is to be
24 feet wide at the bottom, and 32 at the top, and
six feet deep. ‘The boats are to be 12 fect wide
and 70 feet long. The toll is to be six cents a
mile for every ton weight which shall pass, besides
y for their boats and labour. }
[MIDDLETON, an interior township in Essex
county, Massachusetts, 28 miles 2. of Boston. It
was incorporated in 1728, and contains 682 inhabi-
tants.
Feiteheaeon a city and post-town of Connec-
ticut, and the capital of Middlesex county, plea-
santly situated on the w. bank of Connecticut river,
25 miles trom its mouth at Saybrook bar, accord-
ing to the course of the river; 14 miles s. of
Hartford, 24 2. e. of Newhaven, 27 2. w. of
New London, and 156 n. e. of Philadelphia. Its
ublic buildings are, a Congregational church, an
Spiscopalian church, a court-house, and naval
office. It contains about 300 houses, and carries
on a considerable trade. I[lere the river has 10
feet water at full tides. Lat. 41° 34° 2, Long. 72°
34'w. This place was called Mattabesick by the
Indians, and was settled in 1650 or 1651. Two
miles from the city is a lead mine which was
wrought during the war, and was productive ;
MID
but it is too expensive to be worked in time of
eace,
MIDDLETOWN, a township in Stratford
county, New Hampshire ; about 30 miles x. n. a.
of Portsmouth. It was incorporated in 1778, and
contains 617 inhabitants. ]
(MippLetown, a township in Rutland county,
Vermont. It contains 699 inhabitants, and is 39
miles x. of SOO
[Mipptetown, a village on Long islaid, New
York state ; 12 miles from Smithtown, and 13 from
Bridgehampton. ]
{MippLetown, a township in Ulster county,
New York, erected from Rochester and Wood-
stock in 1789, and contains 1019 inhabitants, in-
cluding six slaves. In 1796 there were 135 of the
inhabitants entitled to be paraahes
{Mippietown, atownship in Newport-county,
Rhode Island state, contains 840 inhabitants, in-
cluding 15 slaves. In this town, which is on the
island which gives name to the state, and about
two miles from Newport, is the large and curious
cavity in the rocks called Purgatory. ]
{(MippLetown, a small post-town in New-
castle county, Delaware, lies on A poquinimy creek,
19 miies s. s. w. of Wilmington, and 41 s. w. of
Philadelphia. ]
Mippietown, in Monmouth county, New
Jersey; a township which contains two places of
worship, one for Baptists and one for the Dutch
reformed church, and 3296 inhabitants, includi
A91 slaves. The centre of the township is 5
miles e. by 2. of Trenton, and 30 s.w. by s. of
New York city. ‘The light-house built by the ci-
tizens of New York on the point of Sandy Hook,
is in this township. The high lands of Navesink
are on the sea-coast near Sandy Hook. They are
600 feet above the surface of the water, and are
the lands first discovered by mariners on this part
of the coast. ]
[MippteTown, a flourishing town in Dau-
phin county, Pennsylvania; situated on the
n.w. side of Swatara creek, which empties into
the Susquchannah, two miles below. 11 contains
a German church and above 100 houses, and car-
ries on a brisk trade with the farmers in the vici-
nity. It is estimated that above 200,000 bushels
of wheat are brought down these rivers annually
to the landing place, two miles from the town.
Contiguous to the town is an excellent merchant-
mill, supplied with a constant stream, by a canal
cut from the Swatara, It is six miles s. of Hum-
melston, and 73 w. by 2. of Philadelphia, Lat.
10°13'n. Long. 76° 44/ «. = ‘There are also other
townships of this name in the state; the one in
time of
tratford
Nn. Nn. %.
78, and
county
d is 39
d, New
13 from
county,
Wood-
nts, in-
'5 of the
county,
nts, in.
s on the
id about
curious
n New-
y creek,
fw. of
y, New
laces of
e Dutch
cludi
p is 50
y s. of
y the ci-
y Hook,
Javesink
hey are
and are
his part
n Dau-
lion the
ties into
ontains
nd car-
he vici-
bushels
nnually
town.
rrchante
a canal
Hum-
. Lat.
so other
one in
MIG
Delaware county, the ‘vcr in that of Cumber-
land.
[Minpretown, in }..Jerick county, Mary-
land, lies nearly eight miles wn. w. of Frede-
rickstown, |
[Mirp.erown, in Dorchester county, Mary-
land, is about five miles n. of the Cedar landing-
place, on Transquaking creck, seven w. of Vienna,
and 8} 2, w. of Cambridge. } ;
[Mippixtown Point, in the above township,
Jies on the s. w. side of the bay, within Sandy
Hook, seven miles e. by 2. of Spotswood, and
14 n. w. of Shrewsbury. A post-oflice is kept
here.
MIDWAY, a village in Liberty county,
Georgia, 26 miles s. w..of Savannah, and nine
miles 2. w. of Sunbury. Its inhabitants are Con-
gregationalists, and are the descendants of emi-
grants from Dorchester near Boston, in New Eng-
land, who migrated as early as 1700.)
[Mipway, a townshipin Rutland county, Ver-
mont, e. of and adjoining Rutland. ] ;
MIEL, Rio ve 1A, a river in the province and
government of Mariquita and Nuevo Reyno de
Granada. It rises in the valley of Corpus Christi,
passes through the city of Los Remedios, and en-
ters the Grande de la Magdalena,
Mier, a settlement of the province and-govern-
ment of Venezuela; situate in the road which
Jeads down from Bariquisimeto, between this set-
tlement and that of Tucuyo.
MIER, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Sierra Gorda, in the bay of Mexico
and kingdom of Nueva Espatia; founded by the
count of that title, Don Joseph de Escandon, co-
lonel of the militia of Queretaro, in 1750.
(MIFFLIN, a county of Pennsylvania, sur-
rounded by Lycoming, Franklin, Cumberland,
Northumberland, Dauphin, and Huntingdon coun-
ties. It contains 1851 square miles, 1,184,960
acres, and is divided into eight townships. The
mountains in this county abound with iron ore, for
the manufacturing of which several forges have
been erected, It is well watered by the Juniatta,
and other streams which empty into the Susque-
hamah. Chief town Lewistown. J
(Mirruin, a small town lately laid out in the
above county, on the e. side of the Juniatta, nine
miles e. of Lewistown, and 109 from Philadel-
dhia,
(Mirruin, Fort, in Pennsylvania, is situated
on a small island at the mouth of Schuytkill river,
about six miles s. of Alay peng
MIGUEL, S. called El Grande, a town and
2
MIG 239
capital of the jurisdiction and alcaldta mayor of
its name in the kingdom of Nueva kspaia, and
hishopric of Mechoacan; situate on the skirt of
a mountain-plain. It is of a mild temperature, of
a large population, fertile, and abounding greatly
in commerce. It was founded by. the S)-aniards
and the Tlaxcaltecas, who assisted in conquering
the country, and was at that time inhabited by
Chichimecas Indians. Its population is composed
of 3000 families of Spaniards, and the Indians
live in the rich and fertile grazing lands for large
and small cattle, as well as amongst the cultivated’
estates which abound in its district, some being
employed as labourers, and others living as renters
of the lands.
In its parish church is venerated an image of
Christ, representing that period of his divine mis-
sion of ** Ecce Homo,” and very great is the re--
verence in which it is held by the whole jurisdic-
tion, from the advantages procured by it. lthasa
convent of the religious order of San Francisco,.
which has been a seminary for studies, a congre-
gation of clergy of San Felipe Neri, of exeme
plary virtues, employed in the teaching of the
first rudiments, as also the profounder studies ;
the same body having been founded by the Father
Juan Antonio Perez de Espinosa, and the temple
here being entitled De Nuestra Seiiora dela So-
ledad, Contiguous to this is the chapel of La
Santa Casa de Loreto, of beautiful architecture
and sumptuous ornaments, the same having been
given by the zealous and devout Don Manuel de
Ja Canal. There are in this town many salutar
waters, and especially those of a fountain whic
runs from some rocks close to the settlement, and
which is called the Chorillo, and from whieh the
public reservoirs are provided. The principal.
commerce Consists in cattle, of the skins of which
are made many saddles for riding, beautifully
worked; also in white arms, such as stilettos,
swords, knives, spurs, stirrups, ind other useful
and curious articles in steel, The women employ
themselves in making quilts. [Humboldt bears
testimony to the great industry of the inhabitants,
and he mentions cotton cloth as the chief of their
manufactures], This alcaldia mayor has only one
other head settlement of the district, which is the
town of San Felipe. The capital is 51 leagues to
then. 3 tothe n. w. of Mexico, in lat. 21° 45’,
Long. 273° 46’.
Mievet, 8. a city of the province and alcaldia
mayor of San Salvador in the kingdom of Guate-
mala ; situate two leagues from the coast of the S,
sca and bay of Fonseca, the same serving it asa
240 MIG
port. Its population is small, and it has, besides
the parish church, which is very decent, some
convents of monks of the religious orders of San
Francisco and La Merced, as also one of nuns. It is
92 Icagues from its capital, and 62 from Guatemala.
Miavuet, S. another city, called also Bridge-
town, the capital of the island of Barbadoes ;
situate in the s. part of the same, with a good,
convenient, and secure port, and which is capable
of receiving 500 ships. ‘The population is large,
the streets straight, and the buildings handsome, es-
eciaily the hall of justice and the exchange. It
las plenty of storehouses and shops, from the great
number of merchants who reside in it, and
abounds in every thing imaginable. It is badly
situated; for, lying lower than the banks which
form the ‘boundaries to the sea, it is generally full
of swamps, which render it unhealthy. It has two
very good castles at the entrance of the port for
its defence, furnished with artillery, the principal
of which is called fort Charles, and is on the point
Nedham. It has also a magnificent and well en-
dowed college for students, which was founded
by the Colonel Christoval Codrington, native of
this city. In lat. 13° 24’. Long. 318° 40’.
Micvet, S. another city, of the Nuevo Reyno
de Granada ; founded in the province and corre-
gimiento of Los Pauches by Anton de Ollala, It
is of very hot temperature, and has fallen into such
decay, that of it there remains nothing but a mean
village. It is 50 miles 7. w. from Santa Fé.
MicvEL, S. a town of the province of Ostimuri
in Nueva Espaiia; situate between the rivers
Mayo and Nacari.
MicveEt, S. a settlement, with the surname of
Del Valle, or De la Miel, in the province and cor-
regimiento of Tunja of the Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada. Itis of an hot temperature, abounding in
sugar canes, of which a great portion of sugar
and honey are made, as also in the other vegetable
roductions of a warm climate. It contains 80
inhabitants, who are subject to the disorder of
cotos, or swellings on the neck. It is close to the
settlement of Capitanejo, and 94: miles to the z, e.
of its capital.
Miavet, S. another, of the province and cor-
regimiento of Carangas in Peru, and of the arch-
bishopric of Chareas ; annexed to the curacy of
the settlement of Colquemar.
Micuet., S. with the surname of Molleam-
bato, in the province and corregmiento of Lata-
cunga, and kingdom of Quito, in the district of
which, towards the 7. is the great estate called Tasin.
MicuelL, S. another, of the province and core
MIG
regimiento of Chimbo, in the same kingdom as the
former,
Micuet, S. another of the missions that are
held by the religious order of San Francisco, in the
territory of the town of San Christoval ofthe Nuevo
Reyno de Granada ; situate on the shore of the
river Apure. It is of an hot temperature, very
scanty population, and produces nothing but
wheat, barley, and maize.
Miauet, S. another, of the head settlement of
the district of Tholitn, and alcaldia mayor of
Queretaro, in Nueva Espaiia. 1t contains 75 fa-
milies of Indians.
Miauet, S. another, of the province and go-
vernment of Atacames in the kingdom of Quito,
Miauet, S. another, of the head settlement of
the district and alcaldia mayor of Tochimilco in
Nueva Espaiia; situate on the top of a mountain
covered with fruit-trees, It is of a mild tempera-
ture, and contains 68 families of Indians, who
maintain themselves by cutting wood and making
charcoal. It is four miles to the w. of its capital.
Miauen, S. another, of the head settlement of
Tamazunchale, and alcaldia mayor of Valles, in
the same kingdom; annexed tothe curacy of Tam-
pasquin, from whence it is two leagues distant.
MicveEt, S. another, of the head settlement of the
district of Amatepec, and alcaldia mayor of Zulte-
pec, inthe same kingdom. It contains 22 families of
Indians, and is very close to its head settlement.
Micuet, S. another, of the head settiement of
Zumpahuacan, and alcaldia mayor of Marinalco,
in the same kingdom.
Micuet, S. another, of the head settlement of
the district and alcaldia mayor of Lerma in the
same kingdom. It contains 281 families of In-
dians, and is three leagues n. e. of its head settle-
ment.
Miauert, S. another, of the head settlement and
alcaldia mayor of ‘Toluca in the same kingdom.
It contains 100 families of Indians, and lies a little
to the s. of its capital.
Micuet, S. another, of the head settlement
and alcaldia mayor of ‘Tepeaca in the same king-
dom ; five leagues from its capital.
IGUEL, S. another, of the jurisdiction and
alcaldia mayor of Octupan, in the same kingdom
as the former.
Miauet, S. another, of the head settlement of
Palmar, and alcaldia mgyor of Tepeaca, in the
same kingdom. It contains 59 families of Indians,
and is two leagues from its head settlement.
Micuet, S. another, of the head settlement of
Abuatlan, and alcaldia mayor of Zacatlan, in the
pc
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same kingdom ; one league from its head settle-
ment.
Miauer, S. another, of the head settlement of
Teutalpan, and former alcalcia mayor; three
leagues from its head settlement.
Miauen, S. another, of the head settlement of
Xalazala, and alcaldia mayor of ‘Tlapa, in the
same kingdom. It contains 38 families of Indians,
employed in agriculture, and is three leagues from
its head settlement.
MiaueEt, S. another, of the head settlement of
Tecal’, and alcaldia mayor of this name, with 39
familics of Indians.
Micvet, S. another, a small settlement or ward
of the head settlement of the district and alcaldia
mayor of Juxtlahuaca in the same kingdom.
Micuet, S. another, of the province and cor-
regimiento of Canta in Peru; annexed to the
curacy of San Buenaventura.
MiaveEt, S. another, a small settlement or ward
of the head settlement of the district and alcaldia
mayor of Leon, in the province and bishopric of
Mechoacan and kingdom of Nueva Espaiia. It
contains 100 families of Indians, employed in the
cultivation of maize and fruit-trees, and as labour-
ers in the estates of its district. It is very close to
its capital, by the s.
MicuEt, S. another, of the alcaldia mayor of
San Luis de Potosi, in the same kingdom and
bishopric, It contains 53 families of Indians,
who oceupy themselves solely in cutting of fucl
ane making charcoal, It is to the s. of its ca-
pital.
Micuet, S. another, with the surname of Alto,
of the head settlement of the district and alcaldia
mayor of Maravatio in the same kingdom. It is
of a cold temperature, contains 21 families of In-
dians, and is five leagues from its capital.
Micuet, S. another, of the head settlement of
Quiatoni, and alcaldia mayor of 'Yeutitlan, in the
sane kingdom. It contains 52 families of Indians,
and is two leagues nr. e. of its head settlement.
Micuet, S. another, of the alcaldia mayor of
Huamelula in the same ki gdom; situate at the
foot of a lofty mountain, and in its vicinity runs
a river so large and deep that it is necessary to
pass it in canoes. It is of an hot temperature,
and its territory barren in vegetable productions,
yielding nothing but cochineal, this being the only
branch of its commerce. Its population consists
of 54 families of Indians, At two leagues dis-
tance, and on the shore of the river, are seen the
ruins of the settlement of San Bartolomé, which
was abandoned, owing to all its inhabitants having
VOL. II,
MIG 241
perished in an epidemic disorder in 1736. It is
12 leagues from Pochutla.
Micvuet, S. another, of the head settlement
and alcaldia mayor of Juchipila in the same
kingdom ; five leagues to the 7. of the same head
settlement.
Miavet, S. another, which is the head settle-
ment of the district of the alca/dia mayor of Vil-
lalta in the same kingdom. It contains 26 families
of Indians, and is eight leagues and an half from
its capital.
Miavet, S. another, of the head settlement and
alcaldia mayor of Juchipila, distinct from that of
which we have already spoken ; six leagues to the
s. w. Of its head sctilement.
MiaveEt, S. another, of the province and go-
vernment of Quixos y Macas in the kingdom of
Quito, the capital of the missions of the Sucum-
bios Indians, which were reduced and held under
the care of the regulars of the company, It lies
on the shore of the river Napo.
Miacuet, S. another, of the province of Barce-
Jona, and government of Cumana, in the Nuevo
Reynode Granada ; situate s. of the settlement of
Pirita. ’
Miacuet, S. another, with the surname of Bo-
queron, in the district of Chirigui, of the pro-
vince and government of Veragua, and kingdom
of ‘Tierra Firme ; situate in the royal road, three
leagues from its head settlement.
Miaue., S. another, of the missions that were
held by the regulars of the company, in the pro-
vince and government of Mainas in the kingdom of
Quito.
MicueEt, S. another, of the missions that were
held by the same regulars, in the Orinoco. It is a
reduccion of the Guajiva nation, and situate on the
shore of the river Meta. In 1734, this settlement
was burnt and destroyed by the Caribes.
Micvet, S. another, of the province and corre-
gimiento of Pasto in the kingdom of Quito ; situate
on the shore of the river ‘Telembi.
Micue.,S. another, of the missions that were
held by the regulars of the company, in the pro-
vince of Gunira and government of Paraguay ; si-
tuate on the shore of the river Curitubi; where
are seen the ruins that were made by the Portu-
guese of San Pablo at the end of the last century,
(1600.)
Miauet,S. another, of the proyinceand captains
ship of Rey in Brazil; situate on the coast oppo-
site the island of Santa Catalina,
Miauetr, S. another, of the missions that were
held by the regulars of the company, inthe pro-
11
242 MIG
vince and government of Paraguay ; situate be-
tween the settlements of San Juan and San Lo-
renzo.
Micuet, §. another, also of the missions of the
same regulars, in the country of the Chiquitos In-
dians; situate on the 7. of a lake.
Micvet,S. another, of the province and corregi-
miento of Cuyo in the kingdom of Chile; si-
tuate on the shore of one of the lakes of Huana-
cache,
Miavet,S. another, of the province and alcaldia
mayor of Zacapula in the kingdom of Guatemala.
IGUEL, S. another, of the province and govern-
ment of Buenos Ayres in Peru; situate on the shore
of the river Parana, at ihe mouth where it enters
the Carcaraijial.
M'cuet, S. another, which was once inthe pro-
vince and government of Moxos in the kingdom
of Quito, distinct from that we have mentioned,
but was depopulated by an epidemic disorder,
MiGvet, S. another, of the province and govern-
ment of Tucuman in Peru; situate on the shore
and at the source of the river of its name.
Micvuet, S. another, of the province and king-
dom of Guatemala.
Micucz,S. another, of the province and govern-
ment of Santa Marta in the Nuevo Reynode Grana-
da; situate ona /ano or plain to the e. of the Ciencga,
MrGvueEL, S. another, of the province and gavern-
ment of Maracaibo; situate on the shore of the
tiver Masparro, between the cities of Barinas Vieja
and Nueva.
Miavuet, S. another, of the province and govern-
ment of Cinaloa; situate on the shore of the river
Del Fuerte, between the settlements of Ahome and
of Michicauchi.
Micver, S. another, of the missions that were
held by the regular company of Jesuits, in the go-
vernment and country of the Chiquitos Indians,
distinct from that already mentioned. It is situate
on the bank of a small river, and at a small dis-
tance from the source of the river Capivari.
Miavet,S. another, of the province and govern-
ment of Maracaibo, distinct from one already men-
tioned ; situate on the shore of the river Tucuyo,
and to the w. of this city.
Micurt, 8. another, of the island of Curazao,
one of the Antilles; situate on the 7. coast.
MicvEt,S. another, of the kingdom and corregi-
miento of Quito, in the district of Las Cinco
Leguas ; situate w. of the settlement of Canzacoto.
Miavet, S, another, of the same kingdom and
corregimiento as the former ; situate on the shore
of the river San Pedro,
MIG
Miaver.,, S. another, of the province and govern-
ment of Moxos in the kingdom of Quito, distinct
from those above mentioned ; situate on the shore
of the river Baures, and one of those over which
the Portuguese have gained the dominion.
[Miauet, S. a settlement of Indians, of the
province and government of Buenos Ayres; situaie
on a small branch of the river Piratiny, in lat, 28°
52! 26"s, Long. 54° 39! 27" w.]
[Micuer, S. a tort of the province and go-
vernment of Buenos Ayres; situate on a small
river at the s. end of lake Mini, 90 miles ». e. of
PN uke ac Lat. 35° 44’ 44” s. Long. 53° 35!
0" w.
Midge, S.a river of the same province and
kingdom as the former port. It rises in the coun-
try of the Tepuiiacas Indians, and enters the
Itenes. On its shores is a beautiful estate called
Del Francés.
Micvuet, S. another river, of the province
and government of Santa Cruz de la Sierra in
Peru. It rises from two lakes, runs 2. and, turns
ing w. with the name of Sara, enters the Guapaig.
IGUEL, S. another, of the province and
corregimiento of Pasto in the kingdom of Quito.
It rises in the Sierra Nevada, and enters the Pu-
tumayo, afier running many leagues e.
Micuet, S. another, of the province and go-
vernment of ‘Tucuman in Peru. It runs e. and
enters the Rio Dulce.
Micuet, S. another, of the province and
captainship of Pernanbuco in Brazil. It rises in
the mountains of Itaberaba, runs s. s.e. and enters
the sea between those of Las Lagunas and Ya-
queacti.
Micuet, S. another, of the province and go-
vernment of Atacames or Esmeraldas in the king-
dom of Quito, It enters the Santiago to run into
the sea in the port of Limones.
Micvet, S. a gulf of the S.sea, in the pro-
vince of Darien, and kingdom of Tierra Firme.
It is very great and beautiful, having its mouth or
entrance closed in by a shoal called El Buey, there
being only a narrow channel left for the course of
vessels, Within it are many small rocks or reefs,
and there runs into it a large river which flows
down from the mountains of he same province,
Miavet, S. a small port of the s.coast of the
island of Jamaica.
Micuer, S. an island of the N. sea, one of
the Lesser and most w. of the Antilles.
Miauet, S. a long strip of land or point of
the coast of the gulf of California or Mar fhoxo de
Cortés, in the centre of the said coast, It runs
govern
distinct
le shore
r which
of the
situate
lat. 28°
ind go-
a small
n.e. of
53° 35!
nce and
e coune
ers. the
: called
rovince
ierra in
d, turns
japaig.
ce and
Quito.
the Pu-
and go-
sé. and
ce and
rises in
1 enters
nd Ya-
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Firme.
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of the
one of
oint of
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tt runs
MIL
into the sea, and forms a side of the mouth of the
bay of La Concepcion.
1cueL, S. a fortress or castle of the pro-
vince and captainship of Rey in Brazil. It is
near the coast, and not far from the lake Imeri or
Merin.
Miavet, S. another fortress and garrison, in
the province and government of Paraguay.
Miauez, S. See S. Micuaen, and S, Mie
CHEL.
MIGUELITO, S. a settlement of the province
of Tepeguana, and kingdom of Nueva Vizcaya ;
situate on the bank of the river Guanabal, and not
far from the town of Parras.
(MILFIELD, in Grafton county, New Ham-
shire, settled in 1774. ]
MILFORD, a township in Mifflin county,
Pennsylvania. }
[Mitrorp, a post-town of the state of Dela-
ware, pleasantly situated on the 2. side of Muse
pilion creek, about eight miles w. of its mouth in
Delaware bay, 15 s. by e. of Dover, five s. of
Frederica, and 65 s. by w. of Philadelphia. It
contains nearly 100 houses, all built since the war,
except one. The inhabitants are Episcopalians,
Quakers, and pene |
{Minrorp, a town of Northampton county,
Pennsylvania, lately laid out on the ». w. side of
the Delaware, on a lofty situation, at Well’s ferry,
85 miles above Philadelphia. In front of the town,
which contains as yet only a few houses, the river
forms a cove well fitted for sheltering boats and
lumber in storms or freshes in the river. A saw-
mill and paper-mill have been erected here; the
latter belongs to Mr. Biddis, who has disco-
vered the method of making paper and paste.
board, by substituting a large proportion of saw-
dust in the composition. ]
[Minrorp, a post-town of Connecticut, on
Long island sound, and in New Haven county, 17
miles s. w. of New Haven, and e. of Stratford.
The mouth of the creek on which it stands has
three fathoms water. This town was called Wopo-
wage by the Indians, and was settled in 1638, It
contains an Episcopal church, and two Congrega-
tional churches, |
{Mitrorp Haven, a deep bay on the const of
Nova Scotia, to the s. w. round the point of the
strait of Canso. It reccives several rivers from
the 2. w. and age
[MILITARY ‘Townships, in the state of New
York. The legislature of the state granted
1,500,000 acres of land, as a gratuity to the officers
and soldiers of the line of this state. This tract,
forming the new county of Onondago, is bounded
MIL 243
w. by the e. shore of the Seneca lake, and the Mas-
sachusetts lands in the new county of Ontario; 2.
by the part of lake Ontario near tort Oswego; s.
by a ridge of the Alleghany mountains and the
Pennsylvania line; and ¢. by the ‘Tuscarora creek
(which falls nearly into the middle of the Oneida
lake) and that part of what was formerly Montgo-
mery county, which has been settling by the New
England people very rapidly since the peace.
This pleasant{county is divided into 25 townships,
of 60,000 acres each, which are again auiteltieted
into 100 convenient farms, of 600 acres; making
in the whole 2500 farms. ‘This tract is well wa-
tered by a multitude of small lakes and rivers. ]
MILL, a river of the province and colony of
Nova Scotia or Acadia, rising from a small lake
near lake Rosignol. It runs ”. w. and enters the
sea in the port of Annapolis Real.
MILLALAB, a settlement of Indians, of the
island of Laxa in the kingdom of Chile; situate on
the shore of the river Bureu.
MILLAPOA, called by others Millapo, a town
of the province and corregimiento of Maule in the
kingdom of Chile; situate on the shore of the river
Biobio. In its vicinity is a large estate called
Toro.
MILLAQUI, a settlement of Indians, of the
island of Laxa, in the same kingdom as the two for-
mer; situate on the shore of the river Tolpan, to
the e. of the town of Colhue.
MILLER, a river of the province and colony
of Massachusetts in New England, of N. America.
It runs w. forming a curve, and enters the Connec-
ticut.
MILLER, @ paramo or mountain desert of the
cordillera in the kingdom of Quito; one of those
which were chosen by the academicians of the
sciences of Paris in 1738 to fix their instruments
for astronomical ubservations.
MILLEYS, a small river of the province and
colony of N.Carolina. It runs”. w. and enters
the Cutawba.
MII.LS, a settlement of the island of Barbadoes,
in the district of the parish of San Andres.
MILs, a bity on the e. coast of the same island
of Barbadoes, on the shore of which the former
settlement is situate.
MILLUHUAI, a settlement of the province
and corregimiento of Cicasica in Peru; annexcd
to the curacy of Yanacache.
MILOCAN, a settlement of the bead settle.
ment of the district and alcaldia mayor of Zcayan
in Nueva Espaia. It is of a warm and dry teme
perature, contains 46 families of Indians, and is
one league to the 7. of its head scttlement.
112
i
|
|
Cs
244 MIN
MILPA, a small settlement or ward (at the pre-
sent day ina state of ruin), of the head settlement
of the district and alcaldia mayor of Autlan in
Nueva Espaiia.
MILPANDUENAG, a settlement of the pro-
vince and kingdom of Guatemala; annexed to
the curacy of Almolonga.
MILPAS Attas, a settlement of the province
and kingdom of Guatemala in N. America. It
has also the dedicatory title of Santo Tomas. _ Its
opulation consists of 678 Indians, in which are
included those which are in four settlements an-
nexed to its curacy.
Mitvas, surnamed Baxas, todistinguish it from
the former, a settlement in the same province and
kingdom,
MILPILLA, ascttlement of the head settlement
of the district and alcaldia mayor of Acaponeta in
Nueva Espana. It is 22 leagues to the n. e.
of its capital, to the curacy of which it is an-
nexed,
MILTEPEC, a settlement of the alcaldia mayor
of ‘Teotales in Nueva Espaiia. It contains 89 tae
milies of Indians,
MILTON, a city of the county of Suffolk, in
the province and lay of Massachusetts ; situate
on the shore of the river of its name, which enters
the sea in the bay of Boston. It is seven miles s.
of this city, two from Dorchester, and six n. w. of
Braintree,
MIMBRES, an isle or shoal of the w. head or
foreland called Del Placer, which is in the island
of Cuba, to the zw. of that of Espiritu Santo.
Mimpres, a cape or point, called also De Bar-
rancas, on the coast which lies between the river
La Plata and the straits of Magellan.
MIMIALPA, San Micven pe, a settlement
and head settlement of the district of the alcaldia
mayor of Metepec_in Nueva Espafiia. It con-
tains 49 families of Indians.
MIMINI], a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Arica in Peru; annexed to the cu-
racy of Camiiia.
MIN, a river of the province and corregimiento
of Cuenca in the kingdom of Quite. It rises in the
mountain of El Altar, runs 7. e. and enters by the
s. into the Lluzin or De las Nieves, just before this
joins the Chinchon, in lat. 1°41’ s,
MINA, a small river of the province and go-
vernment of San Juan de los Llanos in the Nuevo
Reyno de Granada. It rises between those of
Sinaruco and Cantanapalo, runs e. and enters the
Orinoco between the mouths of the former, and of
the Banahati.
MINABAUJOU, a settlement of Indians, of
MIN
New France or Canada; situate on the const of
lake Superior.
MINAGE, a river of Nova Scotia or Acadia,
It rises from the lake Mipisigonche, runs e, for
many leagues, and, inclining afterwards to the s. e,
enters the sea in the bay of Miramichi.
MINANGUA, a small river of the province
and government of Paraguay, which runs into the
Parana, between the rivers Acaray-pitiand Yaperi-
buy.
[ MINAS, sometiines also called LeGrand Praye,
isa gulf on the s.e. side of the bay of Fundy,
into which its waters pass by a narrow strait, and
set up into Nova Scotia inane. and s. direction,
It is about 30 leagues from the entrance of Anna-
polis, und 10 from the bottom of Bedford bay. It
is 12 leagues in length, and three in breadth, See
Basin of Mrnas.
[ Minas, or De cas Minas Hill, is the middle-
most of the three hills described as marks within
Jand tor Bonaventura bay and river, on the w.
coast of S, America: these are s. of Panama bay. }
Minas, a fort of the English, in the province
of Nova Scotia; situate on the shore of the same
bay.
Biscan, a settlement of the jurisdiction of the
town of Ibague, and corregimiento of Mariquita, in
the Nuevo Reyno de Granada. It is of an hot
temperature, and contains 100 inhabitants, who
employ themselves in the labour of the copper
mines, from whence they extract a good quantity
of metal of excellent quality, and from whence the
scttlement has its name. It is annexed to the cu-
racy of the city of Ibague.
Minas, another, with the dedicatory title of
Santa Catalina, in the head settlement of the district
of Cuilapa, and alcaldia mayor of Quatro Villas, in
Nueva Espaiia. It has this name from its vicinity
to the silver mines of Chichicapa, which were for-
merly worked, but to-day abandoned. It contains
only 12 families of Indians, who are employed in
the cultivation and commerce of cochincal, seeds,
fruit, and in collecting coal and wood. It is a little
more than six leagues s. w. of its head settlement.
Minas, a town of the province and government
of Buenos Ayres; situate near the source of the
river St. Lucia, about 34 miles 7. e. of Maldonado.
Lat. 34° 21'30"s, Long. 55° 5! 34” w.
Minas, another, with the addition of Nuevas,
of the province of 'Tepeguana, and kingdom of
Nueva Gisbays in N. America. It is a real of
silver mines, and four leagues to the w. of the
settlement of Parral.
Minas, another, with the additional title of
Generales, a town of the Portuguese, in the pro-
» const of
r Acadia,
ins e. for
o the s.e,
province
3 into the
| Yaperi-
1d Praye
Fundy,
rait, and
lirection.
of Anna-
bay. It
th. See
» middle-
cs within
n the w.
1a bay. }
province
the same
n of the
iquita, in
f an hot
nts, who
e copper
quantity
rence the
» the cue
r tille of
e district
Villas, in
s Vicinity
were for
contains
toyed in
ul, seeds,
is a little
ement.
vernment
e of the
Idonado.
Nuevas,
igdom of
a real of
. of the
title of
the pro-
MIN
vince and captainship of Puerto Seguro in Brazil ;
situate at the source of the river Maranlao, to the
w. of the lake Parapitinga. [Mr. Mawe tells us,
that the province of Minas Generales, or Geracs,
is from 6 to 700 miles from n. to s. and about
the same extent from e, to w.; that it contains a
population 360,000 persons, 200,000 of which are
Negroes, or of Negro origin. 'The number of na-
tive Indians is not at all known; they neither mix
with the colonists, nor give them any disturbance.
Indeed the road seems to be so well guarded by
those military posts called register houses, where
all passengers undergo a strict examination, and
the country is so completely scoured by a corps of
well mounted cacadores, that it is more than pro-
bable the poor Indians confine themselves to the
mountains. Mr. Mawe seldom mentions them
under any other designation than that of the
Anthropophagi. ]
Minas, another, a settlement of Indians of the
island of Laxa in the kingdom of Chile; sitnate
on the shore of the river of Los Sauces.
Minas, a cape or point of land on the coast of
Reve Scotia or Acadia, within the great bay of
‘undy.
MINCHA, a settlement and asiento of gold
mines, of the province and corregimiento of Quil-
lota in the kingdom of Chile; annexed to the cu-
racy of Hillapel, with two other vice-parishes.
Miscua, a bay in the province and corregimi-
ento ot Coquimbo in the same kingdom, on the side
of the river Choapa.
[MINDAWARCARTON, Indians of N. Ame-
rica, the only band of Sioux who cultivate corn,
beans, &c.; though these even cannot properly be
termed a stationary people. ‘They live in tents of
dressed leather, which they transport by means of
horses and dogs, and ramble from place to place
during the greatex part of the year. ‘They are
fricndly to their own traders; but the inveterate
enemies of such as supply their enemies, the Chip-
peways, with merchandise. They also claim the
country in which they hunt, commencing at the en-
trance of the river St. Peter’s, and extending up-
wards, on both sides of the Mississippi river, to the
mouth of the Crow river, The land is fertile and
well watered, lies level, and sufficiently timbered.
Their trade cannot be expected to increase much. |
MINDO, a settlement of the corregimiento and
kingdom of Quito, in the district of the jurisdiction
of Los Cinco Leguas.
Minpo, another, in the province and govern-
ment of Esmeraldas of the same kingdom ; situate
in the district of the Yumbos Indians, on the r.
shore of the river Pirusay, a little before the union
MIN 245
of this with the Nambillo, It is ofa very hot cli-
mate, but its territory abounds in all kinds of vege-
table productions. In lat, 2° 30/ s.
MINE, a small river of the province and go-
vernment of Louisiana in N. America, It runs
s. e. between the rivers Ovisconsin and Paris, and
enters the Misipi.
Mine Au Fen, (or Iron Mines), on thee. side
of Mississippi river, is 674 miles n. by e. of Chicka-
saw river, and 15s, by e. of the Ohio. Here the
land is nearly similar in quality to that borderin
on the Chicaksaw river, interspersed with gradual
risiugs or small eminences. ‘There was a post at
this place, near the former s. boundary of Vir-
inia.
[M INEH EAD, a township in Essex county,
Vermont, on Connecticut river.
MINER, a settlement of the island of Bar-
badoes. *
MINES, Basin of the, a bay lying in tlie inte.
rior of the bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia or Aca-
dia. It is very capacious, secure, and sheltered
from the winds,
(MINETARES, are Indians of N, America,
who claim no particular country, nor even assign
themselves any limits: their tradition relates that
they have always resided at their present villages,
In their customs, manners, and dispositions, they
are similar to the Mandans and Ahwahhaways,
‘The scarcity of fuel induces them to reside, dur-
ing the cold season, in large bands, in camps, on
different parts of the Missouri, as high up that
river as the mouth of the river Yellow Stone, and
w. of their villages, about the ‘Turtle mountain.
These people, as well as the Mandans and Ahwah-
haways, might be prevailed on to remove to the
mouth of Yellow Stone river, provided an esta-
blishment is made at that place. ‘They have as
yet furnished scarcely any beaver, although the
country they hunt abounds with them ; the lodges
of these animals are to be seen within a mile of
their villages. ‘These people have also suffered
considerably by the small-pox ; but have success«
fully resisted the attacks of the Sioux. The N.W.
company have lately formed an establishment on
the M issouri, near these people, |
MINGAN, a small river of the land or country
of Labrador, It runs s, and enters the river St.
Lawrence.
MINGO Town, an Indian town on the w.
bank of the Ohio river, 86 miles 7. ¢. of Will’s
town, by the Indian path, and 33 s. w. of Pitts.
burg. I[t stands a few miles up a small creek,
where there are springs that yield the petral, a bi-
tuminous liquid. |
v
7
246 MIN
MINGOS, a settlement of Indians of the pro.
vince and country of the Iroqueesin N. America ;
situate on the shore of the river Ohio, where the
English have a fort and establishment for their
commerce,
(MINGUN Islands, onthe x. side of the mouth
of the river St. Lawrence. They have the island
Anticosti s, distant 10 leagues, Lat, 50° 15’ x.
Long. 63° 25! w, ]
MINI, a settlement of the missions that were
held by the regulars of the company, in the Be
vince and government of Paraguay, See San
IGNacto,
Mint, another settlement, of the province and
government of Yucatan in N. America, in the
which the Spaniards found a cross of stone, which
the Indians used to adore in 1527, when they (the
Spaniards) entered this country under Francisco
de Montejo. The story of the Indians was, that
an Indian chief and priest, called Chilaucalcatl
(and whom the Father Char!evoix wrongly deno-
minates Chilau Combal), a person esteemed for a
great prophet, once said, that in a few days time
there would come from that part where the sun
rises a barbarous and white nation, who would
carry before them that signal of the cross, and be-
fore which their idols would flee away ; that this
nation would conquer that land, that they would
do no injury to its possessors, but that these would
live in amity with the new-comers, would desert
their idols, and adore one God. He caused a
garment to be woven of cotton, and said that in
that manner they would pay tribute to those peo-
ple; he then ordered the lord of that settlement,
whose name was Machauxiuch, to offer the same
mantle to the idols, that it might be safely pre-
served, and he cut out of a piece of stone the sign
of the cross, placing it also in the court of the tem-
ple, and saying, that that was the truce tree of the
world. Hence it was that the Indians asked the
Spaniards, who arrived here under Francisco Her-
nandez de Cordoba, if they came from where the
sun rose : likewise when Montejo arrived here, and
saw the reverence that the Indians paid to the
cross, he was assured of the truth of what was said
to have been told them by their priest Chilauncal-
catl, These Indians looked upon this cross as the
god of rain, assuring themselves that they would
never want moisture when they prayed to it de-
voutly.
Mint, a lake, which is also called by the In-
dians Imeri, in the province and captainship of
Puerto Seguro in Brazil, near the sea-coust: on
its shore the Portuguese have various settlements.
MINIPI, a settlement of the jurisdiction of Las
MIR
Palmas, and corregimiento of Tunja, in the Nuevo
Reyno de Granada ; situate in a wild country,
full of mountains and bogs, but of a benign tem-
perature, abounding in tobacco, cotton, sugar.
cane, plantains, and yucas, also in pigs, these
being its principal commerce, It contains 300 in-
habitants and a good number of Indians.
[MINISINK, a village in New Jersey, at the
n.w. corner of the state, and on the w, side of De-
laware river; about five miles below Montague,
and 57 n. w. of Brunswick, by the road. ]
[ Minisink, a township in Orange county, New
York ; bounded e, by the Wallkill, and s, by the
state of New Jersey. It contains 2215 inhabi-
tants, of whom 320 are entitled to be electors, and
51 are slaves.
ede pict a small desert island, eight
miles w. of cape May in Newfoundland island.
{t is the most w. of what have been called the
Three Islands of St. Pierre or St. Peter, and is not
so high as the other two ; but its soil is very indif-
ferent, and it is not more than three-fourths of a
league in length. ‘There isa passage or channel
from the w. along by the x. end of this island into
Fortune bay on the s. coast of Newfoundland.
Lat. 47° n. Long. 50°4’ w. It is sometimes
called pioggolon.
MIRA, San Niconas bE, a settlement of the
province of Venezuela, and government of Mara.
caibo, in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada; situate in
a valley called De los Obispos. It is of a very
hot temperature, though pleasant and delightful,
and is surrounded by the copious rivers of the St,
Domingo, Masparro, and La Yuca. It is very
healthy, and abounds in every kind of fruit and
vegetable production, particularly cacao, and to-
bacco of the same quality as that of Barinas, which
affords a great profit by its commerce, as being
every where much esteemed. It has many ma-
chines for making sugar, abounds in neat cattle
and horses of good quality, and contains 600
housekeepers. It is in the boundary which di-
vides the archbishopric of Santa Fé from the bi-
shopric of Caracas. Six leagues from the city of
Barinas.
Mrra, another settlement, of the province and
corregimiento of Ibarra in the kingdom of Quito,
celebrated tor the multitude of asses bred in its
territory, and from whence the other settlements of
the jurisdiction are supplied for the purposes of
commerce, ‘They traverse the country in troops,
and the masters of the estates in that district allow,
for a small acknowledgment, the natives to go and
catch them; and this they effect with great faci-
lity, surrounding them by numbers on foot and
Nuevo
ountry,
gn teme
sugar
3, these
300 in-
r, at the
2 of De-
mntague,
ty, New
sf the
inhabi-
ors, and
1, eight
1 island.
alled the
nd is not
ry indif-
ths of a
channel
land into
undland.
ometimes
mnt of the
of Mara-
situate in
f a ver
lightful,
f the St,
is ver
fruit acd
, and to-
As, Which
as being
any mae
eat cattle
ains 600
hich di-
h the bi-
e city of
ince and
of Quito,
ed in its
lements of
poses of
n troops,
ct allow,
0 go and
cat faci-
foot and
MIR
horseback, although it costs them great labour af-
terwards to tame them, owing to their natural cou-
rage. ‘These animals never permit a horse to be
amongst them, and should one join them they bite
and kick him to death. In the vicinity of this
settlement is a mountain called Pachon, from
whence not many years since great riches were eX-
tracted. It lies in a valley so hot that the Indians
are dispensed from the mifa or personal service,
In lat, 32° 30’ n.
Mira, another settlement, of the province and
government of Mainas in the kingdom of Quito,
called also Mamos; situate on the shore of the
river Guayabeno. ‘
MirA, a river of the same province and king-
dom as the former settlement, from whence it takes
its name. It rises in the v. skirt of the mountain
of Mojanda, of the mountains of Los Cofanes, from
two large streams which enter the lake of San
Pablo, out of which it issues ; and, collecting the
waters of the rivers Pisco, Angel, ‘Taguando, Es-
cudillas, Caguasqui, and Chiles or Mayasquer,
which flows down from the heights of Pellizo,
turns its course to the n. e. and receives the rivers
Camunixi, Gualpi, Nuipe, and Puespi, taking the
name of the province, and afterwards changing it
to Mira, till it reaches the spot where it cnters the
Pacific or S. sea by nine mouths, between the
point of Manglares and the island and port of Tu-
maco. Its shores in the territory of the town of
Ibarra are very delightful and pleasant, from bein
full of gardens and sugar-cane pentcne: This
river, after it incorporates itself with the Chiles,
enters the province of Esmeraldas, and divides it
from that of Barbacoas,
Mira Por Vos, some reefs or rocky shoals in
the N. sea, by the s. part of the w. head of the
island of Cuba, between this island and that of
Yuma.
MIRACA, a lake of the province and govern-
ment of Venezuela in the Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada. It is near the coast, in the cape of San Ro-
man of the peninsula of Paraguana.
MIRAFLORES, Santiaco pe Sana DE, a
town of the province and corregimiento of Saiia in
Peru, and of the bishopric of ‘Truxillo ; founded
by order of the viceroy the Count de Nieva, in
1546, in a pleasant valley on the 2. side of the
river of its name, seven leagues from the sea:
the valley was separated from the bishopric of
Truxillo at the time that it was added to the
district of Chiclayo. It was the capital of its pro-
vince and very opulent, but at the present day re-
duced to a miserable settlement, the greater part of
its inhabitants having established themselves in the
1
MIR 247
settlement of Lambayeque. The English pirate
Edward David sacked it in 1680, and in 1720 it
was completely ruined by a deluge of rain which
lasted several days, and which caused the river to
swell to such a degree as to inundate it. In this
town died Santo Toribio, archbishop of Lima,
whilst upon his visitation, and before the establish-
ment of the bishopric of Truxillo. It has four
convents of the following religious orders, San
Francisco, San Agustin, La Merced, and San Juan
de Dios, all of which are almost in a state of ruin
and extreme poverty. It is 357 miles from Lima.
Mirartonrs, with the dedicatory title of San
Esteban, a settlement of the province and govern-
ment of Tucuman in Peru, and of the district and
jurisdiction of the city of Salta. It is a reduccion
of the Lules and Toconotes Indians, of the district
of Gran Chaco, and of the missions that were held
by the regulars of the company ; but at present
under the charge of the monks of San Francisco. It
is of a benign and agrecable temperature, has very
large breeds of cattle, formerly contained upwards
of 600 Indians, and is situate on the shore of the
river Salta. It lies in the direct and necessary
way from Buenos Ayres to Lima. In its vicinit
is the fort of San Joseph to restrain on that si
the incursions of the infidel Indians,
Mirarsores, another, of the province and cor-
regimiento of Tunja in the Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada. It is of an hot temperature, abundant and
fertile in sugar-cane and cotton,. contains 200 in-
habitants, and a multitude of Negroes in the vari-
ous estates of its district. It is half a league from
its capital.
Mirartores, another, of the province and go-
vernment of Popayan, in the same kingdom as the
former. It is on a fertile, pleasant spot, near the
river Timbo, and the climate is very healthy. It
had in former times a considerable population,
but is at present reduced to a miserable state. It
lies to the n.e. of the Palo Bobo, in lat. 2° 13! x.
Mirarrores, another, of the province and cor-
regimiento of Guamalies in Peru; annexed to the
curacy of Llacta.
MinaFiores, another, with the dedicatory title
of San Marcos, in the province and corregimicnto
of Chayauta in the same kingdom,
Minarrones, another, of the province and core
regimiento of Cercado in the same kingdom ; an-
nexed to the curacy of La Magdalena,
MirarLones, a river of the province and core
regimiento of Conchucos, It rises near the settles
ment of this name, as will be found mentioned
above, runs 7, and enters the Maraiion,
MirarFiores, a fort, with the dedicatory title
248 MIS
of San Esteban, in the province and government of
Tucuman.
[MIRAGOANE, a town on the n. side of the s,
peninsula of the island of St. Domingo, and s, side
of the bight of Leogane, at the head of a bay of
its name. It is on the road from Jeremie to Port
au Prince, about 31 leagues e. by s. of the former,
and 23 w, by s. of the latter. Lat, 18° 27' n.]
MIRAGUANA, an isle situate near the n. const
of the island of St. Domingo, in the part possessed
by the French, opposite the island Goanava, be-
tween the point of Petez and the ‘Trou Forban,
(MIRAMICHI, or Minacny, a port, bay, and
river, on the 2. e. coast of New Brunswick. The
ort is atthe mouth of the river, ‘The entrance
into the bay is very wide; it has point Portage for
its m. entrance, and its ¢. side is formed by Escu-
minax point, which is 53 miles n.e. of Shediac
harbour, and 34 s.e. of the mouth of Nippisighit
river, which empties into Chaleur bay. There is
a salmon fishery in Miramichi river.
MIRAQUANE, a settlement of the province
and government of Louisiana in N. America; si-
tuate on the coast at the entrance of the bay of La
Mobila. :
[MIRAY Bay, on the coast of the island of
Cape Breton, is to the s. from Morienne bay.
Large vessels may go up six leagues, and have
rood anchorage, and lie secure from all winds.
at. 46°5' n._ Long. 59° 49’ w.]
(MIREBALAIS, an interior town in the French
part of the island of St. Domingo; situated nearly
12 leagues x. of Port au Prince, on the road from
that city to Varettes; from which last it is 14
leagues s. ¢.]
MIRGAS, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Conchucos in Peru ; annexed to the
curacy of Llamellin.
+ MIRIBIRA, a large island of the river Maraiion
or Amazonas; situate near its entrance into the sea,
and almost opposite the city of Para.
MIRINAJ, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Faraguay. It rises from the lake Iberia,
runs s. and then turning e. enters the Uruguay.
MIRLIGUECHE, Bay of, on the s. coast of
Nova Scotia or Acadia, between cape Rage and
the island of La Croix.
MISCHAUALLI, a small and reduced settle-
ment of the province and government of Quixos
y Macas in the kingdom of Quito; situate on the
shore of the river of its name.
Miscnavuatit. This xiver runs e. and oppo-
site the city of Archidona unites itself with another
small torrent, and takes this name, afterwards col-
lecting the waters of the rivers Hollin, Tena, and
MIS
Pano, until it enters by the n, side into the Napo,
in lat, 1° 1 18",
[MISCOTHINS, a small tribe of Indians who
inhabit between lake Michigan and the Mibssis-
sippi.
Wiiiscou, or Misco, an island which forms
the s, side of the entrance of Chaleur bay, and is
now called Muscow island. ‘The gut of Chepayan,
about two or three leagues in length, and in some
parts near a league wide, separates it from the n. e.
coast of New Brunswick. It abounds with salt
marsh hay.
MISERICORDIA, a port on the coast of the
straits of Magellan; discovered by Admiral Pedro
Sarmiento in 1579, and then taken possession of
for the seventh time, for the crown of Spain, after
that it had been abandoned by Villalobos, with
whom the aforesaid admiral bad established other
au colonies in the gulf of La Santisima 'Tri-
nidad,
(MISERY, an isle between Salem and cape
Ann in Massachusetts. ]
MISHUM, a river of the province and colony
of New England in N. America.
MISINA, a small river of the country or land
of Labrador. It runs s. between the Ovatessaou
and the Esquimaux, and enters the sea in the gulf
of St. Lawrence, ;
MISION Granpe, a settlement of the missions
that were held by the French regulars of the com-
pany, in New France or Canada; situate on the
shore of the river St. Lawrence, between the city
of Tadoussac and the point of Ocramane.
Mision, another settlement, of the province and
corrvegimiento of Maule in the kingdom of Chile;
situate on the shore of the river Biobio, to the w.
of the town of Millapoa.
Mision, another, with the surname of Nueva,
in the province and country of Las Amazonas,
and in the territory which is occupied by the Por-
tuguese, being a reduccion of the missions which
were held by the Carmelite fathers of this nation ;
situate on the shore of the river Guatuma.
MISIPINAG, ariver of New France or Canada
in N. America. It rises from a lake in the coun-
try of the Papinachois Indians, runs s. e. and en-
ters the grand river St. Lawrence at its mouth or
entrance, .
MISISAGAN, or Buanr, a lake of the pro-
vince and government of Luisiana, formed of ya-
rious rivers. It runs into a river which is called
the river of the Lake, to enter the Mississippi.
MISISAGUES, formerly a settlement of In-
dians of New France or Canada in N. America ;
situate on the shore of the strait of its name, but
¢ Napo,
ians who
. Missis-
sh forms
» and is
lepayan,
In some
the n. e.
with salt
it of the
ral Pedro
ssion of
nin, after
os, with
ed other
ma Tri-
ind cape
id colony
y or land
yatessnou
| the gulf
: missions
the com-
on the
the city
ince and
f Chile;
to the w.
. Nueva,
mazonas,
the Por-
ns which
s nation ;
r Canada
he coun-
P, and en-
mouth or
the pro-
ed of va-
is called
ppi.
t of In-
merica ;
ame, but
MIS
which is now called the river St,Clair. In it the
French built.a fort and establishment for their
commerce.
MisisaGues. The aforesaid strait or river is a
large canal of water which runs from lake Huron,
on the s. side, and communicates with lake Erie,
forming in the middle the lake of St. Clair,
[MISKo, an island on the s. w. side of Chaleur
bay, at its mouth.
MISKOUAKI INA, a settlement of the same
rovince and country as the former lake ; situate
on theshore of the lake Michigan, and at the mouth
of the river Mellaki.
MISKOUASKANE, a lake of New France or
Canada in N, America; situate between the lakes
Beauharnois and Begon in the territory of the
Chemonchovanistes Indians,
MISOA, a settlement of the government of Ma-
racaibo, and province of Venezuela, inthe Nuevo
Reyno de Granada ; situate on the e. coast of the
great lake of that name.
MISPILION, a river of the province and colony
of Pennsylvania in N. America.
MISQUITIC, a settlement of the head settle-
ment of the district and alcaldia mayor of 'Tecpa-
titlan in Nueva Galicia; nine leagues to the x, ¢.
of its capital.
MISSINABE Lake is situated in the n, part
of N. America, in lat. 48° 29’ 42" n. and long. 84°
2 42" w.]
(Missinase House is situated on the e. .:de of
Moose river, eight miles from Missinabe lake, and
80 w. by s. of Frederic house; and is a station be-
longing to the Hudson bay company. |
MISSISSIPPI, a large and abundant river in
N. America. It rises at the high land which se-
arates the waters running into the Hudson’s bay
rom those running into the bay of Mexico: its
origin is Turtle lake, from whence it traverses this
spacious country till it disembogues itself in the
sea at the gulf of Mexico. It is navigable, and
its course is very winding and irregular for the
space of more than 2000 miles, including its wind-
ings. The French took possession of it in 1712;
and at the peace of Versailles, in 1763, it was stipu-
lated that its navigation should be free to the Eng-
lish and French, and that a line being drawn down
the middle of its course, a frontier of division
should be marked between the possessions of the
one and the other; expressing further that all the
continent to the w. of this river should remain to
the French, and the country to the e, to the Eng-
lish. In the soundings which were made at its
entrance there were found 16 feet water, and im-
_mediately a French ship, the Neptune, which had
VOL. Il.
MIS 249
just arrived from France, entered the river, and
sailed up as far as New Orleans, Mr. Decan and
the Father Hennepin of the company of the Jesuits
also entered this river from the fort of Creveceur,
and navigated up as far as lat. 44° 10! », where
their course was impeded by a very lofty cascade
of water, occupying the whole width of the river
called Antonio de Padua.
This river traverses nearly the whole of N. Ame-
rica. The Baron Touti, who navigated it in
1680, dwells much on the pleasantness of the
countries that it irrigates, and says that it is 300
leagues from its origin to where it is entered by
the Lines or 1nois; and, until it enters the sea in
the bay of Mexico, 800, ‘The French, under the
regency of the duke of Orleans, flattered themselves
they should accumulate great riches through some
establishments they thought to make in 1719,
under the name of the Company of Mississippi,
similar tothe S, sea company of the English ; and
to this intent they were eager to put their money
into a fund, and to purchase shares ; but they were
all ruined, and the projected establishments fell to
the ground.
This river receives in its course infinite others,
which augment its stream; such as the Ohio,
nearly equal to the Danube, the Ovacache little
inferior, the grand river of Alibama, the Mobila,
and others, some of which are so impetuous and
abundant as to bring down such a quantity of mud
as to obscure the water for a distance of 20 leagues,
In this river breed a multitude of alligators and
other amphibious animals, and also aquatic birds :
the country on cither side is very fertile, inhabited
by an infinite number of different nations of In-
dians, the best known of whom are the Hadovesaves,
the Hanetons, Ovas, and Thuntolas. It disem-
bogues itself into the sea hy a great many mouths,
which form a number of islands, some of which are
of a considerable size. The aforesaid Baron ‘Touti
places its three principal mouths between lat. 28°
and 29°, and the best geographers between 28° 50!
and 29° 15/ and between long. 89° 5’ and 89° 38° w.
The country on either side of these mouths is full
of woods, and uncultivated through the frequent
inundation and barrenness of the territory, this
producing nothing but shrubs, and a species of
trees, all of which are stripped of their bark, &c,
by the force of the waters, Some leagues further
up, beyond the lake, the country is represented b
travellers as being very agreeable, covered wit
vines and all kinds of fruit-trees, and producing
maize in abundance, with pulse and other grain,
of which two crops are gathered yearly.
{Mr. Ashe represents this river as exhibiting, in
KK
250 MISSISSIPPI.
Lits scenery and current, an almost continued suc-
Cession of beauty, richness, and grandeur. The
navigation, like that of the Ohio, is interrupted
with islands ; of which the number is increasing.
During its floods, which are periodical, the same
author asserts, a ¢¢ first-rate man of war may de-
scend with safety.” ‘The country on both sides of
tiie Mississippi, and on its tributary streams, is
equal in goodness to any in N. America. ‘This
river is-navigable to St. Anthony’s falls without
any obstruction, and some travellers describe it as
navigable above them. On hoth sides this river
are salt aps thes or licks, which produce excellent
salt; and on its branches are innumerable such
springs. Besides the coal mines in the upper parts
of the Ohio country, there are great quantities of
coal on the upper branches of this river. Some
account of the valuable productions on the banks
of this majestic river, and the lands which its
branches water, will be seen under the description
of Louisiana, W. Florida, Tennessee, Georgia,
&e. &c.
Much, indeed, has been written, and much still
remains to be said, of the course and soundings of
this river, and of the properties of the soil through
which it runs, It is a subject highly interesting
and important; and we shall not therefore be
afraid of extending this article to an undue length
by inserting
Some Observati.ns made in a Voyage, commencing
at St. Catherine’s landing, on the e. bank of
the Mississippi, procceding downwards to the
mouth of Red river, and from thence ascending
that river, the Blick river, and the Washita
river, as high as the Hot springs, in the prox-
imity of the last-mentioned river, extracted from
the Journals of William Dunbar, Esq. and Dr.
Lfunter.
‘Mr. Dunpar, Dr. Hunter, and the party
employed by the United States to make a survey
of, and explore the country traversed by, the
Washita river, left St. Catherine’s landing, on the
Mississippi, in lat. 31° 26’ 30” n. and long. Gh.
5! 56” w. from the meridian of Greenwich, on
Tuesday the IGth of October 1804, A. little
distance below St. Catherine’s creek, and_ five
leagues from Natches, they passed the White
cliffs, composed chiefly of sand, surmounted
by pine, and from 100 to 200 feet high. When
the waters of the Mississippi are low, the base of
the cliff is uncovered, which consists of different
coloured clays, and some beds of ochre, over
which there lies, in some places, a thin lamina of
iron ore, Small springs, possessing a petrifying
quality, flow over the clay and ochre, and nume-
rous logs and pieces of timber, converted inte
stone, are strewed about the beach. Fine pure
argil of various colours, chiefly white and red, is
found here.
‘ On the 17th they arrived at the mouth of Red
river, the confluence of which with the Missis-
sippi, agreeably to the observations of Mr. de
Ferrer, lies in lat. 51° 1! 15’ n. and long. Gh. 7!
11’ w, of Greenwich. Red river is here about 500
ards wide, and without any sensible current.
"he banks of the river are clothed with willow ;
the land low and subject to inundation, to the
height of 30 feet or more above the level of the
water at this time. The mouth ofthe Red river is
accounted to be 75 leagues from New Orleans,
and three miles higher up than the Chafalaya or
Opelousa river, which was probably a continuation
of the Red river when its waters did not unite
with tose of the Mississippi but during the inun-
dation.
© On the 18th the survey of the Red river was
commenced, and on the evening of the 19th the
party arrived atthe mouth of the Black river, in
at. 31° 15’ 48” n. and about 26 miles from the
Mississippi. ‘The Red river derives its name from
the rich fat earth or marl of that colour, borne
down by the floods; the last of which appeared to
have deposited on the high bank a stratum of up-
wards of half an inch in thickness. The vegeta-
tion on its banks is surprisingly luxuriant; no
doubt owing to the deposition of marl during its
annual floods. ‘The willows grow to a good size ;
but other forest-trees are much smaller than those
seen on the banks of the Mississippi. As you ad-
vance up the river it gradually narrows; in lat.
31° 8' n, it is about 200 yards wide, which width
is continued to the mouth of Black river, where
each of them appears 150 yards across, ‘The
banks of the river are covered with pea-vine and
several sorts of grass bearing seed, which geese
and ducks eat very greedily ; and there are gene-
rally seen willows growing on one side, and on the
other a small growth of black oak, paccawn, hic-
cory, elm, &c. ‘The current in the Red river is
so moderate as scarcely to afford an impediment to
its ascent.
‘On sounding the Black river, a litle above its
mouth, there was found 20 feet of water, with a
bottom of black sand. ‘Ihe water of Black river
is rather clearer than that of the Ohio, and ofa
warm temperature, which it may receive from the
water flowing into it from the valley of the Mis-
sissippi, particularly by the Catahoola, At noon
on the 23d, by a good meridian observation, they
ascertained their latitude to be 30° 56! 29" n. and |
ed inte
le pure
| red, is
of Red
Missis-
Mr. de
6h. 7!
out 500
urrent,
villow ;
to the
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jaya or
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e inun-
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ared to
of up-
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where
, ‘The
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ove its
with a
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nd of a
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he Mis-
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» the
, and]
MISSISSIPPI. 251
were then a little below the mouths of the Cata-
oola, Washita, and Bayau ‘Tenza, the united
waters of which form the Black river. ‘The cure
rent is very gentle the whole length of the Black
river, which in many places does not exceed 80
yards in width, ‘The banks on the lower part of
the river present a great luxuriance of vegetation
and rank grass, with red and black oak, ash,
accawn, hiccory, and some elms. The soil is
lack marl, mixed with a moderate proportion of
sand, resembling much the soil on the Mississippi
banks; yet the forest-trees arc not lofty, like those
on the margin of the Great river, but resembling
the growth on the Red river. In lat. 31° 22/ 464 n,
they observed that canes grew on several parts of
the right bank, a proof that the land is not deeply
overflowed ; perhaps from one to three fect : the
banks have the appearance of stability ; very little
willow, or other production. of a newly formed
soil on either side. On advancing up the river,
the timber becomes larger, in some places rising to
the height of 40 feet; yet the land is liable to be
inundated, not from the waters of this small river,
but from the intrusion of its more powerful neigh-
bour the Mississippi. ‘The lands decline rapidly,
as in all alluvial countries, from the margin to the
cypress swamps, where more or less water stagnates
l the year round. On the 2ist they passed a
small but elevated island, said to be the only one
in this river for more thin 100 leagues ascending.
On the left bank, near this island, a small settle.
ment of a couple of acres has been begun by a
man and his wife. ‘The banks are not less than 40
feet above the present level of the water in the river,
and are but rarely overflowed: on both sides they
are clothed with rich cane brake, pierced by creeks
fit to carry boats during the inundation.
‘ They saw many cormorants, and the hooping
crane ; geese and ducks were not yet abundant, but
are said to arrive in myriads, with the rains and
winter’s cold. They shot a fowl of the duck
kind, whose foot was partially divide and the
body covered with a bluish or lead-colo. zed plu.
mage. On the morning of the 22d they observed
green matter floating on the river; supposed to
come from the Catahoola and other lakes and
bayaus of stagnant water, which, when raised a
little by rain, flow into the Black river; and also
many patches of an aquatic plant, resembling
small islands, some floating on the surface of the
tiver, and others adhering to, or resting on the
shore and logs. On examining this plant it was
found a hollow-jointed stem, with roots of the
same form, extremely light, with very narrow
willow-shaped leaves projecting from the joint,
embracing, however, the whole of the tube, and
extending to the next inferior joint or knot. The
extremity of each branch is terminated by a spike
of very slender, narrow, seminal leaves, from one
to two inches in length, and one-tenth, or less, in
breadth, producing its seed on the underside of the
leaf, in a double row almost in contact; the grains
alternately placed in pertect regularlity : not being
able to find the flower, its class and order could
could not be determined, although it is not pro-
bably new. ‘Towards the upper part of the Black
river the shore abounded with muscles and perri-
winkles. ‘The muscles were of the kind called
pearl muscles. ‘The men dressed a quaatity of
them, considering them as an agreeable food ; but
Mr. D. found them tough and unpalewble,
© On arriving at the mouth of tae Catahoola,
they landed to procure information from a French-
man settled there, Having a grant from the Spa-
nish government, he has made a small settlement,
and Keeps a ferry-boat for carrying over men and
horses travelling to and from Natchez, and the
settlements on Red river, and on the Washita
river. ‘The country here is all alluvial. In process
of time, the rivers, shutting up ancient passages,
and clevating the banks over which their waters
pass, no longer communicate with the same facie
ity as formerly ; the consequence is, that many
very large tracts, formerly subject to inundation,
are now entirely exempt from that inconvenicnce.
Such is the situation of a most valuable tract upon
which this Frenchman is settled. His house stands
onan Indian mount, with several others in view.
There is also a species of rampart surrounding this
place, and one very elevated mount, a view and
description of which was postponed till the travel-
lers return ; their situation not allowing of the re-
quisite delay. The soil is equal to the best Missis-
sippi bottoms.
* From this place they proceeded to the mouth
of Washita, in lat. 35° 37! 7” 2. and encamped on
the evening of the 23d.
§ This river derives its appellation from the name
of an Indian tribe formerly resident on its banks ;
the remnant of which, it is said, went into the
gleat plains to the w. and either compose a small
tribe themselves, or are incorporated into another
nation. ‘The Black river loses its name at the
junction of the Washita, Catahoola, and Tenaza,
although our maps represent it as taking place of
the Washita. The ‘Tenza and Catahoola are alsa
named from Indian tribes now extinct. ‘The late
ter is a creek 12 leagues long, which is the issue
of a lake of the same name, eight leagues in
leugth, and about two leagues in breadth. , It lies |
kK KQ
252 MISSISSIPPI.
{w. from the mouth of the Catahoola, and com-
municates with the Red river during the great an-
nual inundation. At the w. orn. w. angle of the
lake, a creek called Little river enters, which pre-
serves a channel with running water at all seasons,
meandering along the bed of the lake; but in all
other parts its superficies, during the dry season
from J uly to November, and often later, is com-
pletely drained, and becomes covered with the
most luxuriant herbage; the bed of the lake then
becomes the residence of immense herds of deer,
of turkeys, geese, cranes, &c. which feed on
the grass and grain. Bayau Tenza serves only to
drain off a part of the waters of the inundation
from the low lands of the Mississippi, which here
communicate with the Black river during the sea-
son of high water.
Between the mouth of the Washita and Ville-
mont’s prairie on the right, the current of the river
is gentle, and the banks favourable for towing.
The lands on both sides have the appearance of
being above the inundation ; the timber, generally
such as high lands produce, being chiefly red,
white, and black onks, interspersed with a variety
of other trees. ‘The magnolia grandiflora, that in-
fallible sign of the land not being subject to inun-
dation, is not, however, among them. Along the
banks a stratum of solid clay or marl is observ-
able, apparently of an ancient deposition. It lies
in oblique positions, making an angle of nearly 30
degrees with the horizon, and generally inclined
with the descent of the river, although in a few
cases the position was contrary. Timber is seen
rojecting from under the solid bank, which seems
indurated, and unquestionably very ancient, pre-
senting a very different appeatance from recently
formed soil. The river is about 80 yards wide.
A league above the mouth of the Washita, the
Bayau Haha comes in unexpectedly from the right,
and is one of the many passages through which
the waters of the great inundation penetrate and
pervade all the low countries, annihilating, fora
time, the currents of the lesser rivers in the neigh-
bourhood of the Mississippi. ‘The vegetation is
remarkably vigorous along the alluvial banks,
which are covered with a thick shrubbery, and
innumerable plants in full blossom at this late
Season.
¢ Villemont’s prairie is so named in consequence
of its being included within a grant under the
French government toa gentleman of that name.
Many other parts on the Washita are named after
their early proprietors. ‘The French people pro-
jected and began extensive settlements on this river,
but the general massacre planned, and in part exe
9
ecuted, by the Indians rng them, and the con-
sequent deitruction of the Natchez tribe by the
French, broke up all these undertakings, and they
were not recommenced under that government.
Those prairies are plains, or savannas, without
timber ; generally very fertile, and producing an
exuberance of strong, thick, and coarse herbage.
When a piece of ground has once got into this
state in an Indian country, it can have no oppor-
tunity of re-producing timber, it being an inva-
riable practice toset fire to the dry grass in the fall
or winter, to obtain the advantage of attracting
game when the young tender grass begins to spring :
this destroys the young timber, and the prairie an-
nually gains upon the wood-land. It is probable
that the immense plains known to exist in Ame-
rica, may owe their origin to this custom. The
plains of the Washita lie chiefly on the e. side,
and being generally formed like the Mississippi
land, sloping from the bank of the river to the
Great river, they are more or less subject to inunda-
tion in the rear; and in certain great floods the
water has advanced so far as to be ready to pour
over the margin into the Washita. This has now
become a very rare thing, and it may be estimated,
thi from a quarter of a mile to a mile in depth, will
remain free from inundation during high floods, This
is pretty much the case with those lands nearly as
high as the post of the Washita, with the exception
of certain ridges of primitive high land; the rest
being evidently alluvial, although not now subject
to be inundated by the W ashita river, in consequence
of the great depth which the bed of the river has
acquired by abrasion, On approaching towards the
Bayan Louis, which empties its waters into the
Washita on the right, a little below the rapids,
there is a great deal of high land on both sides,
which produces pine and other timber, not the
growth of inundated lands. At the foot of the ra-
pids the navigation of the river is impeded by beds
of gravel formed in it. ‘The first rapids lie in lat.
81° 48! 57.5" n. a little above which there is a
high ridge of primitive earth, studded with abun-
dance of fragments of rocks, or stone, which ap-
pear to have been thrown up to the surface ina
very irregular manner, The stone is of a friable
nature, some of it having the appearance of indu-
rated clay ; the outside is blackish from exposure
to the air; within, itis a greyish white. It is said
that in the hill the strata are regular, and that good
grindstones may be here obtained. The last of the
rapids, which ts formed by a ledge of rocks cross-
ing the entire bed of the river, was passed in the
evening of the 27th; above it the water became
again likea mill-pond, and about 100 yards wide. ]
into this
D oppor-
An inva.
n the fall
ttracting
» spring :
‘airie an.
probable
in Ame-
m. The
e. side,
ssissippi
r to the
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to pour
has now
timated,
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is. This
early as
xception
the: Fest
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into the
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ie in lat.
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h abun-
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of indu-
Xposure
t is said
at good
st of the
{S CrOSs-
lin the
became
s wide. |
MISSISSIPPI. 253
(‘The whole of these first shoals or rapids embraced
an extent of about a mile and a half; the obstruc-
tion was not continued, but felt at short intervals
in this distance. On the right, about four leagues
from the rapids, they passed the Bayau anx Baeufs,
a little abovea rocky hill: high lands and savanna
are secn on the right. On sounding the river they
found three fathoms water on a bottom of mud and
sand. The banks of the river, above the bayau,
seem to retain very little alluvial soil; the high land
earth, which is a sandy loam of a light grey co-
lour, with streaks of red sand and clay, is seen on
the left bank ; the soil not rich, bearing pines, in-
terspersed with red oak, hiccory, and dog wood.
The river is from 60 to 100 yards wide here, but
decreases as you advance. The next rapid is
made by a ledge of rocks traversing the river, and
narrowing the water channel to about 30 yards.
The width between the high banks cannot be less
than 100 yards, and the banks from 30 to 40 feet
high. In lat. 32° 10’ 13°, rapids and shoals again
occurred, and the channel was very narrow; the
sand bars, at every point, extended so far into the
bend as to leave little more than the breadth of the
boat of water sufficiently deep for her passage,
tc it spreads over the width of 70 or 80 yards
upon the shoal.
¢ In the afternoon of the 31st they passed a litile
plantation or settlement on the right, and at night
arrived «i three others adjoining each other. ‘These
settlements are on a plain or prairie, the soil of
which we may be assured is alluvial from the regu-
lar slope which the land has from the river. ‘The
bed of the river is now sufliciently deep to free
them from the inconvenience of its inundation ;
yet in the rear, the waters of the Mississippi ap-
proach, and sometimes leave dry but a narrow
strip along the bank of the river. It is, however,
now more common, that the extent of the fields
cultivated (from 3 to $ mile) remains dry during
the season of inundation; the soil here is very
good, but not equal to the Mississippi bottoms ; it
may be esteeemed second rate. At a small distance
to the e. are extensive cypress swamps, over which
the waters of the inundation always stand to the
depth of from 15 to 25 feet. On the w. side, after
passing over the valley of the river, whose breadth
varies from a quarter of a mile to two miles, or
more, the land assumes a considerable elevation,
from 100 to 300 feet, and extends all along to the
settlements of the Red river. These high lands
are reported to be poor, and badly watered, being
chicfly what is termed a pine barren. There is
here a ferry and road of communication between
the post of the Washita and the Natchez, and a
fork of this road passes to the settlement called the
Rapids, on Red river, distant from this place, by
computation, 150 miles.
* On this part of the river, lies a considerable
tract ofland, granted by the Spanish government
to the Marquis of Maison Rouge, a French emi-
grant, who bequeathed it with all his property to
- Bouligny, son of the late colonel of the Loui-
siana regiment, and by him sold to Daniel Clarke.
It is said to extend from the post of Washita with
a breadth of two leagues, including the river,
down to the Bayau Calumet; the computed
distance of which along the river is called 30
Segue, but supposed not more than 12 in a direct
ine.
‘ On the 6th of November, in the afternoon,
the party arrived at the post of the Washita, in
lat. 32° 29’ 37" n. where they were politely re.
ceived by Lieutenant Bowmar, who immediately
offered the hospitality of his dwelling, with all the
services in his power.
‘ From the ferry to this place, the navigation of
the river is, at this season, interrupted by many
shoals and rapids. ‘The general width is from 80
to 100 yards. ‘The water is extremely agreeable
to drink, and much clearer than that of the Ohio,
In this respect it is very unlike its two neighbours ,
the Arkansa and Red rivers, whose waters are
loaded with earthy matters of a reddish brown
colour, giving to them a chocolate-like appear-
ance ; and, when those waters are low, are not
potable, being brackish from the great number of
salt springs which flow into them, and probably
from the beds of rock salt over which they may
pass. The banks of the river presented very little
appearance of alluvial land, but furnished an in-
finituce of Leautiful landscapes, heightened by the
vivid colouring they derive from the autamnal
changes of the leaf. Mr. Dunbar observes, that
the change of colour in the lIeayes. of vegetables,
which is probably occasioned by the oxygen of the
atmosphere acting on the vegetable matter, de.
prived of the protecting power of vital principle,
may serve as an excellent guide to the naturalist
who directs his attention to the discovery of new
objects for the use of the dyer. For he has always
remarked, that the leaves of those trees whose bark
or wood is known to produce a dye, are changed
in autumn to the same colour which is extracted in
the dyer’s vat from the woods ; more especially b
the use of mordants, as-alum, &c. which Jelcis
oxygen: thus the foliage of the hiccory and oak,
which produces the quercitron bark, is changed}
254
[before its fall into a be vutiful yellow. Other oaks
assnme a fawn colour, a liver colour, ora blood
colour, and are known to yield dycs of the same
complexion.
‘ In lat. 32° 18' n. Dr. Hunter discovered along
the river side a substance nearly resembling mine-
ral coal ; its appearance was that of the carbonated
wood described by Kirwan. It does not easily
burn; but on being applied to the fiame of a can-
dle, it sensibly increased it, and yielded a faint
smell, resembling in a slight degree that of the
gum lac of common sealing-wax.
‘ Soft friable stone is common, and great quan-
tities of gravel and sand, upon the beaches in this
part of the river. A reddish clay appears in the
strata, much indurated and blackened by exposure
tothe light and air.
* The position called fort Miro being the pro-
perty of a private person, who was formerly civil
commandant here, the lieutenant has taken post
about 400 yards lower; has built himself some
log houses, and inclosed them with a slight stock-
ade. Upon viewing the country e¢. of the river,
it is evidently alluvial; the surface has a gentle
slope from the river to the rear of the plantations.
The land is of excellent quality, being a rich black
mould to the depth of a foot, under which there
is a friable loam of a brownish liver colour.
* At the post of the Washita, they procured a
boat of less draught of water than the one in which
they ascended the river thus far; at neon, on tne
11th of November, they proceeded on the voyage,
and in the evening encamped at the plantation of
Baron Bastrop.
¢ This small settlement on the Washita, and
some of the creeks falling into it, contains not
more than 500 persons, of all ages and sexes. It
is reported, however, that there is a great quantity
of excellent land upon these creeks, and that the
settlement is capable of great extension, and may
be expected, with an accession of population, to
become very flourishing, There are three mer-
chants settled at the post, who supply, at very ex-
orbitant prices, the inhabitants with their neces.
saries. These, with the garrison, two small planters,
and a tradesman or two, constitute the present
village. A great proportion of the inhabitants con-
tinue the old practice of hunting during the wine
ter season, and they exchange their peltry for ne-
cessaries, with the merchants, ata low rate. Dur-
ing the summer, these people content themselves
with raising corn, barely sufficient for bread dur-
ing the year. In this manner they always remain
extremely poor. Some few who have conquered
MISSISSIPPI.
that habit of indolence, which is always the cone
sequence of the Indian mode of life, and attend to
agriculture, live more comfortably, and taste a
little of the sweets of civilized life,
¢ The lands along the river above the post are
not very inviting, being a thin poor soil, and co-
vered with pine wood. To the right, the settle.
ments on the Bayau Barthelemi and Siard, are
said to be rich ha,
© On the morning of the 13th they passed an
island and a strong rapid, and arrived at a little
settlement below a chain of rocks, which cross the
channel between an island and the mainland, called
Roque Raw. The Spaniard and his family set.
tled here, appear, from their indolence, to live
miserably. The river acquires here a more spa-
cious appearance, being about 150 yards wide.
In the afternoon they passed the Bayau Barthelemi
on the right, above the last settlements, and about
12 computed leagues from the post. Here com-
mences Baron Bastrop’s great grant of land from
the Spanish government, being a square of 12
leagues on each side, a little exceeding a million
of French acres. ‘The banks of the river continue
about 30 feet high, of which 18 feet from the
water are a clayey loam of a pale ash colour, upon
which the water has deposited 12 feet of light
sandy soil, apparently fertile, and of a dark
brown colour. This description of land is of small
breadth, not exceeding half a mile on each side
of the river, and may be called the valley of the
Washita, beyond which there is high land covered
with pines.
¢ The soil of the Bayau des Buttes continues
thin with a growth of small timber. This creek
is named from a number of Indian mounts disco.
vered by the hunters along its course. The mare
gin of the river begins to be covered with such
timber as usually grows on inundated land, par.
ticularly a species of white oak, vulgarly called
the over-cup oak ; its timber is remarkably hard,
solid, ponderous, and durable, and it produces
a large acorn in great abundance, upon which
the bear feeds, and which is very fattening for
hogs.
© In lat. 82° 50! 8” n, they passed a long and
narrow island. ‘The face of the country begins to
change; the banks are low and steep; the river
deep and more contracted, from 30 to 50 yards in
width. The soil inthe neighbourhood of the river
is a very sandy loam, and covered with such vege-
tables as are found on the inundated lands of the
ip The tract presents the appearance of
a new soil, very different from what they passcd ]
the con-
(tend to
taste a
post are
and co-
ic settle.
ard, are
issed. an
a little
ross the
1, called
lily set.
to live
ore spa-
Is wide,
rthelemi
id about
re Comes
id from
e of 12
million
continue
rom the
ir, Upon
of ight
a dark
of small
ach side
y of the
covered
ontinues
s creek
s disco-
he mare
h such
hd, pare
called
ly hard,
roduces
which
ing for
ng and
gins to
he river
ards in
e river
1 vege-
of the
ance of
assed |
[below. This alluvial tract may be supposed the
site of a great lake, drained by a natural channcl,
from the abrasion of the waters: since which pe-
riod the annual inundations have deposited the
superior soil: 18 or 20 feet are wanting to : onder
it habitable for man. It appears, nevertheless,
well stocked with the beasts OF the forest, several
of which were seen.
b * Quantities of water-fowl were beginning to make
their appearance, which are not very numerous
here until the cold rains and frost compel them to
leave a more n. climate. Fish is not so abundant
as might be expected, owing, it is said, to the
inundation of the Mississippi, in the year 1799,
which dammed up the Washita, some distance
above the post, and produced a stagnation and
consequent corruption of the waters that destroyed
all the fish within its influence.
* At noon, on the 15th of November, they
passed the island of Mallet, and at 90 yards x. e.
from the upper point of the island, by a good ob-
servation, ascertained their latitude to be 32° 59!
27"n. or two seconds and a half of Jatitude s. of
the dividing line between the territories of Orleans
and Louisiana. The bed of the river along this
alluvial country is generally covered with water,
and the navigation uninterrupted ;_ but in the after-
noon of this day, they passed three contiguous
sand bars, or beaches, called Les ‘Trois Battures,
and before evening the Bayau de Grand Marias,
or Great Marsh creek, on the right, and La Cy-
preri Chattelrau, a point of high land on the other
side, which reaches within half a mile of the river.
As they advauced towards the Marias de Saline,
onthe right, a stratum of dirty white clay under
the alluvial tract shewed them to be leaving the
sunken, and approaching the high land country.
The Salt Lick marsh does not derive its name from
any brackishness in the water of the lake or marsh,
but from its contiguity to some of the licks some-
times called saline, and sometimes glaise, genc-
rally found in a clay compact enough for potters’
ware, The Bayau de la Tulipe forms a commu.
nication between the lake and the river. Opposite
to this place, there is a point of high land forming
2 promontory, advancing within a mile of the
river, and to which boats resort when the low
grounds are under water. A short league above is
the mouth of the grand Bayau de la Saline (Salt
Lick creek), ‘Ibis creek is of a considerable
length, and navigable for small boats. ‘The hun-
ters ascend it, to 100 of their leagues, in pursuit
of game, and all agree that none of the springs
which feed this creek are salt. It has obtained its
name from the many buffalo salt licks which haye
MISSISSIPPI. 255
been discovered in its vicinity, Although most
of these licks, by digging, furnish water which
holds marine ‘salt in solution, there exists no rea-
son for believing, that many of them would pro-
duce nitre. Notwithstanding this low and alluvial
tract appears in all respects well adapted to the
growth of the long moss (tilandsia), none was ob-
served since entering it in lat. 32° 52’; and as the
pilot informed them, none would be scen in their
progress up the river, it is probable that the lati-
tude of 33° is here the 7. limit of vegetation. The
long-leaf pine, frequently the growth of rich and
eyen inundated land, was here observed in great
abundance: the short-leaved or pitch pine, on the
contrary, is always found upon arid jands, and
generally in sandy and lofty situations.
‘ This is the season when the poor settlers on
the Washita turn out to make their annual hunt.
The deer is now fat and the skins in perfection ;
the bear is now also in his best state, with regard
to the quality of his fur, and the quantity of fat or
oil he yields, as he has been feasting luxuriantly
on the autumnal fruits of the forest. It is here
well known, that he does not confine himself, as
some writers have supposed, to vegetable food ; he
is particularly fond of hog’s flesh: sheep und
calves are frequently his prey, and no animal es
capes him which comes within his power, and
which he is able to conquer. He ofien destroys
the fawn, when chance throws it in his way ; he
cannot, however, discover it by smelling, notwith-
standing the excellence of his scent, for nature has,
as if for its protection, denicd the fawn the pri
perty of leaving any effluvium upon its track, a
property so powerful in the old deer. The bear,
unlike most other beasts of prey, does not kill the
animal he has seized upon before he eats it ; but,
regardless of its struggles, cries, and lamentations,
fastens upon, and, if the expression is allowable,
devouis it alive. The hunters count much on
their profits from the oil drawn from the bear’s fat,
which, at New Orleans, is always of ready sale,
and much esteemed for its wholesomeness in cook-
ing, being preterred to butter or hog’s lard, It is:
found to keep longer than any other animal oil,
without becoming rancid; and boiling it, from
time to time, upon sweet bay leaves, restores its
sweetness, or facilitates its conservation.
In the afternoon of the 17th they passed some
sand beaches, and over a few rapids. They had
cane brakes on both sides of the river; the canes
were small, but demonstrated that the water does
not surmount the bank more than a few feet. ‘The
river begins to widen as they advance ; the banks
of the river shew the bigh land soil, with a stratum ]
(
ana annrags
a
= ae
Serene SS I
Ke
—s
256 MISSISSIPPI.
{of three or four fect of alluvion deposited by the
river upon it. This superstratum is greyish, and
very sandy, with a small admixture of loam, indi-
cative of the poverty of the mountains and up-
lands where the river rises. Near this they passed
through a new and very narrow channel, in which
all the water of the river passes, except in time of
freshes, when the interval forms an island. A little
above this pass'is a small clearing, called Cache
la Tulipe ( Talip’s hiding place); this is the name
ofa French hunter who here concealed his pro-
perty. It continues the practice of both the white
and red hunters to leave their skins, 8&c. often
suspended to poles, or laid over a pole placed upon
two forked posts, in sight of the river, until their
return from hunting. ‘These deposits are consi-
dered as sacred, and few examples exist of their
being plundered. After passing the entrance of a
bay, which within must form a great lake during
the inundation, great numbers of the long-leaf’ pine
were observed; and the increased size of the canes
along the river’s bank, denoted a better and more
elevated soil; on the left was a high hill (300 feet)
covered with lofty pine trees.
‘ The banks of the river present more the ap-
pearance of upland soil, the under-stratum being a
pale yellowish clay, and the alluvial soil ofa dirty
white, surmounted by a thin covering of a brown
vegetable earth, The trees improve in appearance,
growing to a considerable size and height, though
et inferior to those on the alluvial banks of the
Mississippi. After passing the Bayau de Hachis,
on the left, points of high land, not subject to be
overflowed, frequently touch the river, and the
valley is said to be more than a Jeague in breadth
on both sides. On the left are pine hills called
Code de Champignole. The river is not more
than 50 or GO yards wide. On the morning of the
20th they passed a number of sand beaches, and
some rapids, but found good depth of water be-
tween them. A creek called Chemin Couvert,
which forms a deep ravine in the high lands, here
enters the river; almost immediately above this is
a rapid where the water ‘in the river is confined to
achannel of about 40 yards in width: above it
they had to quit the main channel, on account of
the shallowness and rapidity of the water, and
pass along a narrow channel of only 60 feet wide :
without a guide, a stranger might take this passage
for a creek,
‘ Notwithstanding the lateness of the season,
and the n. latitude they were in, they this day
met with an alligator, ‘The banks of the river are
covered with cane or thick under-brush, fre-
quently so interwoven with thorns and briars as to
be impenetrable. Birch, maple, holly, and two
kinds of wood to which names have not yet been
given, except water side wood, are here met
with ; as also persimons and small black grapes,
The margin of the river is fringed with a variet
of plants and vines, among which are several spe-
cies of convolvulus.
* On the left they passed a hill and clif 100
feet perpendicular, crowned with pincs, and
called Cote de Finn’s (Fin’s hill), from which a
chain of high land continues some distance, The
cliff presents the appearance of an ash-coloured
clay. A little farther to the right is the Bayau
d’Acasia (Locust creek). ‘The river varies here
from 80 to 100 yards in width, presenting frequent
indications of iron along its banks, and some thin
strata of iron ore. ‘The ore is from half an inch
to three inches in thickness.
‘On the morning of the 22d of November,
they arrived at the road of the Chadadoquis In.
dian nation, leading to the Arkansa nation ; a little
beyond this is the Ecor 4 Fabri (Fabri’s cliffs)
from 80 to 100 feet high; and a little distance
abo ~ a smaller cliff called Le Petit Ecor & Fabri
(the . ittle cliff of Fabri): these cliffs appear
chiefly to be composed of ash-coloured sand, with
a stratum of clay at the base, such as runs all alon
undcr the banks of this river. Above these cliffs
are several rapids; the current is swifter, and de-
notes their ascent into a higher country ; the water
becomes clear, and equal to any in its very agree.
able taste, and as drinking water. {In the river are
immense beds of gravel and sand, over which the
water passes with great velocity in the season of
its foods, carrying with it vast quantities of drift
wood, which it piles up, in many places, to the
height of 20 feet above the present surface, point-
ing out the difficulty and danger of navigation in
certain times of the flood ; accidents, however, are
rare with the canoes of the country.
‘ As the party ascended they found the banks of
the river less elevated, being only from nine to
12 feet: they are probably surmounted by the
freshes some feet. The river becomes more ob-
structed by rapids, and sand and gravel beaches,
among which are found fragments of stone of all
forms, and a variety of colours, some highly po-
lished and rounded by friction, ‘The banks of the
river in this upper country suffer greatly by abra-
sion, one side and sometimes both being broken
down by every flood.
* At a place called Auges d’ Arclon, (Arclon’s
troughs) is laminated iron ore, and a stratum of
black sand, very tenacious, shining with minute
crystals, ‘The breadth of the river is here about]
+ © ee ee ew en A
and two
yet been
here met
; grapes,
a variety
yeral spe-
clif 100
nes, and
1 which a
ce. The
-coloured
he Bayau
iries here
frequent
ae thin
If an inch
lovember,
oquis In.
n; a little
ri’s clifls)
. distance
ra Fabri
is appear
AB ith
s all along
hese cliffs
y and de-
the water
ery agrec-
e river are
which the
season of
s of drift
es, to the
» point.
igation in
ever, are
banks of
nine to
by the
more ob-
l beaches,
one of all
ighly po-
iks of the
by abra-
g broken
(Arclon’s
tratum of
h minute
re about }
Visiting the head waters of the
{80 yards: in some places, howefer, it is enlarg-
ed by islands, in others contracted to 80 or 100 feet.
Rocks of a greyish colour, and rather friable, are
here found in many places on the river. On the
banks mer willows of a different form from those
found below, and.on the margin of the Mississippi ;
the last are very brittle; these, on the contrary,
are extremely pliant, resembling the osier, of which
they are probably a species.
* At noon on the 24th, they. arrived at the con-
fluence of the Lesser Missouri with the Washita ;
the former is a considerable branch, perhaps the
fourth of the Washita, and comes in from the left
hand. The hunters often ascend the Little Mis-
souri, but are not inclined to penetrate far up, be-
cause it reaches near the great plains or prairies
upon the Red river, visited by the Lesser Osage
tribes of Indians, settled on Arkansa ;. these last
frequently carry war into the Chadadoquis tribe
setiled on the Red river, about w. s. w. from this
place, and indeed they are reported not to spare
any nation or people. ‘They are prevented from
ashita by the
steep hills in which they rise. These mountains
are so difficult to travel over, that the savages
not having an object sufliciently desirable, never
attempt to penetrate to this river, and it is sup-
posed to be unknown to the nation. The Chada-
doquis (or Cadaux as the French pronounce the
word) may be considered as Spanish Indians:
they boast, and it is said with truth, that they
never have imbrued their hands in the bload of a
white man. It is said that the stream of the Little
Missouri, some distance from its mouth, flows
over a bright splendid bed of mineral of a yel-
lowish white colour (most probably martial py-
rites); that 30 years ago, several of the inhabi-
tants, hunters, worked upon this mine, and sent
a quantity of the ore to the government at New
Orleans, and they were prohibited from working
any more,
* There is a great sameness in the appearance of
the river banks ; the islands are skirted with osier,
and immediately within, on the bank, grows a
range of birch trees and some willows ; the more
elevated banks are covered with cane, among
which grow the oak, maple, elm, sycamore, ash,
hiccory, dog-wood, holly, ironwood &c. From
the pilot they learned that there is a body of ex-
cellent land on the Little Missouri, particularly
on the creek called the Bayau 4 Terre Noire,
which falls into it, ,This land extends to Red
river, and is connected with the great prairies
which form the hunting grounds of the Cadaux
nation, consisting of about 200 warriors. They
VOL. It.
MISSISSIPPI. 2h7
are warlike, but frequently unable to defend them-
selves against the tribe of Osages, settled on the
Arkansa river, who, passing round the mountains
at the head of the Washita, and along the prairies
which separated them from the main chain on the
w. where the waters of the Red and Arkansa rivers
have their rise, pass into the Cadaux country, and
rob and plunder them.
‘ The water in the river Washita rising, the
party are enabled to pass the numerous rapids and
shoals. which they meet with in the upper country ;
some of which are difficult of ascent. ‘The general
height of the main banks of the river is from six
to 12 feet above the level of the water: the land
is better in quality, the canes, &c. shewing a more
luxuriant vegetation, It is subject to inundation,
and shews a brown soil mixed with sand. Near
Cache Macon (Maison’s hiding place) on the right,
they stopped to examine a supposed coal mine:
Dr. Hunter, and the pilot, set out for this pur-
ose, and about a mile and a half n. w. from the
at, in the bed of a creck, they found a substance
similar to what they had before met with under
that name, though more advanced towards a state
of perfect coal. At the bottom of the creek, in a
place then dry, were found detached pieces of
from 50 to 100 pounds weight, adjoining to which
lay wood, changing into the same substance. A
stratum of this coal, six inches thick, lay on both
sides of this little creek, over another of yellow
clay, and covered by one foot of gravel ; on the
gravel are eight inches of loam, which bear a few
inches of vegetable mould. ‘This stratum of coal
is about three feet higher than the water in the
creek, and appears manifestly to have been, at
some period, the surface of the ground. The
prevel and loam have been deposited there since,
the waters, Some pieces of this coal were very
black and solid, of an homogeneous appearance,
much resembling pit coal, but of less specific
gravity. It does not appear sufficiently impreg-
nated with bitumen, but may be considered as
vegetable matier in the progress of transmutation
to coal.
¢ Below the Bayau de I’Eau Froide, which runs
into the Washita from the right, the river is 100
and 70 yards, flowing through tolerably good land.
They passed « beautiful forest of pines, and on the
28th fell in with an old Dutch hunter and his party,
consisting in all of five persons.
¢ This man has resided 40 years on the Wa-
shita, and before that period had been up the Ar-
kansa river, the White river, and the St. Francis :
the two last, he informs, are of difficult navigation,
similay to the Washita, but the Arkansa river is)
LL
258 MISSISSIPPI.
{of great magnitude, having a large and broad
channel, and when the water is low, has great sand
banks, like those in the Mississippi. So far as he
has been up it, the navigation is safe and commo-
dious, without impediments from rocks, shoals, or
rapids; its bed being formed of mud and sand.
The soil on it is of the first rate quality. ‘I'he
country is easy of access, being lofty open forests,
unembarrrassed by canes or undergrowth. ‘The
water is disagreeable to drink, being of a red colour,
and brackish when the river is low. A multitude
of creeks which flow into the Arkansa furnish
sweet water, which the voyager is obliged to carry
with him for the supply of his immediate wants.
This man confirms the accounts of silver being
abundant up that river: he has not been so high
as to sce it himself, but says he received a silver
pin from a hunter, who assured him that he himself
collected the virgin silver from the rock, out of
which he made the epinglete by hammering it out.
The tribe of the Osage live higher up than this
position, but the hunters rarely go so high, being
afraid of these savages, who are at war with all the
world, and destroy all strangers they meet with.
It is reported that the Arkansa nation, with a part
of the Choctaws, Chickasaws, Shawneese, &c.
have formed a league, and are actually gone, or
going, 800 strong, against these depredators, with
a view to destroy or drive them entirely off, and
possess themselves of their fine prairies, which are
most abundant hunting grounds, being plentifully
stocked with buffalo, elk, deer, bear, and every
other beast of the chase common to those latitudes
in America, This hunter having given information
of a small spring in their vicinity, from which
he frequently supplied himself with salt by eva-
porating the water, Dr. Hunter, with: a party,
accompanied him, on the morning of the 29th of
November, tv the place. They found a saline,
about a mile and a half 2. of the camp from
whence they set out, and near a creek which enters
the Washita a little above. It is situated in the
bottom of the bed of a dry gully. ‘The surround-
ing land is rich, and well timbered, but subject
to inundation, except an Indian mount on the
creck side, having a base of 80 or 100 feet diameter,
and 20 feet high. After digging about three feet,
through blue clay, they came to a quicksand, from
which the water flowed in abundance: its taste
was salt and bitter, resembling that of water in the
ocean, In a second hole it required them to dig
six feet before they reached the quicksand, in
doing which they threw up several broken pieces
of Indian pottery. The specific gravity, com-
pared with the river, ag from the first pit, or
that three feet deep, 1.02720, from the second pit,
or that six feet deep, 1.02104, yielding a saline
mass, from the evaporation of 10 quarts, which,
when dry, weighed eight ounces; this brine is,
therefore, about the same strength as that of the
ocean on our coast, and twice the strength of the
famous licks in Kentucky, called Bullet’s Lick
and Mann’s Lick, tie. which so much salt is
made.
¢ The Fourche de Cadaux (Cadadoquis fork),
which they passed on the morning of the 30th, is
about 100 yards wide at its entrance into the Wa-
shita, from the left; immediately beyond which,
on the same side, the land is high, probably ele-
vated 300 feet above the water. ‘The shoals and
rapids here smpee their progress. At noon they
deduced their latitude, by observation, to be 30°
11’ 37’ n. Receiving intormation of another salt
lick, or saline, Dr. Hunter landed, with a party,
to view it. ‘I'he pit was found in a low flat place,
subject to be overflowed from the river; it was
wet and muddy, the earth on the surface yellow,
but on digging through about four feet of blue
clay, the salt water oozed from a quicksand. ‘Ten
quarts of this water produced, by evaporation, six
ounces of saline mass, which, from taste, was
principally marine salt; to the taste, however, it
shewed an admixture of soda, and muriated mag-
nesia, but the marine salt greatly preponderated.
The specific gravity was about 1.076, probably
weakened from the rain which had fallen the day
before. The ascent of the river becomes trouble-
some, from the rapids and currents, particularly
at the Isle du Bayau des Roches (Rocky Creek
island), where it required great exertions, and
was attended with some hazard, to pass them.
This island is three-fourths of a mile in length.
The river presents a series of shoals, rapids, and
small cataracts; and they passed several points of
high land, full of rocks and stones, much harder
and more solid than they had yet met with.
¢ ‘The rocks were all silicious, with their fissures
penetrated by sparry matter. Indications of iron
were frequent, and fragmeuts of poor ore were
common, but no rich ore of that, or any other
metal, was found. Sone of the hills appear well
adapted to the cultivation of the vine; the soil
being a sandy loam, with a considerable propor-
tion of gravel, and a-superticial covering of good
vegetable black earth. The natural productions
are, several varieties of oak, pine, dog-wood, holly,
&c. with a scattering undergrowth of whortle-
berry, hawthorn, China briar, and a variety of
small vines.
* Above the Isle de Mallon, the country wears]
ep a ISNT eRe Hm
ee ee ee ee ee ee ee
= 4
-
_
ond pit,
a saline
_ which,
brine is,
at of the
‘h of the
1's Lick
nh salt is
\is fork),
: 80th, is
the Wa-
d which,
ably ele-
1oals and
oon they
to be 30°
other salt
a party,
lat place,
r; it was
e yellow,
t of blue
id. ‘Ten
ation, six
aste, was
ywever, it
ited mag
nderated.
probably
n the day
s trouble-
rticularly
ky Greek
ions, and
iss them.
n length.
pids, and
noints of
h harder
h.
ir fissures
s of iron
ore were
ny other
bpear well
the soil
e propor-
r Fe good
oductions
od, holly,
whortle-
ariety of
ry wears |
MISSISSIPPI. 259
[another prospect; high lands and rocks frequently
appronch the river, The rocks, in grain, resemble
free stone, and are hard enough to be used as hand-
mill stones, to which purpose they are frequently
applied. ‘The quality of the lands improves, the
stratum of vegetable earth being from six to 12
inches, of a dark brown colour, with an admix-
ture of loam and sand. Below Deer island they
passed a stratum of free stone, 50 feet thick, under
which is a aenrty of imperfect slate in perpen-
dicular layers. About a league from the river,
and a little above the slate quarry, isa considerable
plain, called Prairie de Champignole, often fre-
quented by buffaloes. Some salt licks are found
near it, and in many situations on both sides of
this river, there are said to be salines, which may
hereafter be rendered very productive, and from
which the future settlements may be abundantly
supplied.
* About four miles below the Chuttes (falls) they,
from a good observation, found the latitude 34° 21’
25", The land on either hand continues to im-
prove in quality, with a sufficient stratum of dark
of a brownish colour. Hills frequently rise
out of the level country, full of rocks and stones,
hard and dinty, and often resembling Turkey oil
stones. Of this kind was a promontory which
came in from the right hand a little below the
Chuttes ; at a distance it presented the appearance
of ruined buildings and fortifications, and several
insulated masses of rock conveyed the idea of
redoubts and out-works, ‘This effect was heigh-
tened by the rising of a flock of swans, which had
taken their station in the water at the foot of these
walls, As the voyagers approached, the birds
floated about majestically on the glassy surface of
the water, and in tremulous accents scemed to con-
sult upon means of safety. ‘The whole was a sub-
line picture. In the afternoon of the third of
December, the party reached the Chuttes, and found
the falls to be occasioned by a chain of rocks of
the same hard substance seen below, extending in
the direction of n. e. and s. w. quite across the
river. ‘Ihe water passes through a number of
branches worn by the impetuosity of the torrent,
where it forms so many cascades, ‘The chain of
rock or hill on the lett appears to have been cut
down to its present level by the abrasion of the
waters, By great exertion, and lightening the
boat, they passed the Chuttes that evening, and
encamped just above the cataracts, and within the
hearing of their incessant roar. ;
¢ Immediately above the Chuttes, the current of
the water is slow, to another ledge of hard free
stone ; the reach between is spacious, not less than
200 yards wide, and terminated by a hill 500 feet
high, covered with beautiful pines: this is a fine
situation for building. In lat. 94° 25/ 48” they
passed a very dangerous rapid, from the number
of rocks which obstruct the passage of the water,
and break it into foam. On the right of the rapid
is a high rocky hill covered with very handsome
pine woods. ‘The stratum of the rock has an in-
Clination of 30° to the horizon, in the direction of
the river descending. ‘This hill may be 300 or
350 fect high: a border, or list, of green cane
skirts the margin of the river, beyond which ge-
nerally rises a high, and sometimes a barren hill.
Near another rapid they passed a hill on the left,
containing a large body of blue slate. A sinall
distance above the Bayau de Saline they had to
pass a rapid of 150 yards in length, and four feet
and a half fall, which, from its velocity, the
French have denominated la Cascade. Below the
cascade there are rocky hil!s on both sides, com-
pan of very hard free stone. The stone in the
of the river, and which has been rolled from
the upper country, was of the hardest flint, or of a
quality resembling the ‘Turkey oil stone. Fourche
au Tigre, (Tyger’s creek), which comes in from
the right, a little above the cascade, is said to have
many extensive tracts of rich level land upon it.
The rocky hills here frequently approach the
Washita on both sides; rich bottoms are neverthe-
less unfrequent, and the upland is sometimes of
moderate elevation and tolerably level. The stones
and rocks here met with have their fissures filled
by spay and crystalline matter.
6 Wild turkeys become more abundant and less
difficult of approach than below ; and the howl of
the wolves is heard during the night.
* To the Fourche of Calfat, (Caulker’s creek)
where the voyage terminates, they found level and
good land on the right, and high hills on the left
iand. Alter passing over a very precipitous rapid,
seeming!y divided into four steps or falls, one of
which was at least 15 inches in perpendicular
height, and which together could not be less than
five and a half feet, they arrived at Ellis’s camp,
a small distance below the Fourche au Callat,
where they stopped on the sixth of December, as
the pilot considered it the most convenient land-
ing trom whence to carry their necessary baggage
to the hot springs, the distance being about three
leagues. ‘There is a creek about two leagues
higher up, called Bayau des Sources Chauds,
(Hot Spring creek) upon the banks of which the
hot springs are situated at about two leagues from
its mouth, ‘The banks of it are hilly, and the road
less eligible than from Ellis’s camp. |
LL
;
|
Mm
mht
F
re
Wh)
260 MISSISSIPPI.
{§ On ascending the hill, to encamp, they found
the land very level and good, some plants in flower,
and a great many evergreen vines ; the forest oak
with an admixture of other woods. ‘The latitude
of this place is 34° 27' 31”. The ground on
which they encamped was about 50 feet above the
water in the river, and supposed to be 30 feet
higher than the inundations, Hilts of considerable
height, and clothed with pine, were in view, but
the land around, and extending beyond their
view, lies handsomely for cultivation, ‘The super-
stratum is of a blackish-brown colour, upon a
yellow basis, the whole intermixed with gravel
and blue schistus, frequently so far decomposed
as to havea strong aluminous taste. From their
camp, on the Washita, to the hot springs, a dis-
tance of about nine miles, the first six miles of the
road is in a w. direction without many sinuosities,
and the remainder n. which courses are necessary
to avoid some very steep hills. In this distance,
they found three principal salt licks, and some ine
ferior ones, which are all frequented by buffalo,
deer, &c. The soil around them is a white tena-
cious clay, probably fit for potters’ ware; hence
the name of glaise, which the French hunters have
bestowed upon most of these licks, frequented by
the beasts of the forest, many of which exhibit no
saline impregnation, The first two miles from the
river Camp is over level land of the second rate
quality ; the timber chiefly oak, intermixed with
other trees common to the climate, and a few scat-
tered pines. Further on, the lands, on cither hand,
rise into gently swelling hills, covered with hand-
some pine woods, ‘The road passes along a valley
trequently wet by the numerous rills and springs
of excellent water which issue from the foot of the
hills. Near the hot springs the hills become more
elevated, steeper of ascent, and rocky. ‘They are
here called mountains, although none of them in
view exceed 4 or 500 feet in altitude, It is said
that mountains of more than five times the eleva-
tion of these hills are to be seen in the 2. w. to-
wards the sources of the Washita. One of them
is called the Glass, Crystal, or Shining mountain,
trom the vast number of hexagonal prisms of very
transparent and colourless crystal which are found
on its surface; they are generally surmounted by
pyramids at one end, rarely on both, ‘These crys-
tals do not produce a double refraction of the rays
of light. Many searches have been made over
these mountains for the precious metals, but it is
believed without success.
‘At the hot springs they found an open log
cabin, and a few buts of split boards, all calcu-
lated for summer encampment, and which had been
erected by persons resorting to the springs for the
recovery of their health.
‘ They slightly repaired these huts, or cabins,
for their accommodation during the time of their
detention at the springs, for the purpose of ex.
amiving them and the surrounding country, and
making such astronomical observations as were
— for ascertaining their geographical po-
sition,
‘It is understood that the hot springs are in-
cluded within a grant of some hundred acres
granted by the late Spanish commandant of the
Washita to some of his friends, but it is not bes
lieved that a regular patent was ever issued for
the place; and it cannot be asserted that residence
with improvement of the land here, forms a plea
upon which any claim to it can be founded,
*On their arrival they immediately tasted the
waters of the hot springs, that is, after a few mi-
nutes cooling, for it was impossible to approach it
with the lips when first taken up, without scald-
ing: the taste does not differ from that of good
water rendered hot by culinary fire.
‘On the 10th they visited all the hot springs.
They issue on the e. side of the valley, where the
huts are, except one spring, which rises on the w.
bank of the creek, from the sides and foot of a hill.
From the small quantity of calcarious matter yet
deposited, the w. spring does not appear to be of
long standing ; a natural conduit prebebly passes
under the bed of the creek, and supplies it: There
are four principal springs rising immediately on
the e. bank of the creek, one of which may be
rather said to spring out of the gravel-bed of the
run; a fifth, a smaller one than ‘hat aboveemen.
tioned, as rising on the w, side of tie creek ; and
a sixth, of the same magnitude, the most 2. and
rising near the bank of the creek ; these are all
the sources that merit the name of springs, near the
huts; but there is a considerable one below ; and
all along, at intervals, the warm water oozes out
or drops, from the bank into the creek, as appears
from the condensed vapour floating along the mar.
gin of the creck where the drippings occur,
‘ The hill from which the hot springs issne is of
aconical form, terminating at the top with a few
loose fragments of rock, covering a flat space 25
feet in diameter. Although the figure of the bill
is conical, it is not entirely insulated, but con-
nected with the neighbouring hills by a very nare
row ridge. The primitive rock of this hill, above
the base, is principally silicious, some part of it
being of the hardest flint, others a free stone. ex-
tremely compact and solid, and of various colours.
The base of the hill, and for a considerable extent, |
for the
cabins,
of their
of ex-
ry, and
‘8 were
cal po-
are in-
| acres,
tof the
not be.
ned for
idence,
a plea
ted the
few mi-
roach it
t scald-
of good
springs.
here the
n the w.
fa hill,
itter yet
to be of
ASSES
There
ntely on
nay be
1 of the
yeomene
Ks; and
nm. and
are all
hear the
v3 and
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ppears
e Mare
ne is of
lh a few
pace 25
the hill
it cone
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t of it
e, exe
olours.
xtent, |
MISSISSIPPY. 261
fb composed of a blackish blu: schistus, which
divides into perpendicular lamina like blue slate.
The water of the hot springs is, therefore, deli-
vered from the silicious rock, generally invisible at
the surface, from the mass of calcarious matter
with which it is incrusted, or rather buried, and
which is perpetually precipitating from the watér
of the springs : a small proportion of iron, in the
form ofa red calx, is also deposited ; the colour of
which is frequently distinguishable in the lime,
* In ascending the hill several patches of rich
black earth are found, which appear to be formed
by the decomposition of the calcarious matter : in
other situations the superficial earth is penetrated,
or incrusted, by limestone, with fine lamina or
minute fragments of iron ore.
‘The water of the hot springs must formerly
have issued at a greater elevation in the hill, and
run over the surface, having formed a mass of
calcasious vock 100 feet perpendicular, by its de-
position. In this high situation they found a
spring, whose temperature was 140° of Fahren-
heit’s thermometer, After passing the calcarious
region, they found the primitive hill covered by a
forest of not very large trees, consisting chiefly of
oak, pine, cedar, holly, hawthorn, and others
common to the climate, with a great. variety of
vines, some said to produce black, and others yel-
low grapes, both excellent in their kinds, The
soil is rocky, interspersed with gravel, sand, and
fine vegetable mould, On reaching the height of
200 feet perpendicular, a considerable change in
the soil was observable ; it was stony and gravelly,
with a superficial coat of black earth, but imme-
diately under it lies a stratum of fat, tenacious,
soapy, red clay, inclining to the colour of bright
Spanish snuff, homogeneous, with scarcely any
adinixture of sand, no saline, but rather a soft
agreeable taste: the timber diminishes, and the
rocks increase in size to the summit. The whole
height is estimated at 300 feet above the level of
the valley.
¢On examining the four principal springs, or
those which yield the greatest quantity of water,
or of the highest temperature, No. | was found to
raise the mercury to 150°, No. 2 to 154°, No.3 to
136°, and No. 4 to 132° of Fahrenheit’s thermo-
meter; the last is on the w. side of the creek :
No.3 is a small basiu, in which there is a consi-
derable quantity of green matter, having much the
appearance of a vegetible body, but detached
from the bottom, yet connected with it by some-
thing like a stem, which rests in calcarious. matter,
The body of one of these pseudo plants was from
four to five inches in diameter; the bottom a
smooth film of some tenacity, and the upper sure
face divided into ascending fibres of half, or three
fourths of an inch long, resembling the gills of a
fish, in transverse rows, A little further on was
another small muddy basin, in which the water
was warm to the finger: in it was a vermes about
half an inch long, moving with a serpentine or
vermicular motion. It was invariably observed
that the green matter forming on the stones an
leaves covered a stratum of calcarious earth, somes
times a little hard or brittle, at others soft and im-
perfect. From the bottom of one of the hot springs
a frequent ebullition of gas was observed, which
not having the means of collecting, they could not
ascertain its nature: it was not inflammable, and
there is little doubt of its being carbonic weid,
from the quantity of lime, and the iron, held in
solution by the water.
¢ They made the following rough estimate of the
quantity of water delivered by the springs. ‘There
are four principal springs, two of inferior note ;
one — out of the gravel, and a number of drip-
pings and drainings, all issuing from the margin,
or from under the rock which overhangs the creek,
Of the four first mentioned, three deliver nearly
equal quantities, but No. 1, the most considerable,
delivers about five times as much as one of the
other three ; the two of inferior note may, together.
be equal to one; and all the drippings, an small
springs, are probably under-rated at double the
uantity of one of the three ; that is, all together,
they will deliver a quantity equal to eleven times
the water issuing from the one most commodiously
situated for measurement. This spring filled a
vessel of 11 ah in 11 seconds; hence the whole
quantity of hot water delivered from the springs
at the base of the hill is 165 gallons in a minute,
or 3774 hogsheads in 24 hours, which is equal to
a handsome brook, and might work an overshot
mill, In cool weather condensed vapour is seen
rising out of the gravel-bed of the creek, from
springs which cannot be taken intoaccount. Due
ring the summer and fall, the creek receives little
or no watet but what is supplied by the hot
springs ; at that senson itself is a hot bath, too hot,
indeed, near the springs; so that a person may
choose the temperature most agreeable to himself,
by selecting a natural basin near to, or farther
from, the principal springs, At three or four
miles below the springs the water is tepid and un-
pleasant to drink.
¢ From the w. mountain, estimated to be of equal
height with that from which the hot springs flow,
there are several fine prospects. The valley of
the Washita, comprelended between the hills on]
262
[either side, seemed a perfect flat, and about 12
miles wide. On all hands were seen the hills, or
mountains, as they are here called, rising behind
each other, In the direction of nm. the most dis-
tant were estimated to be 50 miles off, and are
supposed to be those of the Arkansa river, or the
rugged mountains which divide the waters of the
Arkausa from those of the Washita, and prevent
the Osage Indians from visiting the latter, of whom
they are supposed ignorant; otherwise their ex-
cursions here would prevent this place from being
visited by white persons, or other Indians. Ina
s.w. direction, at about 40 miles distance, is seen
a perfectly level ridge, supposed to be the high
prairies of the Red river.
§ Notwithstanding the severity of the weather, a
considerable number, and some variety of plants
were in flower, and others retained their verdure :
indeed the ridge was more temperate than the val-
ley below ; there it was cold, damp, and penetrat-
ing ; here dry, and the atmosphere mild. Of the
plants growing here was a species of cabbage ; the
plants grow with expanded leaves, spreading on
the ground, of a deep green, with a shade of pur-
ple ; the taste of the cabbage was plainly predomi-
nant, with an agreeable warmth inclining to that
of the radish ; several tap-roots penetrated into the
soil of a white colour, having the taste of horse-
radish, but much milder, A quantity of them
taken to the camp and dressed, proved palatable
and mild. It is not probable that cabbage seed
has been scattered on this ridge; the hunters
ascending this river have always had different
objects. Until further elucidation, this cabbage
must be considered as indigenous to this seques-
tered quarter, and may be denominated the cab-
bage radish of the Washita. They found a plant,
then green, called by the French racine rouge,
(red root), which is said to be a specific in female
obstructions; it has also been used, combined
with the China root, to dye red; the last probably
acting asa mordant. The top of this ridge is co-
vered with rocks ofa flinty kind, and so very hard
as to be improper for gun-flints, when applied
to that use it soon digs cavities in the hammer of
the lock, ‘This hard stone is generally white, but
frequently clouded with red, brown, black, and
other colours. Here and there fragments of iron
stone were met with, and where a tree had been
overturned, its roots brought to view fragments of
schistus, which were suffering decomposition from
exposure to the atmosphere. On digging where
the slope of the hill was precipitous, they found
the second stratum to bea reddish clay, resembling
that found on the conical hill e. of the camp. At
MISSISSIPPI.
two-thirds down the hill, the rock was hard free.
stone, intermixed with fragments of flint which
had probably rolled from above, Still lower was
found a blue schistus, in a state tending to decom.
ition where exposed to the atmosphere, but
ard and resembling coarse slate in the interior.
Many stones had the appromince of ‘Turkey oil
stones: at the foot of the hill the country expands
into good farming lands.
‘ Dr. Hunter, upon examining the waters of the
hot springs, obtained the following results:
$ It differed nothing from the hot water in smell
or taste, but caused a slight eructation shortly after
drinking it.
* Its specific gravity is equal to rain or distilled
water.
¢ It gave to litmus paper a slight degree of red-
ness, evincing the presence of the carbonic acid, or
fixed air suiphurt and threw down a few de-
tached particles. Oxylat of ammoniac caused a
deposition and white cloud, shewing the presence
of a small portion of lime, Prusiat of potash pro-
duced a slight and scarcely perceptible tinge of
blue, designating the presence of a small quantity
of iron.
¢ Sixteen pounds of water evaporated to dryness
left ten grains of a grey powder, which proved to
be lime.
§ The myrtle wax tree grows in the vicinity of
the springs, At the season in which the voyagers
were there, the wax was no longer green, but had
changed its colour to a greyish white, from its
long exposure to the weather. The berry, when
examined by a microscope, is less than the smallest
rden pea, approaching to an oval in form,
The nucleus, or real seed, is the size of the seed of
a radish, anc is covered with a number of kidney-
shaped glands, of a brown colour and sweet taste ;
these glands secrete the wax, which completely
envelops them, and at this season gives to the
whole the appearance of an imperfectly white berry.
This is a valuable plant and merits attention: its
favourite position is a dry soil, rather poor, and
looking down upon the water. It is well adapted
to ornament the margins of canals, lakes, or rivu-
lets. ‘The cassina yapon is equally beautiful, and
proper for the same purpose; it grows here along
the banks of this stony creek, intermingled with
the myrtle, and bears a beautiful little red berry,
very much resembling the red currant,
¢ The rock through which the hot springs either
pass or trickle over, appears undetermined by the
waters .of the creek. The hot water is continually
depositing calcarious, and perhaps some siticious
matter, forming new rocks, always augmenting}
ard free.
nt which
ower was
0 decom.
1ere, but
interior,
urkey oil
expands
ers of the
$3
rin smell
rtly after
r distilled
e of red.
c acid, or
| few de-
caused a
) presence
tash pro-
tinge of
| quantity
o dryness
proved to
icinity of
voyagers
» but had
from its
ry, when
e smallest
in form,
he seed of
f kidney-
cet taste;
ompletely
*s to the
lite berry,
ntion : its
poor, and
| adapted
9 OF rivue
tiful, and
ere along
rled with
ad berry,
ngs either
ed by the
ntinually
silicious
menting |
fand projecting their promontories over the run-
ning water of the creek, which prevents its forma-
tion below the surface. Wherever this calcarious
crust is seen spreading over the bank and margin
of the creek, there, most certainly, the hot water
will be found, cither running over the surface, or
through some channel, perhaps below the new
rock, or dropping from the edges of the overhang:
ing precipice. The progress of nature in the for-
mation of this new rock is curious, and worthy
the attention of the mineralogist. When the hot
water issues from the fountain, it frequently
spreads over a superficies of some extent: so far
as it reaches on either hand, there is a deposition
or growth of green matter. Several lamina of
this green matter will be found lying over each
other; and immediately under, and in contact with
the inferior lamina, which is not thicker than pa-
per, is found a whitish substance resembling a co-
agulum; when viewed with a microscope, this last
is also found to consist of several, sometimes a
good number of lamina, of which that next the
reen is the finest and thinnest, being the last
lormed ; those below increasing in thickness and
tenacity until the last terminates ina soft earthy
matter, which reposes in the more solid rock.
Each lamina of the coagulum is penctrated in all
its d pit by calcarious grains, extremely minute,
and divided in the more recent web, but much
larger and occupying the whole of the inferior
lamina, The understratum is continually consoli-
dating, and adding bulk and height to the rock.
When this acquires such an elevation as to stop
the passage of the water, it finds another course
over the ruck, hill, or margin of the creek, torm-
ing, in turn, accumulations of matter over the
whole of the adjacent space. When the water has
found itself a new channel, the green matter,
which sometimes acquires a thickness of half an
inch, is speedily converted into a rich vegetable
carth, and becomes the food of plants. ‘The sur-
face of the calcarious rock also decomposes and
forms the richest black mould, intimately mixed
with a considerable portion of soil; plants and
trees vegetate Juxuriantly upon it.
¢ On examining a piece of ground upon which
the snow dissolved as it fell, and which was co-
vered with herbage, they found, in some places, a
calcarious crust on the surface; but in general a
depth of from five inches to a foot of the richest
black mould. The surface was sensibly warm to
the touch. In the air the mercury in the thermo-
meter stood at 44°; when placed four inches under
the surface, and covered with carth, it rose rapidly
to 68°; and upon the calcarious rock, cight inches
MISSISSIPPI,
263
beneath the surface, it rose to 80°, This result
was uniform over the whole surface, which was
about a quarter of an acre,
* On searching they found a spring, about 15
inches under the surface, in the water of which
the thermometer shewed a temperature of 130°,
Beneath the black mould was found a brown mix-
ture of lime and silex, very loose and divisible,
apparently in a state of decomposition, and pro-
gressing towards the formation of black mould ;
under this brownish mass it became gradually
whiter and harder, on the depth of from six to
12 inches, where it was a calcarious sparkling
stone, It was evident that the water had passed
over this place, and formed a flat superticies of
silicious lime-stone : and that its position, nearly
level, had facilitated the accumulation of earth, in
2 ad bap us the decomposition advanced. Simi-
ar spots of ground were found higher up the hill,
resembling little savannas, near which hot springs
were always discovered, which had once flowed
over them. It appears probable that the hot water
of the springs, atan early period, had all issued
from its grand reservoir in the hill, at a much
greater elevation than at present, ‘The calcarious
crust may be traced up, in most situations on the
w. side of the hill looking down the creek and
valley, to a certain height, and perhaps 100 feet
perpendicular ; in this regice ‘he hill rises preci-
itously, and is studded with hard silicious stones ;
low, the descent is more gradual, and the soil a
calcarious black earth. It is easy to discriminate
the primitive hill from that which -has accumue
lated, by precipitation, from the water of the
springs; this last is entirely confined to the w.
side of the hill, and washed at its base by the wa-
ters of the creek, no hot spring being visible in
any other part of its circumference, By actual
measurement along the base of the hill, the influ-
ence of the springs is found to extend 70 perches,
in a direction a little to the e. of n.: along the
whole of this space the springs have deposited
stony matter, calcarious, with an addition of silex,
or crystallized lime. ‘The accumulation of calca-
rious matter is more considerable at the n. end of
the hill than the s,; the first may be above 100
feet perpendicular, but sloping much more gra-
dually than the primitive hill above, until it ap-
proaches the creck, where not unfrequently it tere
minates in a precipice of from six to 20 feet.
The difference hetween the primitive and secondary
hill is so striking that a superficial observer must
notice it; the first is regularly very steep, and
studded with rock and stone of the hardest flint,
and other silicious compounds, and a superficies |
264
[of two orthree inches of good mould covers a red
clay ; below, on the secondary hill, which carries
evident marks of recent formation, no flint or sili-
cious stone is found; the calcarious rock conceals
all from view, and is itself freyuently covered by
much fine rich earth. It would seem that this
compound, precipated from the hot waters, yields
easily to the influence of the atmosphere; for
where the waters cease to flow over any portion of
the rock, it speedily decomposes ; probably more
rapidly from the heat communicated from the in-
terior part of the hill, as insulated masses of the
rock are observed to remain without change.
6 The cedar, the wax myrtle, and cassina yapon,
all evergreens, attach themsclyes particularly to
the calcarious region, and seem to grow and thrive
even in the.clefts of the solid rock.
* A spring, enjoying a freedom of position, pro-
ceeds with great regularity in depositing the mat-
ter it holds in solution; the border or rim of its
basin forms an elevated ridge, from whence pro-
ceeds a glacis all avound, where the waters have
flowed for some time over one part of the brim ;
this becomes more elevated, and the water has to
seck a passage where there is less resistance ; thus
forming, in miniature, a crater, resembling in
shape the conical summit of a volcano. The hill
being steep aboye, the progress of petrifaction is
stopped on that side, and the waters continue to
flow and spread abroad, incrusting the whole face
of the hill below. The last formed calcarious
border of the circular basin is soft, and easily di-
vided ; at a small depth it is more compact ; and
at the depth of six inches it is generally hard white
stone. If the bottom of the basin is stirred up, a
quantity of the red calx of iron rises, and escapes
over the summit of the crater,
§ Visitants to the hot eprings, having observed
shrubs and trees with the ‘roots in the hot water,
have been induced to try experiments, by sticking
branches of trees in the run of hot water. Some
branches of the wax myrtle were found thrust into
the bottom of a spring run, the water of which was
130° by Fahrenheit’s thermometer; the foliage
and fruit of the branch were not only sound and
healthy, but, at the surface of the water, roots
were actually sprouting from it: on pulling it up
the part which had penetrated the hot mud was
found decayed,
6 The gree: substance discoverable at the bot.
tom of the hot springs, and which at first sight has
the appearance of plush, on examination by the
microscope, was found to be a vegetable produc.
tion. A film of green matter spreads itself on the
culcarious base, trom which rise fibres more than
MISSISSIPPI.
half an inch in length, forming o beautiful vege.
tation. Before the microscope it sparkled with
innumerable nodules of lime, some part of which
was beautifully crystallized. This circumstance
might cause a doubt of its being a true vegetable,
but its great resemblance to some of the mosses,
pericaikly the byssi, and the discovery which
Mr, Dunbar made of its being the residence of
animal life, confirmed his beliet of its being a true
moss. After a diligent search -he discovered a
very minute shell-fish, of the bivalve kind, inha-
biting this moss; its shape nearly that of the fresh
water muscle; the colour of the shell a greyish
brown, with spots of a purplish colour, When
the animal is undisturbed it opens the shell, and
thrusts out four legs, very transparent, and arti-
culated like those of s quadruped; the extremi-
tics of the fore legs are very slender and sharp,
but those of the hind legs somewhat broader, ap-
parently armed with minute toes : ‘rom the extre-
mity of each shell issues three or four forked hairs,
which the animal seems to possess the power of
moving; the fore legs are probably formed for
making incisions into the moss tor the purpose of
procuring access to the juices of the Nene ant,
upon which, no doubt, it feeds; it may pro-
vided with a proboscis, although it did not ap-
pear while the animal was under examination :
the hind legs are well adapted for propelling
in its progress over the moss, or through the
water,
* It would be desirable to ascertain the cause of
that perpetual fire which keeps up the high tempe-
rature of so many springs as flow from this hill, at
a considerable distance from each other: upon
looking around, however, sufficient data for the
solution of the difficulty are not discoverable. No-
thing of a volcanic nature is to be seen in this
country ; neither could they learn that any evi-
dence in favour of such a supposition was to be
found in the mountains connected with this river.
An immense bed of dark blue schistus appears to
form the base of the hot spring hill, and of all
those in its neighbourhood: the bottom of ‘tix
creek is formed of it; and pieces are frequently
met with rendered soft by decomposition, and
possessing a strong aluminous taste, requiring no-
thing but lixiviation and crystallization to com-
plete the manufacture of alum, As bodies under-
going chemical changes generally produce an al-
teration of temperature, the heat of these springs
may be owing to the disengagement of caloric,
or the decomposition of the schistus, Another,
and perhaps a more satisfactory cause may be as-
signed : it is well known, that within the circle of)
ful vege.
led with
of which
umstance
egetable,
+ mosses,
ry which
idence of
ng a true
pvered a
id, inha.
the fresh
. greyish
hen
hell, and
and arti-
extremi-
id sharp,
ader, ap-
he extre-
ed hairs,
power of
rmed for
aoe of
ng plant,
be pro.
not ap-
lination :
ropelling
ugh the
aie of
1 tempe-
s hitte at
rs) upon
i for the
ble. No-
1 in this
any evi-e
vas to be
is river,
pears to
d of all
of Lie
quently
ion, and
ring noe
to com.
is under-
se an al«
springs
caloric,
nother,
y be as»
rcle of'}
MISSISSIPPI. 265
[the waters of this river, vast beds of martial py-
rites exist: they have not yet, however, been dis-
covered in the vicinage of the hot springs, but
may, nevertheless, form immense beds under the
bases of these hills; and as in one place at least,
there is evidence of the presence of bitumen, the
union of these agents will, in the progress of de-
cores Hon by the admission of air and moisture,
produce degrees of heat capable of supporting the
phenom: na of the hot springs. No sulphuric acid
Is present in this water; the springs may be sup-
plied by the vapour of heated water, ascending
from caverns where the heat is generated, or the
heat may be immediately applied to the bottom of
an immense natural caldron of rock, contained in
the bowels of the bill, from which, as a reservoir,
the springs may be supplied.
* A series of accurate observations determined
the latitude of the hot springs to be 34° 31’ 4.16" n.
and long. Gh. 11/25", or 92° 5045” w. from the
meridian of Greenwich.
¢ While Mr, Dunbar was making arrangements
for transporting the baggage back to the river
camp, ‘Dr. Hunter, with a small party, went on
an excursion into the country. He left the hot
springs on the morning of the 27th, and after tra-
velling sometimes over hills and deep craggy
mountains, with narrow valleys between them, then
up the valleys, and generally by the side of a
branch emptying into the Washita, they reached
the main branch of the Calfat in the evening,
about 12 miles from the springs. The stones they
met with during the first part of the day were sili-
cious, of a whitish grey, with flints, white, cream-
coloured, red, &c. The beds of the rivulets, and
often a considerable way up the hills, shewed im-
tnense bodies of schistus, both blue and grey, some
of it efflorescing and tasting strongly of alum.
The latter part of the day, they travelled over and
between hills of black, hard, and compact flint in
shapeless masses, with schist as before, On as-
cending these high grounds, you distinetly per.
ceive the commencement of the piney region, be-
ginning at the height of 60 or 70 feet, and extend.
ing to the top. The soil in these narrow valleys
is thin and full of stones. ‘The next day, which
was stormy, they reached a branch of the Bayau
de Saline, which stretches towards the Arkansa,
and empties into the Washita many leagues below,
having gone above 12 miles, ‘The mountains they
had passed being of the primitive kind, which sel-
dom produce metals, and having hitherto seen noe
thing of a® mineral kind, a little poor iron ore exe
cepted, and the face of the country, as far as they
could see, presenting the same aspect, they re-
VOL, WI,
turned to the camp and the hot springs, on the
evening of the 30th, by another route, in which
they met with nothing worthy notice.
© In consequence of the rains which had fallen,
Mr. Dunbar, and those who were transporting the
baggage to the river camp, found the road watery.
The soil on the flat lands, under the stratum of ve-
getable mould, is yellowish, and consists of decom-
posed schistus, of which there are immense beds
in every stage of dissolution, from the hard stone
recently uncovered and partially decomposed, to
the yellow and apparently homogeneous earth. The
covering of vegetable earth be? veen the hills and
the river is, in most places, sufficiently thick to
constitute a good soil, being from four to six
inches ; and it is the opinion of the peuple upon
the Washita, that wheat will grow here to great
perfection. Although the higher hills, 500 to 600
feet in height, are very rocky, yet the inferior
hills, and the sloping bases of the first, are genc-
rally covered with a soil of a middling quality.
The natural productions are sufficiently luxuriant,
consisting chiefly of black and red oak, intermixed
with a variety of other woods, and a considerable
undergrowth. Even on these rocky hills are three
or four species of vines, said to produce annually
an abundance of excellent grapes. A great variety
of plants which grow here, some of which in their
season are said tv produce flowers highly orna-
mental, would probably reward the researches of
the botanist. :
© On the morning of the Sth of January 1805,
the party left Ellis’s on the river camp; where
they had been detained for several days, waiting
for such a rise in the waters of the river, as would
carry their boat in safety over te numerous ra-
pids below. A rise of about six feet, which had
taken place the evening before, determined them
to move this morning ; and they passed the Chut-
tes about one o’clock. ‘They stopped to examine
the rocky promontory below these falls, and took
some specimens of the stone which so much res
sembles the ‘Turkey oil stone. It appears too
hard. The strata of this chain were observed to
run perpendicularly nearly e. and w. crossed by
fissures at right angles trom five to eight feet apart ;
the lamina from one-fourth of an inch to five inches
in thickness. About a league below, they landed
at Whetstone hill, and tock several specimens,
This projecting hill is a mass of greyish biue
schistus of considerable hardness, and about 20
feet perpendicular, not regularly so, and from a
quarter to two inches in thickness, but does not
split with an even surface. :
¢ They landed again on the morning of the 9th, ]
M M
Ss.
noma r
ee ae
266 MISSISSIPPI.
[in sight of the Bayau de la Prairie de Champig-
nole, to examine and take specimens of some free-
stone and blue slate. ‘The slate is a blue schistus,
hard, brittle, and unfit for the covering of a house:
none proper for that purpose have been discovered,
except on the Calfat, which Dr. Hunter met with
in one of his excursions.
‘On the evening of the 10th they encamped
near Arclon’s troughs, having been only three days
in descending the distance which took them 15 to
ascend. They stopped some time at the camp of
a Mr. Le Fevre. He is an intelligent man, a
native of the Illinois, but now residing at the
Arkansas. He came here with some Delaware and
other Indians, whom he had fitted out with goods,
and receives their peltry, fur, &c. at a stipulated
rice, as it is brought in by the hunters. Mr, Le
evre possesses considerable knowledge of the in-
terior of the country ; he confirms the accounts
before obtained, that the hills or mountains which
give rise to this little river, are, in a manner, insu-
lated; that is, they are entirely shut in and in-
closed by the immense plains or prairies which ex-
tend beyond the Red river, to the s. and beyond
the Missouri, or at least some of its branches, to
the 2, and range along the e. base of the great
chain, or dividing ridge, commonly known by the
name of the Sand hills, which separate the waters
of the Mississippi from those which fall into the
Pacific ocean, The breadth of this great plain is
not well ascertained. It is said by some to be at
certain parts, or in certain directions, ict less than
200 leagues ; but it is agreed by ai! who have
a knowledge of the w. country, that ithe mean
breadth is at least two-thirds of that distance. A
branch of the Missouri, called the river Plate or
Shallow river, is said to take its rise so far s, as to
derive its first waters from the neighbourhood of
the sources of the Red and Arkansa rivers, By
the expression plains or prairie, in this place, is
not tv be understood a dead flat, resembling cer-
tain savannas, whose soil is stiff and impenetrable,
often under water, and bearing only a coarse grass
resembling reeds; very different are the w. prai-
ries, which expression signifies only a country
without timber. ‘These prairies are neither flat
nor hilly, but undulating into gentle swelling
lawns, and expanding inte spacious valleys, in the
centre of which is always found a little timber
growing on the banks of the brooks and rivulets of
the finest waters.
¢'The whole of these prairies are represented to
be composed of the richest and most fertile soil ;
the most luxuriant and succulent herbage covers
» surface of the earth, interspersed with millions
of flowers and flowering shrubs, of the most orna-
mental kinds. Those who have vivwed only a
skirt of these prairies, speak of them with enthu-
siasm, as if it was only theve that nature was to 0+
found truly perfect: they dvelare, thit the ferti-
tility and beauty of the rising grounds, the extreme
richness of the vales, the coolicss and excellent
quality of the water found in every valley, the
salubrity of the atmosphere, and above all the
grandeur of the enchanting landscape which this
country presents, inspire the soul with sensations
not to be felt in any other region of the globe,
‘This paradise is now very thinly inhabited by a
few tribes of savages, and by the immense herds of
wild cattle (bison) which people these countries.
The cattle perform regular migrations, according
to the seasons, from s. to m. and from the plains
to the mountains; and in due time, taught by
their instincts, take a retrograde direction.
¢ The Indian tribes move in the rear of the herds,
and pick up stragglers, and such as lag behind,
which they kill with the bow and arrow for their sub-
sistence. ‘This country is not subjected to those very
sudden deluges of rain which in most hot coun-
tries, and even in the Mississippi territory, tear up
and sweep away, with irresistible fury, the crop
and soil together: on the contrary, rain is said
to become more rare in proportion as the great
chain of mountains is approached ; and it would
seem that within the sphere of the attraction of
those elevated ridges, little or no rain falls on the
adjoini::z plains. This relation is the more cre-
dible, as in that respect the new country of the
United States resembles otiver flat or low countries
similarly situated; such as the country lying be-
tween the Andes and the w. Pacific. ‘The plains
are supplied with nightly dews so extremely abun-
dant, us to have the eflect of refreshing showers of
rain; and the spacious valleys, which are ex-
tremely level, may, with facility, be watered by
the rills and brooks, which are never absent from
these situations. Such is the description of the
better known country iying io the s. of Red river,
from Nacogdoches towards St. Antonio, in the
province of ‘Taxus; the richest crops are said to
be procured there without rain; but agriculture
in that country is at a low ebb; the small quan-
tity of maize turnished by the country, is said to
be raised without cultivation, A rude opening is
made in the earth, sufficient io deposit the grain,
at the distance of four or five feet, in irregular
squares, and the rest is left to nature. The soil is
tender, spongy, and rich, and seems always to re-
tain humidity sufficient, with the bounteous dews
of heaven, to bring the crops to maturity. ]
st orna.
only a
enthu-
as to 0!
1e ferti-
extreme
pera
ey, the
Af the
‘ich this
nsations
: globe,
“1 by a
herds of
yuntries.
cording
ie plains
ight by
ie herds,
behind,
heir sub-
lose very
jot coun.
, tear up
the crop
1 is said
he great
it would
iction of
s on the
hore cre-
ly of the
ountries
lying bee
he plains
‘ly abun-
howers of
are ex.
tered by
ent from
n of the
ed river,
» in the
e said to
riculture
ull quan-
said to
ening: is
1 grain,
irregular
1¢ soil is
Vs to ree
bus dews
(* The Red and Arkansa rivers, whose courses
are yery long, pass through portions of this fine
country. They are both navigable to an unknown
distance by boats of proper construction; the
Arkansa river is, however, understood to have
greatly the advantage with respect to the facility
of navigation, Some difficult places are met with
in the Red river below the Nakitosh, after which
it is good for 150 leagues (probably computed
leagues of the country, about two miles each);
there the voyager meets with a very serious ob-
stacle, the commencement of the ¢¢ raft,’ as it is
called ; that is, a natural covering which conceals
the whole river for an extent of 17 leagues, con-
tinually augmenting by the driftwood brought
down by every consideralle fresh. ‘This cover-
ing, which, for a consideraole time was only drift-
wood, now supports a vegetation of every thing
abounding in the neighbouring forest, not except-
ing trees of a considerable size ; and the river may
be frequently passed without any knowledge of its
existence. It is said that the annual inundation
is opening for itself a new passage through the
low grounds near the hills; but it must be long
before nature, unaided, wiil excavate a passage
sufficient for the waters of Red river. About 50
leagues above this natural bridge, is the residence
of the Cadaux or Cadadoquis nation, whose good
qualities are already mentioned. ‘The inhabitants
estimate the post of Nakitosh to be half way be-
tween New Orleans and the Cadaux nation.
Above this point the navigation of Red river is
said to be embarrassed by many rapids, falls, and
shallows. ‘The Arkansa river is said to present a
safe, agreeable, and uninterrupted navigation, as
high as itis known. The lands on each side are
of the best quality, and well watered with springs,
brooks, and rivulets, affording many situations for
mill-seats. From description it would seem that
along this river there is a regular gradation of hill
and dale, presenting their extremities to the river ;
the hills are gently swelling eminences, and the
dales spacious valleys with living water meander-
ing through them ; the forests consist of handsome
trees, chiefly what is called open woods. ‘The
quality of the land is supposed superior to that
on Red river, until it ascends to the prairie
country, where the lands on both rivers are pro-
bably similar.
‘About 200 leagues up the Arkansa is an ins
teresting place called the Salt prairie: there is a
constiletable fork of the river there, and a kind of
savanna where the salt-water is continually oozing
ont and spreading over the surface of a plains
During the dry summer season the salt may be
MISSISSIPPI. 267
raked up in large heaps ; a natural crust, of a hand
breadth in thickness, is formed at this season. This
place is not often frequented, on account of the
danger from the Osage Indians: much less dare
the white hunters venture to ascend higher, where
it is generally believed that silver is to be found,
It is further said, that high up the Arkansa river
salt is found in form of a solid, and may be dug
out with the crow-bar. ‘The waters of the Ar.
kansa, like those of Red river, are not potable
during the dry season, being both charged highly
with a reddish earth or mould, and extremely
brackish.
‘This inconvenience is not greatly felt upon the
Arkansa, where springs and brooks of fresh water
are frequent ; the Red river is understood not to
be so highly favoured. Every account scems to
prove that immense natural magazines of salt must
exist in the great chain of mountains to the w. ;
as all the rivers, in the summer season, which flow
from them, are strongly impregnated with {hat mi-
neral, and are only rendered palatable after receiy-
ing the numerous streams of fresh water which
join them in their course. ‘The great w. prairies,
besides the herds of wild cattle, (bison, commonly
called buffale), are also stocked with vast num.
bers of wild goat (not resembling the domestic
goat), extremely swift-footed. As the description
given of this goat is not perfect, it may from its
swiftness prove to be the antelope, or it possibl
may be a goat which has escaped trom the aes
settlements of New Mexico. A Canadian, who
had been much with the Indians to the w. speaks
of a wool-bearing animal larger than a sheep, the
wool much mixed with hair, which he had seen in
large flocks. He pretends also to have seen a uni«
corn, the single horn of which, he says, rises out
of the forehead and curls back, conveying the
idea of the fossil cornu ammonis. ‘This man says
he has travelled beyond the great dividing ridge
so far as to have seen a large river flowing to the
w. The great dividing mountain is so lofty that
it requires two days to ascend from the base to its
top: other ranges of inferior mountains lie before
and behind it; they are all rocky and sandy.
Large lakes and valleys lie between the mountains,
Some of the lakes are so large as to contain con-
siderable islands; and rivers flow from some of
them. Great numbers of fossil bones, of very
large dimensions, are seen among the mountains,
which the Canadian supposes to be the elephatit.
¢ He does not pretend to have seen any of the
precious metals, but has seen a mineral which he
supposes might yield copper. From the top of the
high mountain the view ts bounded by a curye, as |
unm 2
268
[upon the ocean, and extends over the most. beau-
tiful prairies, which seem to be unbounded, par-
ticularly towards the e. ‘The finest of the lands
he has seen are on the Missouri; no other can
compare in richness and fertility with them, This
Canadian, as well as Le Fevre, speaks of the Osa-
ges of the tribe of Whitehairs, as lawless and un-
principled; and the other Indian tribes hold them
in abhorrence as a barbarous and uncut!ivated race,
and the different nations who hunt in their neigh-
bourhood, Lave their concerting plans for their
destruction, On the morning of the Ith, the
party passed the Petii Ecor a Fabri. The osiee
which grows on the beaches above, is not seen
below upon the river; and here they began to
meet with the small tree called Charnier, which
grows only on the water side, and is met with all
the way down the Washita. ‘The latitude of 33°
40’ seems the n. boundary of the one, and the s.
boundary of the other of these vegetables. Having
noticed the limit set to the long moss, (telandsia)
on the ascent of the river, in lat. 33°, Mr. Dun-
bar made inquiry cf Mr, Le, Fevre, as to its
existence on the Arkansa settlement, which is
known to lie in about the same parallel: he said,
that its growth is limited about 10 miles s. of the
settlement, and that as remarkably, as if'a line had
been drawn e. and zw. for the purpose; as it ceases
all at once, and not by degrees, Hence it ap-
pears, that nature has marked with a distinguishing
feature, the line established by congress between
the Orleans and Louisiana territories. ‘The cy-
yress is not found on the Washita higher thea
It. B34 an.
¢ In descending the river, they found their rate
of going to exceed that of the current about six
miles and a half in 24 hours; and that on the
12th, they had passed the apex of the tide or wave
occasioned by the fresh, and were descending
along an inclined plain; as they encamped at
night, they found themselves in deeper water the
next morning, and on a more elevated part of the
inclined plata, than they had been in the preceding
evening, from the progress of the apex of the tide
during their repose.
‘ At noon, on the 16th, they reached the post
of the Washita,
‘ Mr. Dunbar being anxious to reach the Nat-
chez as early as possible, and being unable to pro-
cure horses at the post, took a canoe with one
soldier and his own onsatio, to push down to the
Catahoola, from whence to Concord there is a road
of 30 miles across the low grounds.
early on the morning of the 20th, and at night
reached the settlement of an old hunter, with
He set off
MISSISS!?PPI.
whom he had conversed on his way up the river.
This man informed him, that at the place called
the Mine, on the Little Missouri, there is a smoke
which ascends perpetually from a particular place,
and that the vapour is sometimes insupportable,
The river, or a branch of it, passes over a bed of
mineral, which from the description given ‘s no
doubt martial pyrites, Ina creck or branch of
the Fourche 4 Luke, there is found on the beaches
and in the cliffs, a great number of globular bo-
dics, some as large, or larger, than a man’s head,
which, when broken, exhibit the appearance of
gold, siiver, and precious stones ; most probably
pyrites and crystallized spar, And at the Vour-
che des Giaises & Paul, (higher up the river than
Fourche it Lhuke,) near the river there is a cliff full
of hexagonal prisms, terminated dy pyramids
which appear to grow out of the rock: they arc
from six to eight inches in length, and some of
them are an inch in diameter. There are beds of
pyrites found in several small creeks communi-
cating with the Washita, but it appears that the
mineral indications are greatest on the Little Mis-
souri ; because, as before noted, some of the hun-
ters actually worked on them, and sent a parcel of
the ore to New Orleans. It is the belief here, that
the mineral contains precious metal, but that the
Spanish government did not choose a mine suould
be opened so near to the British settlements. An
express prohibition was issued against working
these mines,
* At this place, Mr. Dunbar obtained one or
two slips of the bois de arc, (bow wood or yellow
wool), from the Missouri, ‘The fruit, it seems,
had fallen before the inaturity, and lay upon the
ground. Some were the size of a small orange,
with a rind full of tubercles ; the colour, though
it appeared faded, still retained a resemblance to
pale gold.
* 'The tree in its native soil, when laden with
its golden fruit, (nearly as large as the egg of an
ostrich,) presents the most splendid appearance ;
its foliage is of a deep green, resembling the var-
nished. leaf of the orange tree; upon the whole,
no forest tree can compare with it in ornamental
grandeur, ‘The bark of the young tree resembles,
in texture, the dog wood bark; the appearance
of the wood recommends it for trial as an article
which may yield a yellow dye. It is deciduous ;
the branches are numerous, and fall of short thorns
or prickles, which seem to point it out as proper
for hedges or live fences. This treee is known to
exist near the Nakitosh (perhaps in lat. 32°) and
upon the river Arkansa, high up (perhaps in lat.
36°); itis therefore probable that it may thrive from |
t
aume
meet es ee es ee OS
1é river.
e called
a smoke
hr place,
ortable,
a bed of
n ‘3 no
anch of
beaches
bular bo-
n’s head,
rance ot
robably
e Four-
ver than
cliff full
byramids
they are
some of
beds of
bmmuni-«
that the
tle Mis-
the hun-
parcel of
ere, that
that the
e suould
xis. An
working
1 one or
or yellow
it secms,
upon the
I orange,
» though
blance to
den with
ge of an
carance ;
the var-
e whole,
namental
esembles,
pearance
in article
ciduous ;
mrt thorns
AS proper
cnown to
32°) and
ps in lat.
ive frou |
MISSISSIPPI. 269
[latitude 38° to 40°, and will be a great acquisition
to the United States if it possesses no other merit
than that of being ornamental.
‘ In descending the river, both Mr. Dunbar
and Dr. Hunter searched for ti place said to yield
gypsum, or plaster of Paris, but failed. The
former gentleman states, that he has no doubt of
its existence, having noted two places where it has
heen found ; one of which is the first hill or high
land which touches the river on the w. above the
Bayau Calumet, and th: other is the second bigh
land on the same side. As these are two points of
the same continued ridge, it is probable that an
immense body of gypsum will be found in the
bowels of the hills where they meet, and perhaps
extending far beyond them.
* On the evening of the 22d, Mr. Dunbar
arrived at the Catahvola, where a Frenchinan of the
name of Hebrard, who keeps the ferry across
Black river, is settled. Here the road trom the
Washita forks, one branch of it leading to the
settlement on Red river, and the other up to the
post on the Washita. ‘Lhe proprietor of this place
as been a hunter and a great traveller up the
Washita into the w. country; he confirms generally
the accounts received from others, It appears,
from what they say, that in the neighbourhood
of the hot springs, but higher up, among the
mountains, and upon the Little Missouri, during
the summer season, explosions are very frequently
heard, proceeding from under the ground, and not
rarely a curious phenomenon is seen, which is
termed the blowing of the mountains ; it is con-
fined clastic gas forcing a passage through the
side or top of a hill, driving before it a great
quantity of earth and mineral matter. During
the winter season the explosions and blowing of
the mountains entirely cease, from whence we
may conclude, that the cause is comparatively
superficial, brought into action by the increased
heat of the more direct rays of the summer sun,
‘ The confluence of the Washita, Catahoola,
and ‘Tenza is an interesting place. The last of
these communicates with the Mississippi low lands,
by the intervention of other creeks and lakes, and
by one in particular, called Bayau d’Argent,
which empties into the Mississippi, about 14 miles
above Natchez. During high water there is a
navigation for batteaux of any burthen along the
bayau., <A large lake, called St. John’s lake,
occupies a considerable part of the passage be-
tween the Mississippi and the 'Penza: itisina
horse-shoe form, teh lind at some former period,
been the bed of the Mississippi: the nearest part
uf it is about one mile removed from the river at
the present time. This lake, possessing clevated
banks similar to those of the river, has been lately
occupied and improved. The Catahoola Bayau is
the third navigable stream: during the time of the
inundation there is an excellent communication by
the lake of that name, and from thence, by large
creeks, to the Red river. The country around
the point of union of these three rivers is altoge-
ther alluvial, but the place of Mr. Hebrard’s resi-
dence is no longer subject to inundation, There
is no-ctowbé, that as the country augments in pos
pulation and.riches, this place wil! become the site
of a commercial inland town, which will keep
pace with the progress and prosperity of the coun-
try. One of the Indian mounts here is of a con-
siderable elevation, with a species of rampart,
surrounding a large space, which was, no doubt,
the position of a fortified town.
© While here, Mr. Dunbar met with an American
who pretended to have been up the Arkansa river
500 leagues. The navigation of this river he says
is good to that distance, for boats drawing three or
four feet water. Implicit faith, perhaps, ought
not to be given to his relation, respecting the
Spaanly of silver he pretends to have collected
there. He says he has found silver on the Washita,
30 leagues above the hot springs, so rich, that
three pounds of it yielded one pound of silver, and
this was found in a cave. Ne asserts, also, that
the ore of the mine upon the Little Missouri was
carried to Kentucky, by a person of the name of
Bon, where it was found to vield largely in silver,
This man says he has been up the Red river
likewise, and that there is a great rapid just below
the raft, or natural bridge, and several others
above it; that the Caddo nation is about 50 leagues
above the raft, and near to their village commences
the country of the great prairies, which extend
4 or 500 miles to the w. of the sand mountains, as
they are termed. These great plains reach far
beyond the Red river to the s, and n. over the
Arkansa river, and among the numerous branches
of the Missouri, He confirms the account of the
beauty and fertility of the w. country.
© On the morning of the 25th, Mr. Dunbar set
out, on horseback, from the Catahoola to Natchez.
The rain which had fallen on the receding days
rendered the roads wet and incittly, and it was
two in the afternoon before he reached the Bayau
Crocodile, whica is considered half way between
the Black river and the Mississippi. It is one of
the numerous crecks in the low grounds, which
assist in venting th waters of the inundation, On
the margins of the water courses the lands are
highest, and produces canes; they fall off, in the}
270 MIS
[rear, into cypress swamps and lakes. ‘The waters
of the Mississippi were rising, and it was with
some difficulty that they reached a house near
Concord that evening. ‘This settlement was be-
gun since the cession of Louisiana to the United
States, by citizens of the Mississippi territory, who
have established their residence altogether upon
newly acquired lands taken up under the authority
of the Spanish commandant, and have gone to the
expence of improvement cither in the names of
themselves or others, before the 20th of December
1803, hoping thereby to hold their new possession
under the sanction of the law.
¢ Exclusive of the few actual residents on the
banks of the Mississippi, there are two very hand-
some lakes in the interior, on the banks of which
similar settlements have been made. He crossed
at the ferry, and at mid-day of the 26th reached
his own house.
¢ Dr. Hunter, and the remainder of the party,
followed Mr. Dunbar, down the Washita, with
the boat in which they ascended the river, and
ascending the Mississippi, reached St. Catharine's
landing on the morning of the 3lst January 1805. |
MISSOURI, a settlement of Indians of the pro-
vince and government of Louisiana; situate on
the shore of the river of its name, and where the
French have built a fort for the defence of their
establishment there. ‘The Spaniards, in 1721, at-
tempted to take this fort, and attacked two settle.
ments of the Octotatas Indians; but the mission-
aries came to ‘ieir succour, and finding the Spa-
niards asleep cut off all their heads, with the ex-
ception of one religious person, whom they suf-
fered to accompeny them, He afterwards escaped
by a stratagem, in pretending to shew the Indians
his way of managing a horse; it was by taking to
flight.
Missourt River, in Louisiana, falls into the
Mississippi trom the w. 18 miles below the mouth
of the Illinois, 130 above the mouth of the Ohio,
and above 1160 miles from the Balize, or mouths
of the Mississippi, in the gull of Mexico. In
Captain Hutchins’s map, it is said to be navigable
1300 miles, — Late travellers up this river, (among
whom isa French gentleman, a general oflicer,
who has made a map of his expedition) represent
that the progress of settlement by the Spaniards on
the s. and w, and by the English on the 2. aud e.
of the Missouri, is astonishing. People of both
these nations have trading-houses 6 or 700 miles
up this river. Mr. M‘Kenzie performed a tour
from Montreal to the 8, sea ; and it appears by his
map that by short portages, and these not very
numerous, there is a water communivation, without
MIS
ter interruption, from the Upper lakes to
ootka sound, or its neighbourhood ; but the most
correct notion respecting the navigation of a river
is always to be derived from the account as given
verbatim by those who have visited it. The fol-
lowing copious information is therefore extracted
from the Travels of Captains Lewis and Clarke,
from St, Louis, by way of the Missouri and Co-
lumbia Rivers to the Pacific Ocean, performed in
the years 1804, 1805, and 1806, containing some
Delineations of the Manners, Customs, Religion,
&c. of the Indians. N. B. At the end will be
found a statement of the commerce of the Mis.
souri,
¢Onthe 14th of May 1804, (as these travellers ob-
serve), we embarked from St. Louis on the expedi-
tion, having, previous to our setting out, provided
ourselves with every thing requisite tor the prosecu-
tion of the voyage, particularly with large quanti-
ties of ammunition and fire-arms, for the purpose
of protecting us from the hostile attacks of the na-
tives, and for procuring food. We likewise took
a large quantity of ornaments, consisting of me-
dals, trinkets, &c. for the purpose of gaining a
favourable reception among the Indians, and ob-
taining such articles of use as our situation might
require,
‘Our party, consisting of 43, was generally
divided into two companies, the one for hunting,
who travelled by land; the other to remain in our
water conveyance, which consisted only of two
small perogues and a batteau. Larger vessels
would heve obstructed us in ascending the Mis-
souri near its .vurce. Both companies joined at
night, when we were compelled to encamp by the
banks of the river ; our vessel being too light to
sail except by day.
‘'The country bordering on the Missouri pro-
duces immense quantities of fur, which can be
purchased of the Indians for a mere trifle, and
may be easily transported from the head of this
river to the Columbia river at a small expence,
on account of the low rate at which horses might
be purchased for the purpose from the Snake In-
dians, who inhabit this mountainous district :
from the Columbia river they may be conveyed to
China by a very short route.
‘ This trade would give employment to an im-
mense number of inhabitants; and the country is
sufficiently luxuriant for the population of an im-
mense colony.
‘The Missouri is already ranked among the
greatest rivers, [tis an object of astonishment to
the whole world. The uninformed man admires
its rapidity, its lengthy course, and the salubrity |
kes to
le most
a river
} given
‘he fol-
tracted
Clarke,
ind Co-
rmed in
2 some
eligion,
will be
ie Mis.
llers obe
expedi-
rovided
FOSeCII-
quanti-
purpose
the na-
ise took
of mes
‘ining 9
and fh
n might
enerally
hunting,
in in our
of two
vessels
he Mis-
oined at
» by the
light to
uri pro-
can be
fle, and
of this
xpence,
ps might
uke In-
listrict :
eyed to
an ime
untry is
“an im-
mg the
ment to
admires
lubrity |
[of its waters, and is amazed at its colour; while
the reflecting mind admires the innumerable riches
scattered on its banks, and, foreseeing the future,
beholds already this rival of the Nile flowing
throwgh countries as fertile, as populous, and as
extensive as those of Egypt.
¢ The Missouri joins the Mississippi five leagues
above the town of St. Louis, about lat. 40° n.
It is necessary to observe, that after uniting with
the Mississippi, it flows through a space of 1200
miles, before it empties itself into the gulf of Mex-
ico. As this part of its course is well known, |
shall speak (writes Captain Lewis) of the Mis-
souri only.
*1 ascended about 600 Icagues, without per-
ceiving a diminution either in its width or rapidity.
—The principal rivers which empty into the
Missouri, are, as you ascend, the Gasconade, the
river of the Osages, the two Charaturns, the Great
river, the river Des Canips, Nichinen, Batoney,
the Great and Little Nimaha, the river Plate, the
river De Sioux, the L’?Kau-qui-court.
¢ As far as 25 leagues above its junction with
the Mississippi, are to be found diflerent settle.
ments of American families, viz. at Bonhomme,
and Femme Osage, &c.; beyond this, its banks
are inhabited only by savage nations—the Great
and Little Osages, settled 120 leagues on the river
of that name; the Canips, the Ottos, the Panis,
the Loupes or Panis Mahas, the Mahas, the
Poukas, the Ricaras, the Mandanes, the Sioux :
the last nation is not fixed on the banks of vhe Mis-
souri, but habitually goes there to hunt.
‘ The banks of the Missouri are alternately woods
and prairies: it is remarked, that the higher you
ascend this river, the more common are these prai-
ries; and they seem to increase every year by the
fires which are kindled every autumn by the sa-
vages, or white hunters, either by chance, or with
the design of facilitating their hunting.
‘The waters of the Missouri are muddy, and
contain throughout its course a sediment of very
fine sand, which soon precipitates ; but this cir-
cumstance, which renders them disagreeable to the
sight, takes nothing from their salubrity.
‘ Experience has proved, that the waters of the
Missouri are more wholesome than those of the
Ohio and the Upper Mississippi, The rivers and
streams which empty into the Missouri below the
river Plate, are clear and limpid; above this
river they are as muddy as the Missouri itself.
This is occasioned by beds of sand, or hills of a
very fine white earth, through which they take
their course.
¢ The bed of the Missouri is obstructed with
MISSOURI. 271
banks, sometimes of sand, and sometimes of gravel,
which frequently change their place, and conses
uently render the navigation always uncertain.
its course is generally w. by 2. w.
¢ 'To give a precise idea of the incalculable riches
scattered on the banks of the Missouri, would re-
quire unbounded knowledge.
¢ The flats are covered with huge trees ; the liard
or poplar; the sycamore, out of one piece of
which are made canoes, which carry nearly 18
cwt; the maple, which affords the inhabitants an
agreeable and wholesome sugar; and the wild
cherry-tree, and the red and black walnut, so useful
in joiners’ work ; the red and white elm, hecessary
to cartwrights ; the triacanthos, which, when well
trimmed, forms impenetrable hedges ; the waters
willow, tue white and red mulberry-tree, &c. &c.
¢On the shores ave found in abundance the
white and black oak, proper for every kind of
shipewrights’ and: carpenters’ work ; the pine, so
easily worked; and, on the stony mountains, the
durable cedar,
It would be impossible to detail all the species
of trees, even those unknown in other countries,
and the use that can be made of them, of which
we are still ignorant.
¢ The plants are still more numerous ; we will pass
lightly over this article, for the want of suflicient
botanical knowledge. ‘Phe Indians are well ace
quainted with the virtues of many of them; they
make use of them to heal their wounds, and to
poison their arrows ; they also use various kinds of
savoyanues to dye different colours; they have
one which is a certain and prompt cure for the vee
nereal dlisease.
¢'The lands on the borders of the Missouri are
excellent, and when cultivated are capable of
yielding abundantly all the productions of the tem-
perate, and even some of the warm climates ; wheat,
maize, and every species of grain, Irish potatoes,
and excellent sweet potatoes. Hemp seems here to
he an indigenous plant: even cotton succeeds,
though not so well asin mores, countries, Its cul-
ture, however, yields a real advantage to the in-
habitants settled on the banks of the Missouri,
who find in the crop of a field of about two acres
sufficient for the wants of their families.
‘The natural prairies are a great resource, be-
ing of theinselves excellent pasturages, and facili-
tating the labours of the man who is just settled,
who can thus enjoy, with little labour, from the
first year a considerable crop. Clay fit for making
bricks is very common. ‘There is also Fayance
clay, and another species of clay, which in the
opinion of intelligent persons is the real koaolin to
y) a
~
gts se, meee
so
Se
272
[which the porcelain of China owes the whole of its
reputation,
6 There are found on the borders of the Mis-
souri many springs of salt-water of every kind,
which will yield more than sufticient salt for the
consumption of the country, when it shall become
inhabited,
¢ Salt-petre is found here in great abundance, in
numberless caves, which are met with along the
banks of the river.
6 The stones are generally calcarious and gates.
There is found one also, which is believed to be pe-
culiar to the banks of the Missouri. It is of a
blood red colour, compact, soft under the chisel,
and hardens in the air, and is succeptible of a
most beautiful polish. The Indians use it for their
calumets; but from the extent of its layers, it
might be easily employed in more important
works. They have also quarrics of marble, of
which we only know the colour ; they are streaked
with red. One quarry is well known, and easily
worked, consisting of a species of plaster, which we
are assured is of the same nature as that of Paris,
and of which the United States make a great use:
we also found volcanic stones, which demonstrate
the ancient existence of unknown volcanoes.
¢ We were confirmed in the belief that there
were volcanoes in some of their mountains, by the
intelligence that we reevived from the Indians,
who informed us, * that the Evil Spirit was mad
at the red people, and cauced the mountains to
vomit fire, sand, gravel, and large stoncs, to terrify
and destroy them ; but the Good Spirit had com-
ssion on them, and put out the fire, chased the
Qvil Spirit out of the mountains, and left them
unhurt; but when they returned to their wicked-
ness, the Gireat ape had permitted the Evil
’
Spirit to return to the mountains again, and vomit
up fire ; but on their becoming good, and making
sacrifices, the Great Spirit chased away the Evil
Spirit from disturbing them, and for 40 snows (410
years) he had not permitted him to return.”
¢ 'The short stay we have generally made among
the savage nations has prevented us from making
those rescarches which’ would have supplicd us
with more extensive information respecting the
various mines found on the borders of the Mis-
souri. We know with certainty only of those of
iron, lead, and coal ; there is, however, no doubt,
buf that there are some of tin, of copper, of silver,
and even of gold, according to the account of the
Indians, who have found some particles or dust
of these metals either on the surface of the earth,
or on the banks of small torrents.
‘I consider it a duty at the same time to give
MISSOURI.
an idea of the salt mines, and the salines, which
are found in the same latitude on the branches of
the river Arkansas, At about 300 miles from the
village of the Great Osages, in a w. direction,
after having passed several branches of the river
Arkansas, we find a flat of about 15 leagues in
diameter, surrounded by hills of an immnense ex-
tent : the soil isa black sand, very fine, and so hard
that the horses hardly leave a trace. During a
warm and dry season there exhales from this flat,
vapours, which, after being condensed, fall on this
black sand, and cover it with an incrustation of
salt, very white and fine, and about half an inch
thick: the rains destroy this phenomenon.
6 Atabout 18 miles from thisflat are found mines
of genuine salt near the surface of the earth. The
Indians, who are well acquainted with them, are
obliged to use levers to break and raise it.
¢ At a distance of about 15 leagues from the flat
of which we have just spoken, and in a s. direc-
tion, there is a second mine of genuine salt of the
same nature as the other. These two mines differ
only in colour: the first borders on a blue, the se-
cond approaches a red. Much further s, and still
on the lesbos of the Arkansas, is a saline, which
may be considered as one of the most interesting
phenomena in nature.
¢ On the declivity of a small hill there are five
holes, about a foot and a half in diameter, and two
in depth, always full of salt water, without ever
overflowing. If a person were to draw any of this
water the hole would immediately fill itself; and
about ten fect lower, there flows from this same
hill a large stream of pure and sweet water.
‘If this country were peopled, the working of
these genuine salt mines would be very easy by
means of the river Arkansas. ‘This species of salt
is found by experience to be far preferable to any
other for salting provisions.
‘Should these notes, imperfect and without
order as they are, but in every respect founded
on truth, and observations made by myself, excite
the curiosity of men of intelligence, capable of in-
vestigating the objects which they have barely
suggested, I do not doubt but that incalculable
advantages would result to the United States, and
especially to the district of Louisiana.
‘ It is impossible to give an exact account of the
peltries which are brought down the Mississippi,
as they are all immediately transported to Canada,
without passing any port of this country; we can
obtain a true statement only from the settlements
on the lakes. It is but a short time since the Red
river has been explored.
‘ Atter leaving the river Des Moens the fur]
Se ee ee
—_ hawt. .ii..._—— i ae ee ee
, which
ches of
from the
rection,
he river
agues in
cise CX-
so hard
Juring a
this flat,
1 on this
lation of
an inch
14 mines
ih, The
em, are
1 the flat
:. direc.
t of the
es Gilter
? 8e-
and still
5 which
teresting
are five
and two
put ever
ry of this
If; and
is same
king of
easy by
s of salt
to any
without
founded
f, excite
»le of in-
barely
Iculable
htes, and
nt of the
sissippi,
Canada,
we can
tlements
the Red
the fur]
[trade from the Upper Missouri is carried on en-
tirely by British houses, and almost the whole of
the fur which is obtained from the other Indian
traders is also sent to Canada, where it commands
much higher prices than at New Orleans; where,
in fact, there is no demand, It is also necessar
to observe, that the further 2. we go, thegreater is
the value of the peltries. Itis but a few years
since peltries have been exported from America
by way of the Ohio. It is to be thought that the
e. part of America will encourage this exporta-
tion, by raising the prices of peltrics to nearly
those of Canada.
‘ The countries at the head of the Missouri and
of the Columbia rivers bear a great similarity ;
being cold and very sterile, except in pasturage
only. At the foot of the mountain, at the head
of the Missouri, lives a tribe of Indians called
Serpentine or Snake Indians; who are the most
abject and miserable of the human race, having
Little besides the features of human beings.
6 They live in a most wretched state of poverty,
subsisting on berries and fish; the former they
manufacture into a kind of bread, which is very
poms but possesses little nutritious quality.
orses form the only article of value which they
possess,—in these the country abounds; and in
very severe winters they are compelled to subsist
on them for the want of a better substitute for
food. They are a very harmless inoflensive
people ; when we first made our appearance among
them they were filled with terror, many of them
fled, while the others who remained were in tears,
but were soon pacified by tokens of friendship, and
by presents of beads, &c. which soon convinced
them of our friendly disposition.
© The Snake Indians are in their stature crooked,
which is a peculiarity, as it does not characterise
any other tribe of Indians that came within the
compass of our observation. To add to this de-
formity, they have high cheek bones, large light
coloured eyes, and are yery meagre, which gives
them a frightful aspect.
‘ For an axe we could purchase of them a
good horse. We cusotionsl 27 from them, that
did not cost more than 100 dollars; which will be
a favourable circumstance for transporting fur over
to the Columbia river.
© At the head of the Columbia river, resides a
tribe by the name of Pallotepallors, or Flatheads ;
the latter name they derive from an operation
that renders the top of the head flat; which is
performed while they are infants, when ihe bones
of the cranium are soft and elastic, and are easily
VOL, U1.
MISSOURI. 273
brought to the desired deformity. ‘The operation
is performed by tying boards, hewn to a proper
shape for the purpose, which they compress on the
head. In performing this eccentric operation,
manyjinfants, it is thought, without doubt lose their
lives. The more they get the head misshapen,
the greater dothey consider its beauty.
‘ They are a very kind and hospitable people.
We left in charge with them, when we descended
the Columbia river, our horses, which they kept
safe, hey likewise found where we had con-
cealed our ammunition in the earth ; and had they
not been an honest people, and preserved it safe,
our lives must have been inevitably lost ; they de-
livered up the whole, without wishing to reserve
any, or to receive for it a compensation.
* They, like the Snake Indians, abound in horses,
which subsist in the winter season on a shrub they
call evergreen, which bears a large leaf, that is
tolerably nutritious; they likewise feed upon the
side of hills out of which gush small springs of
water that melt the snow and afford pasture. In
this manner our horses subsisted while going over
the rocky mountains.
¢ The country inhabited by the Snake and
Flatheaded Indians produces but very little game.
* Captain Clark kept an account of the distances
of places from one to another; which were not
kept by myself, for which reason I hope it will be
a sufficient apology for subjoining two of his statce
ments.
Letter from Captain Clark to his Excellency
Governor Harrison.
¢ ¢¢ Dear Sir, Fort Mandan, April 2d.
6 ¢¢ By the return ofa party which we sent from
this place with dispatches, I do myself the plea-
sure of giving you a summary view of the Mise
souri, &c.
¢¢¢ In ascending as high as the Kanzas river,
which is 384 miles up the Missouri: on thes. w.
side, we met a strong current, which was from five
to seven miles an hour, the bottom is extensive,
and covered with timber, the high country is inte: -
spersed with rich handsome prairies, well watered,
and abounding in deer and bears; in ascending as
high as the river Plate, we met a current less rapid,
not exceeding six miles an hour ; in this distance we
passed several small rivers on each side, which
water some finely diversified country, rcipey
rairie, as between Vincennes and Illinois, the
ttoms continuing wide, and covered with timber :
this river is about 6000 yards wide at the mouth,
not navigable; it heads in the rocky mountains,
with the N. river, and Yellow Stone river, and]
NN
274
[passes through an open country ; 15 leagues up
this river the Ottoes and 30 Missouries live in one
village, and can raise 200 men; 15 leagues higher
up, the Pancas and Panea republicans live in one
village, and can raise 700 men; up the Wolf fork
of this river, Papia Louisis live in one village,
and can raise 280 men; these Indians have par.
tial ruptures frequently ; the river: Plate is 630
miles up the Missouri on the s, w, side, Here we
find the antelope or goat; the next river of size
ascending, is the Stone river, commonly called
by the Ingaseix, Little river Desious ; it takes
its rise in lake Dispice, 15 miles from the river
Demoir, and is 64 yards wide; here commences
the Sioux country. ‘The next by note is the Big
Sioux river, which heads with the St. Peter’s, anc
waters of lake Winnepie, in some high wooded
country ; about 90 miles, still higher, the river
Jacqua falls on the same side, and about 100 yards
wide; this river heads with the waters of lake
Winnepie, at no great distance e. from the place,
the head of the river Demon in Pelican lake, be-
tween the Sioux riversand St. Peter's ; the country
on both sides of the Missouri from the river Plate
to that place has very much the same appearance ;
extensive fertile plains, containing but little time
ber, and that little, principally confined to the river
bottoms and streams; the country e. of this place,
and off from the Missouri as low as Stone river,
contains a number of small trees, many of which
are said to be so much impregnated with Glauber’s
salt as to produce all its effects; certain it is, that
the water in the small streams from the hill below
on the s. w. side possesses this quality. About the
river Jacqua Bruff, the country contains a great
quantity of mineral, cobali, cinnabar, alum, cop-
peras, and several other things; the stone coal
which is on the Missouri is very indifferent. As-
cending 52 miles above the Jacqua, the river Qui-
cum falls in on the s, w. side of this river, is 1026
miles up, 150 yards wide, not navigable ; it heads
inthe black mountains which run nearly parallel
to the Missouri from about the head of the Kanzas
river, and ends s,w. of this place. Quicum
waters a broken country 122 miles by water higher,
White river falls in on the s, w. side, and is 300
yards wide, and navigable, as all the other streams
are which are not particularly mentioned ; this
river heads in some sinall lakes, short of the black
mountains. ‘Che Mahan and Poncan nations rove
on the heads of this river and the Quicum, and
can raise 250 men; they were very numerous a
tew years ago, but the small-pox and the Sioux
have reduced them to their present state; the
MISSOURI.
Sioux possess the s.w. of the Missouri, above
White river, 182 miles higher, and on the w,
side, ‘Teton river falls into it, it is small, and
heads in the open plains; here we met a large
band of Sioux, and the second which we had
seen, called ‘Tetons ; these are rascals, and may be
justly termed the pirates of the Missouri; the
made two attempts to stop us; they are subdi-
vided, and stretch on the river near to this
place, having reduced the Racres and Mandans,
and driven them from the country they now oc-
cupy.
66 ‘The Sioux bands rove in the country to the
Mississippi. About 47 miles above the ‘leton
tiver, the Chyanne river falls in from the s. w.
4000 yards wide, is navigable to the black moun-
tains, in which it takes its rise, in the third range ;
several bands of Indians but little known, rove on
the head of this and the river Plate, and are stated
to be as follows: Chaoenne £00 men; Staetons
100; Canenaviech 400; Cayanwa and Wetahato
200; Cataha 70; Detame 30; Memesoon 50;
Castahana 1300 men; it is probable that some of
those bands are the remains of the Padoucar na-
tion. At 1440 miles up the Missouri, (and a short
distance above two handsome rivers which take
their rise in the black mountains), the Kicaras
live in three villages, and are the remains of 10
different tribes of Paneas, who have been reduced
and driven from their country lower down by the
Sioux ; their number is about 500 men, they raise
corn, beans, &c. and appear friendly and well-
disposed; they were at war with the nations of
this neighbourhood, and we have brought about
peace. Between the Recars and this place, two
rivers fallin on the s.w. and one on the n, e. not
very long, and take their rise in the open country ;
this country abounds in a great variety of wild
animals, but a few of which the Indians take;
many of those animals are uncommon in the United
States, such as white, red, and grey bears; long»
eared mules, or black-tail deer, (black at the end
of the tail only) large hares, antelope or goat; the
red fox; the ground prairie dogs, (who burrow
in the ground) the braroca, which has a head like
adog, and the size of a small dog; the white
brant, magpie, calumet eagle, &c. and many others
are said to inhabit the rocky mountains,
¢ 6 T have collected the following account of the
rivers and country in advance of this, to wit:
two days march, in advance of this, the Little
Missouri falls on the s. side, and heads at the n. w,
extremity of the black mountains; six days march
further, a large river joins the Missouri, affording }
above
he w,
1) and
large
: had
wy be
- the
subdi-
D this
idans,
W OC-
to the
‘l'eton
; §. We
moune
Ne 5
pve on
stated
jactons
tahato
n 50;
ome of
ar Mite
n short
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{as much water as the main river. This river is
rapid, without a fall, and navigable to the rocky
mountains, its branches head with the waters of
the river Plate; the country in advance is said to
be broken.
6 The trade of the nations at this place is from
the n. w. and Hudson's bay establishments, on
the Assinneboin river, distant about 150 miles:
those traders are nearly at open war with each
other, and better calculated to destroy than pro-
mote the happiness of those nations to which they
have latterly extended their trade, and intend to
form an establishment near this place in the course
of this year.
‘© Your most obedient servant,
“ Ww». Cuark.”
Letter from Captain Clark to his Brother.
6+ St. Louis, 23d Sept. 1806.
¢¢¢ Dear Brother,
¢¢¢ We arrived at this place at 120’clock to-day
from the Pacific ocean, where we remained during
the last winter, near the entrance of the Columbia
river, ‘This station we left on the 27th of March
last, and should have reached St. Louis carly in
August, had we not been detained by the snow,
which barred our passage across the rocky moun
tains until the 24th of June. In returning through
these mountains, we divided ourselves into several
parties, digressing from the route by which we
went out, in order the more effectually to explore
the country, and discover the most practicable route
which does exist across the continent, by the way
of the Missouri and Columbia rivers: in this we
were completely successful, and have therefore
no hesitation in declaring, that, such as nature has
permitted, we have discovered the best route
which does exist across the continent of N. Ame-
rica in that direction. Such is (iat by way of
the Missouri to the foot of the rapids, below the
great falls of that river, a distance of 2575 miles,
thence by land, passing by the rocky mountains
to a navigable part of the Kooskooske, 340; and
with the Kooskooske 73 miles, Lewis's river 154
miles, and the Columbia 413 miles, to the Pacific
ocean, making the total distance, from the con-
fluence of the Missouri and Mississippi, to the dis-
charge of the Columbia into the Pacific ocean, 3555
miles, ‘I'he navigation of the Missouri may be
deemed good ; its difficulties arise from its falling
banks, timber imbedded inthe mud of its channel,
its sand bars, and the steady rapidity of ils cur-
rent, all which may be overcome with a great de-
gree of certainty, by using the necessary precau-
tions. ‘The passage by land af 340 miles, from the
MISSOURI. 275
falls of the Missouri to the Kooskooske, is the
most formidable part of the track proposed across
the continent. Of this distance, 200 miles is
along a good road, and 140 miles over tremendous
mountains, which for GO miles are covered with
eternal snows. A passage over these mountains is,
however, practicable from the latter part of June
to the last of September ; and the cheap rate at
which horses are to be obtained from the Indians
of the rocky mountains, and the w. of them, re-
duces the expences of transportation over this
pores eto a mere trifle. The navigation of the
Cooskooske, Lewis’s river, and the Columbia, is
safe and good, from the Ist of April to the mid-
dle of August, by making three portages on the
latter river; the first of which, in descending, is
1200 paces at the falls of Columbia, 261 miles up
that river; the second of two miles at the long
narrows, six miles below the falls ; and a third, also
of two miles, at the great rapids, 65 miles still
lower down, ‘The tide flows up the Columbia
183 miles, and within seven miles of the great
rapids. Large sloops may with safety ascend as
high as the tide water; and vessels of 300 tons
burthen reach the entrance of the Multnomah river,
a large s. branch of the Columbia, which takes its
rise on the confines of New Mexico, with the
Colorado and Apostle’s rivers, discharging itself
into the Columbia, 125 miles from its entrance into
the Pacific ocean. 1 consider this track across the
continent of immense advantage to the fur trade,
as all the furs collected in nine-tenths of the most
valuable fur country in America, may be cone
veyed to the month of the Columbia, and shi ped
from thence to the Kast Indies, by the Ist of Ue
gust in each year; and will of course reach Can-
ton earlier than the furs which are annually exe
ported from Montreal arrive in Great Britain.
‘6 Jn our outward-bound passage we ascended
to the foot of the rapids below the great falls of
the Missouri, where we arrived on the 14th of
June 1805, Not having met with any of the
natives of the rocky mountains, we were of course
ignorant of the passes by land, which existed
through those mountains to the Columbia river:
and had we even known the route, we were desti-
tute of horses, which would have been indispen-
sably necessary to enable us to transport the re-
quisite quantity of ammunition and other stores to
ensure the remaining part of our voyage down the
Columbia ; we therefore determined to navigate
the Missouri as far as it was practicable, or until
we met with some of the natives, from whom we
could obtain horses and information of the coun-
try. Accordingly, we undertook a most laborious |
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276
[portage at the falls of the Missouri, of 18 miles,
which we effected with our canoes and baggage by
the 3d of July. From hence, ascending the Mise
souri, we penetrated the rocky mountains at the
distance of 71 miles above the upper part of the
portage, and penctrated as far as the three forks
of that river, a distance of 180 miles further.
Here the Missouri divides into three nearly equal
branches at the same point. The two largest
branches are so nearly of the same dignity, that
we did not conceive that either of them could with
propriety retain the name of the Missouri; and
therefore called these streams Jefferson’s, Madi-
son’s, and Gallatin’s rivers. ‘The confluence of
those rivers is 2858 miles from the mouth of the
Missouri, by the meanders of that river. We
arrived at the three forks of the Missouri on the
27th of July. Not having yet been so fortunate
as to meet with the natives, although [ had pre-
viously made several excursions for that purpose,
we were compelled still to contnue our route by
water.
¢ «¢ The most 2. of the three forks, that to which
we had given the name of Jefferson’s river, was
deemed the most proper for our purpose, and we
accordingly ascended it 248 miles, to the upper
forks, and its extreme navigable point; making
the total distance to which we had navigated the
waters of the Missouri 3096 miles, of which 429
lay within the rocky mountains. On the morning
of the 17th of August 1805, larrived at the forks
of Jefferson’s river, where 1 met Captain Lewis,
who had previously penetrated, with a party of
three men, to the waters of the Columbia, disco-
vered a band of the Shoshone nation, and had
found means to induce 35 of their chiels and war-
riors to accompany him to that place. From these
people we learned that the river on which they
resided was not navigable, and that a passage
through the mountains in that direction was im-
practicable. Being unwilling to confide in this
unfavourable account of the natives, it was con-
certed between Captain Lewis and myself, that
one of us should go iorward immediately with a
small party, and explore the river; while the
other in the interim should Jay up the canoes at
that place, and engage the natives with their
horses to assist in transporting our stores and bag-
gage to their camp. Accordingly I set out the
next day, passed the dividing mountains between
the waters of the Missouri and Columbia, and
descended the river which I call the East fork of
Lewis’s river, about 70 miles. Finding that the
Indian’s account of the country, in the direction
of this river, was correct, I returned and joined
MISSOURI.
Captain Lewis on the 29th of August, at the Sho-
shone camp, excessively fatigued, as you may sup-
pose ; having passed mountains almost inacces-
sible, and compelled to subsist on berries durin
the greater part of my route. We now purchase
27 horses of these Indians, and hired a guide, who
assured us that he could in 15 days take us toa
large river in an open country, w. of these moun-
tains, by a route some distance to the m. of the
river on which they lived, and that by which the
natives w. of the mountains visit the plains of the
Missouri, for the purpose of hunting the buffalo.
Every preparation being made, we set forward
with our guide on the 3lst of August, through
those tremendous mountains, in which we con-
tinued until the 22d of September, before we
reached the lower country beyond them; on our
way we met with the Olelachshoot, a band of the
Tuchapaks, from whom we obtained an accession
of seven horses, and exchanged eight or ten others.
This proved of infinite service to us, as we were
compelled to subsist on horse beef about eight days
before we reached the Kooskooske.
¢ & During our passage over those mountains, we
suffered every thing which hunger, cold, and fa-
tigue could impose; nor did our difficulties, with
respect to provision, cease on our arrival at the
Kooskooske, for although the Pallotepallors, a nu-
merous nation inhabiting that country, were ex-
tremely hospitable, and for a few trifling articles
furnished us with an abundance of roots and dried
salmon, the food to which they were accustomed,
we found that we could not subsist on these arti-
cles, and almost all of us grew sick on eating
them; we were obliged, therefore, to have re-
course to the flesh J: horses and dogs, as food, to
supply the deficieacy of our guns, which produced
but little meat, as game was scarce in the vicinity
of our camp on the Kooskooske, where we were
compelled to remain, in order to construct our
perogues, to descend the river. At this season the
salmon are meagre, and iorm but indifferent food.
While we remained here, I was myself sick for
several days, and my friend Captain Lewis suf-
fered a severe indisposition.
¢ «¢ Having completed four perogues and a small
canoe, we gave our horses in charge to the Pallote-
pallors until we returned, and on the 7th of Octo-
ber re-embarked for the Pacific ocean. Wede-
scended by the route 1 have already mentioned,
The water of the river being low at this season, we
experienced much difficulty in descending: we
found it obstructed by a great number of difficult
and dangerous rapids, in passing which our pe-
rogues several times filled, and the men escaped ]
at the Sho-
yu May sup
st inacces-
rries durin
N sovctiwaed
guide, who
lake us toa
these moun-
ie n. of the
y which the
plains of the
the buffalo.
set forward
st, through
ch we con-
» before we
m3 On our
band of the
an accession
or ten others.
as we were
ut eight days
iountains, we
old, and fae
culties, with
urrival at the
yallors, a nu»
ty, were ex-
fling articles
pts and dried
accustomed,
n these arti-
k on eating
to have re-
as food, to
ch produced
the vicinity
here we were
onstruct our
his season the
ifferent food.
self sick for
in Lewis suf-
sand a small
the Pallote-
th of Octo-
hn. Wedeo
mentioned,
is season, we
cending: we
r of difficult
ich our pes
en escaped |
MISSOURI. 277
[narrowly with their lives. However, this diffi-
culty does not exist in high water, which hap-
pens within the period 1 have previously men-
tioned. We found the natives extremely nume-
rous, and generally friendly, though we have on
several occasions owed our lives and the fate of the
expedition to our number, which consisted of 31
men. On the 17th of November we reached the
ocean, where various considerations induced us
to spend the winter; we therefore searched for an
eligible situation for that purpose, and selected a
spot on the s. side of a little river, called by the
natives Netul, which discharges itself at a small
bar on the s. side of the Columbia, and 14 miles
within point Adams. Here we constructed some
log-houses, and defended them with a common
stockade work. This place we called fort Clatsop,
after a nation of that name who were our nearest
neighbours. In this country we found an abund-
ance of elk, on which we subsisted principally
during the last winter, We left fort Clatsop on the
27th of March. On our homeward-bound voyage,
being much better acquainted with the country, we
were enabled to take such precautions as in a great
measure to secure us from the want of provisions
at any time, and greatly to lessen our fatigues,
when compared with those to which we were
compelled to su wmit in our outward-bound journey.
We have not Joc t a man since we left the Mandans,
@ circumstance which 1 assure you is a pleasing
consideration t» me. As I shall shortly be with
you, and the post is now waiting, I deem it un-
necessary here to attempt minutely to detail the
occurrences of the last 18 months.
‘6 Tam, &c. your affectionate brother,
“ War. CLARK,”
‘ The treatment we received from the Indians,
during nearly three years that we were with them,
was very kind and hospitable; except the ill
treatment we received from the Sioux tribe, who
several times made attempts to stop us ; and we
should have been massacred, had we not terrified
them from their murderous intention, by threaten-
ing them with the small-pox, in such a manner as
would kill the whole tribe. Nothing could be
more horrible to them, than the bare mention of
this fatal disease. It was first communicated to
them by the Americans, and it spread from tribe
to tribe with an unabated pace until it extended
itself across the continent.
« ¢'Phis fatal infection spread around witha
baneful rapidity, which no flight could escape, and
with a fatal effect that nothing could resist. It
destroyed with its pestilential breath whole fami-
tics and tribes ; and the horrid scene presented to
those who had the melancholy and affecting op-
portunity of beholding it, a combination of the
dead and dying, and such as to avoid the horrid
fate of their friends around them, prepared to dis-
appoint the plague of its prey, by terminating
their own existence. The habits and lives of those
devoted people, who provide not to-day for the
wants of to-morrow, must have heightened the
pains of such an affliction, by leaving them not
only without remedy, but even w'thout alleviation.
Nothing was left them, but to submit in agony
and despair. To aggravate the picture, if aggra-
vation were possible, may be added the sight of
the helpless child, beholding the putrid carcase of
its beloved parents dragged from tieir huts by the
wolves, who were invited hither by ve stench, and
satiated their hunger on the mangled corpse ; or, in
the same manner,-the dog serving himself with food
from the body of his once beloved master. Nor
was it uncommon for the father of a family, whom
the infection had just reached, to call his family
around him, to represcnt their sufferings and crueh
fate from the influence of some evil spirit, who
was preparing to extirpate their race; and to
invite them to baffle death with all iis horrors,
with their own weapons; and at the same time,
if their hearts failed in this necessary act, he was
himself ready to perform the deed of mercy with
his own hand, as the last act of his affection, and
instantly follow them to the chambers of death.”
(A WesternTraveller.)—The Indians being destitute
of physicians, living on animal food, and plunging
themselves into cold water, on the first discovery
of the disease, rendered it generally mortal.
¢ While we were at fort Mondan, the Sioux
robbed several of our party when they were returns
ing to the fort, with the fruits of an excursion
after game; and murdered several of the Mandan
tribe in cold blood, without provocation, while
reposing on the bosom of friendship. On hearing
of this massacre, Captain Clark and the greater
part of us volunteered to avange the murder; but
were deterred by not receiving succour from the
Mandan warriors, who declined to avenge the
outrage committed onthem. The probable reason
of their not enlisting was, that they were too much
afraid of the superior number of the Sioux to yen-
ture an engagement.
¢ Soon after this massacre, we received authentic
intelligence, that the Sioux had it in contemplation
(if their threats were true) to murder us in the
spring ; but were prevented from making the at-
tack, by our threatening to spread the small pox,
with all its horrors, among them. Knowing that
it first originated among the white people, and]
SA a
ee
Se
——
= eg
4
278 MISSOURI.
(having heard of inoculation, and the mode of
keeping the infection in phials, which they had
but an ‘mperfect idea of, a bare threat filled them
with horror, and was sufficient to deter them from
their resolute and bloody purpose. This strata-
gem may appear insignificant to the reader, but
was of the greatest consequence to us; for to it
alone we owed not only the fate of the expedition,
but our lives.
* Most of the tribes of Indians, that we became
acquainted with (except the Sioux), after being
introduced by our interpreter, and having found
that our intentions were friendly towards them,
never failed of greeting us with many tokens of
their friendly disposition, Soon after our inter-
view, we were invited to smoke the calumet of
eace, and to partake freely of their venison.
‘he women and children, in particular, were not
wanting in shewing tokens of friendship, by en-
deavouring to make our stay agreeable. On our
first meeting, they generally held a council, as
they term it, when their chief delivers a talk, in
which they give their sentiments respecting their
new visitors, which were filled with professions of
friendship, and often were very eloquent, and
abounded with sublime and figurative language.
‘ When we departed, after taking leave, they
would often put up a prayer; of which the fol-
lowing is asample, which was put up for us by a
Mandan :—That the Great Spirit would favour
us with smooth water, with a clear sky by day,
and a bright star-light by night; that we might
not be presented with the red hatchet of war ;
but that the great pipe of peace might ever shine
upon us, as the sun shines in an unclouded day,
and that we might be overshadowed by the smoke
thereof; that we might have sound sleep, and
that the bird of peace might whisper in our ears
pleasant dreams; that the deer might be taken
by us in plenty; and that the Great Spirit would
take us home in safety to our women and children.
These prayers were generally made with great
fervency, often smiting with great vehemence their
hands upon their breast ; their eyes fixed in ado-
ration towards heaven. In this manner they
would continue their prayers until we were out of
sight. .
‘ In the fore part of autumn we experienced
slight typhus indispositions, caused by great
vicissitudes of weather, which at times was very
damp.
¢ Our affectionate companion Serjeant Floyd was
seized with a severe astenic disease, to which he fell
avictim. He was seized with an acute pain in his
intestines, accompanied with great suppression of
the pulmonary function. Every effort that our
situation allowed, was in vain used for his recovery ;
we buried him in the most decent manner that our
circumstances would admit: he was universally
lamented by us.
© Several times, many of our party were in im-
minent danger of being devoured by the wild
beasts of prey; but happily we escaped. Fre.
quently we were annoyed by a kind of light-co-
loured bear, of which the country, near the head
of the Missouri, abounds. After being attacked,
they give no quarter, but rush with great fury to-
ward theirenemy. One of our party shot at one
of them, and wounded him; the bear, instead of
being intimidated by the smart of the wound,
was stimulated into rage, and rushed with great
fury to devour the assailant; who saved his life
by running headlong down a steep precipice, that
formed the bank of the river; but was severely
bruised by this precipitate retreat.
¢ The following narrative of an encounter with
a snake, is told by a companion, whose veracity
can be relied on; I will give it in his own words,
as he related it in a letter to his friend.
‘ ¢¢ Some time,” says he, ‘* before we reached
fort Mandan, while I was out on an excursion of
hunting, one of the greatest monsters that ever
shocked the mind with horror was presented to my
sight. When passing deliberately in a forest that
bordered on a prairie, I heard a rustling inthe
bushes; I leaped towards the object, delighted
with the prospect of acquiring game. But on
proceeding a few paces further, my blood was
chilled by the appearance of a serpent of an enor-
mous size; on discovering me, he immediately
erected his head to a great height; his colour was
ofa yellower hue than the spots of a rattlesnake,
and on the top of his back were spots of a reddish
colour; his eyes emitted fire, his tongue darted,
as though he menaced my destruction. He was
evidently in the attitude of springing at me, when
I levelled my rifle at him ; but probably owing to
my consternation, 1 only wounded him; but the
explosion of the gun and the wound turned to
flight the awfulencmy. Perhaps you may think,
that my fright has magnified the description. 1
em) candidly aver, that he was in bulk half as
‘are as a middle-sized man.”
in the Indian tribes there is so great a simi-
larity in their stature, colour, government, and
religious tenets, that it will be requisite for per-
spicuity, to rank them under one general head ;
and when there is a contrast in the course of the
description it will be mentioned.
‘ They are all (except the Snake Indians) tall in]
9
rt that our
is recovery ;
ner that our
universally
were in im-
y the wild
ped. Fre-
of light-co-
ar the head
y attacked,
eat fury to-
shot at one
» instead of
he wound,
with great
ved his life
cipice, that
‘as severely
unter with
se veracity
»wn words,
we reached
xcursion of
3 that ever
nted to my
forest that
ling inthe
delighted
» But on
blood was
f an enor-
nmediately
colour was
attlesnake,
a reddish
ue darted,
- He was
t me, when
owing to
; but the
turned to
nay think,
iption, 1
lk half as
pat a simi-
ment, and
P for per-
ral head ;
irse of the
ns) tall in|
MISSOURI. 279
|stature, straight, and robust; it is very seldom
they are deformed, which has given rise to the sup-
position, that they put to death their deformed
children, which is not the case. Their skin is of
a copper colour, their eyes large, black, and of a
bright and sparkling colour, indicative of a subtle
and discerning mind. Their hair is of the same
colour, and prone to grow long, straight, and sel-
dom or never curled; their teeth are large and
white. I never observed any decayed among them,
which makes their breath as sweet as the air they
inhale. ‘The women are about the stature of the
English women, and much inclined to corpulency,
which is seldom the case with the other sex.
*T siiall not enter into a discussion about the
cause of their hue, I shall barely mention the
suppositions that are made respecting it. Some
have asserted, that it is derived principally from
their anointing themselves with fat in the summer
season, to prevent profuse perspiration, and this,
combined with the influence of the sun, has given
the tincture of their complexion. ‘. » support the
hypothesis, they assert that the abovementioned
causes repeated give colour to the parent, who
procreates his own likeness, until at length it is en-
tailed on posterity. But notwithstanding this
curious reasoning, others are of opinion, that the
hand of the Creator gave the reddish hue to the
Indians, the sable colour to the African, and that
of white to the civilized nations.
‘ They esteem a beard exceedingly unbecoming,
and take great pains to get rid of it, nor is there
ever any to be perceived on their faces, except
when they grow old and become inattentive to their
appearance. LKvyery crinose excrescence on other
parts of their body is held in as great abhorrence
by them, and both sexes are equally careful to
extirpate it, in which they often employ much time.
‘The Pallotepallors, Serpentine, Mandan, and
other interior tribes of Indians, pluck them out
with bent pieces of hard wood, formed into a kind
of nippers made for that purpose; while those
that have a communication with Americans or Eu-
ropeans procure from them wire, which they in-
geniously make into an instrument resembling a
screw, which will take so firm a hold of the beard,
that with a sudden twitch they exiirpate it by
the roots, when considerable blood never fails to
flow.
¢ The dress of the Indians varies according to
the tribe they belong to ; but in general it is made
very commodious, not to encumber them in pur-
suing the chase, or their enemy ; those that inha-
bit the Missouri, 1 have often seen, in cold wea-
ther, without any apparel to screen themselves
from the inclemency of the weather. The lower
rank of the Pallotepallors and Clatsops, wear no-
thing in the summer season, but a small garment
about their hips, which is eitiier manufactured out
of bark or skins, and which would vie with, if not
excel, any European manufature, being divers
sified with different colours, which give ita gay
appearance. ‘Their kings are generally dressed in
robes made ou! of small skins (which takes several
hundred for a garment) of different colours, neat!
pihagy ; these they hang loosely over their shoul-
ers.
* In deep snows they wear skins that entirely
cover their legs and feet, and ¢'most answer for
breeches, being held up by strings tied to the
lower part of their waist. ‘Their bodies, in the
winter season, arc covered with different kinds of
skins, that arc tanned with the fur on, which
they wear next to the skin. Those of the men,
who wish to appear more gay than others, pluck
out the greatest part of their hair, leaving only
small locks, as fancy dictates, on which are hung
different kinds of quills, and feathers of elegant
plumage superbly painted. ‘The Sioux and Osages,
who traffic with the Americans, wear some of
our apparel, such as shirts and blankets ; the for-
mer they cannot bear tied at the wristbands and
collars, and the latter they throw loosely over their
shoulders. ‘lheir chiefs dress very gay: about
their heads they wear all kinds of ornaments that
can well be bestowed upon them, which are curi-
ously wrought, and in the winter long robes of the
richest fur, that trail on the ground.
‘ In the summer there is no great peculiarity,
only that what the higher rank wear is excessively.
ornamented.
¢ ‘The Indians paint their heads and faces yellow,
green, red, and black; which they esteem very
ornamental. They also paint themselves when
they go to war; but the method they make use of
on this occasion differs from that which they em-
ploy merely tor decoration.
‘ The Chipaway young men, who are emulous
of excelling their companions in finery, slit the oute
ward rim of both ears; at the same time they take
care not to separate them entirely, but leave the
flesh thus cut, still untouched at both extremities :
around this spungy substance, from the upper to
the lower part, they twist brass wire, till the weight
draws the aniputated rim in a bow of five or six
inches diameter, and drags it down almost to the
shoulder. This decoration is esteemed gay and
becoming. '
¢ It is also a custom among them to bore their
noses, and wear in them pendants of different sorts.
280
[Shells are often worn, which when painted are
reckoned very ornamental,
¢ The Indians who inhabit the borders of Louisi-
ana, make for their legs a kind of stocking, either
of skins or cloth; these are sewed up as much as
possible in the shape of their leg, so as to admit
of being drawn on and off; the edges of the stuff
of which they are composed, are left annexed to
the seams, and hang loose about the breadth of a
hand; and this part, which is placed on the out-
side of the leg, is generally ornamented with lace
and ribbons, and often with embroidery and por-
cupine quills variously coloured, ‘The hunters
from Louisiana find these stockings much more
convenient than any others. ‘'heir shoes are made
of the skins of deer or clk; these, after being
dressed with the hair on, are cut into shoes, and
fashioned so as to be easy to their fect, and con-
venient for Men The edges round the ancle
are decorated with pieces of brass or tin, fixed
round ‘a leather string about an inch long, which
being placed very thick make a very pleasing
noise when they walk or dance.
¢ The dress of the women in the summer season,
consists only of a petticoat that does not reach
down to their knees. In the winter they wear a
shift made of skins, which answers a very good
urpose when they stand erect, as it is sufficiently
bow ; but when they stoop they often put modesty
to the blush. Their feet and iegs are covered in a
manner similar to the other se::.
* © Most of the female Indians who dwell on
the w. side of the Mississippi, near its confluence
with the Missouri, decorate their heads by enclos-
ing their hair in plates of silver; these are costly
ornaments, and used by the highest rank only. -
Those of the lower rank make use of bones, which
they manufacture to resemble those of silver. The
silver made use of is formed into thin plates of
about four or five inches broad, in several of which
they confine their hair, ‘That plate which is
nearest to the head is of considerable with ; the
next narrower, and made so as to pass a little way
under the other, and so gradually tapering until
they get to a very considerable magnitude.
§ This decoration proves to be of great expence,
for they ofter wear it on the back part of the head,
extending to the full length of their hair, which is
commonly very long.
‘ The women of every nation generally paint
@ spot against each ear, about the size of a crown
piece; some of them paint their hair, and some-
times a spot on the middle of their forehead.
¢ The Indians have no fixed habitations when
they are hunting; but build where conveniency
MISSOURI.
directs ; their houses are made # low as not to
admit one to stand erect, and are without win-
dows. ‘Those that are built for a permanent resi.
dence are much more substantial ; they are made
of logs and bark, large enough to contain several
apartments, Those built for their chiefs are often
very elegant. That of the chief warrior of the
Mahas is at least 60 feet in circumference, and
lined with furs and painting. ‘The furs are of
various colours, many of which I had never seen
belore, and were extremely beautiful ; the variety
in colour formed a contrast that much added to
its elegance. The paintings were elegant, and
would adorn the dwellings of an opulent European
prince. But the houses of the common people are
but very indifferent.
‘ They have also moveable houses, which they
use for fishing, and sometimes for hunting, made
of deer skins or birch bark sewed together, which
they cover over poles made for the purpose; they
are bent over to form a semicircle, resembling
those bent by the Americans for beans or hops to
grow on, and are covered over as before mentioned ;
they are very light, and casily transported where
necessity requires.
‘ The best of their cabins have no chimneys, but
a small hole to let the smoke through, which they
are compelled to stop up in stormy weather ; and
when it is too cold to put out their fire, their huts
are filled with clouds of smoke, which render
them insupportable to any but an Indian.
¢ The common people lie on bear skins, which
are spread on the floor. Their chiefs sleep on bea-
ver skins, which are sometimes elevated.
‘ Their utensils are few, and in point of useful-
ness very defective; those to hold water in are
made of the skins of animals, and the knotty
excrescences of hard wood ;_ their spoons are manu-
factured out of wood, or the bones of a buffalo,
and are tolerably commodious, and I have often
seen them elegant, and sometimes painted.
‘ The Flatheads and Clatsops make baskets out
of rushes that will hold water, if they are not very
dr;. ‘These two nations appear to have more of
a mechanical genius, than any other people that I
have ever been acquainted with; and I think
they are not outrivalled by any nation on earth,
when taking into consideration their very limited
mechanical instruments.
¢ Many of the Indian nations make no use of
bread, salt, and spices, and many live to be old
without seeing or tasting of either. Those that
live near the snowy mountains, live in a great
measure on berries, which clothe the fields in great
abundance..}
W as not to
ithout win-
nanent resi-
2y are made
tain several
efs are often
rrior of the
erence, and
furs are of
1 never seen
the variety
sh added to
legant, and
it European
1 people are
which they
iting, made
ther, which
rpose ; they
resembling
8 or hops to
mentioned ;
orted where
imneys, but
which they
eather ; and
» their huts
hich render
An.
kins, which
leep on bea-
nt of useful-
yater in are
the knotty
nS are Manu-
fa buffalo,
I have often
ted.
baskets out
are not very
ave more of
people that I
nd I think
on on earth,
very limited
e no use of
e to be old
Those that
p in a great
elds in great
{* The Taukies, and other e. tribes, where Indian
corn grows, take green corn and beans, boil them
tegether with bear’s flesh, the fat of which gives a
flavour, and renders it beyond comparison deli-
cious: they call this dish Succatosh.
¢ In general they have no idea of the use of milk,
although great quantities might be collected from
the buffalo and elk, They only consider it proper
for the nourishment of the young of these ani-
mals in their (ender siate. It cannot be perceived,
that any inconvenience arises from the disuse of
articles so much esteemed by civilized nations,
which they employ to give a relish and flavour to
their food. But on the contrary, the great healthi-
ness of the Indians, and the unhealthiness of the
sons of Epicurus, prove that the diet of the former
is the most salutary.
‘ They preserve their meat by exposing it to the
sun in the summer, and in the winter by putting
it between cakes of ice, which keep it sweet, and
free from any putrefactive quality.
* Their food consists, in a great measuze, of the
flesh of the bear, buffalo, and deer. They who
reside near the head of the Missouri and Columbia
rivers, chiefly make use of the buffalo and elk,
which are often seen from 50 to 100 in a drove.
Where there are plenty of the two last mentioned
animals there are but few of the former, and
where there are many of the former, but few of
the latter.
‘ The mode of roasting their meat is by burne
ing it under ground, on the side of a hill, placing
stones next to the meat: the mode of building to
heat it somewhat resembles the fire-place made
under alimekiln. In this manner they roast the
largest of their animals.
¢ The mode of cooking smaller pieces is to roast
them in stones, that are hewn out for the pur-
ose.
‘The Flatheads and Clatsops procure a root about
the size of a potato, spontaneously and in great
abundance, which is tolerably palatable, and per-
fectly agrees with the natives; but made us all
sick, while we were among them. Before we de-
scended the Columbia river, we were unable to pro-
cure game, and had course to the flesh of dogs
and horses to prese. ve life, as those roots would,
without doubt, have destroyed us, and we were
unable to procure any other kind of focd.
‘ Many of the tribes of Indians are extremely
dirty. I have scen the Maha Indians bring water
in the paunches of animals that were very dirty,
and in other things equally so. But the Maha
chiefs are very neat and cleanly in their tents, ap-
paref, and food.
VOL, Ill,
MISSOURI. 281
‘ The Indians commonly eat in large parties, so
that their meals may with propriety be termed
feasts; they have not set hours for their meals, but
obey the dictates of nature.
§ Many of the tribes dance before or after their
meals, in devotion to the Great Spirit for the bless-
ings they receive. Being informed of the mode
of our saying grace, they answered, that they
thought we were stupid and ungrateful, not to
exercise our bodies for the great benefits we ree
ceived ; but muttering with our lips, they thought
was an unacceptable sacrifice to the Great Spirit,
and. the stupid mode of the ceremony ridiculous
in the extreme, In their feasts, the men and woe
men eat apart; but in their domestic way of living,
they promiscuously eat together.
‘Instead of getting together and drinking, as the
Americans do, they make use of feasting as a sube
stitute.
‘ When their chiefs are assembled together on
any occasion, they always conclude with a feast,
at which their hilarity and cheerfulness know no
bounds.
* No people on earth are more hospitable, kind,
and free, than the Indians. They will readily
share with any of their own tribe, and even with
those of a different nation, the last part of their
provisions, ‘Though they do not keep one come
mon stock, yet that community of apith which is
so prevalent among them, and their generous dis-
positions, render it nearly of the same effect.
‘ They strike fire by rubbing together sticks of
wood, of a particular kind, which will yield it
with ease ; from other kinds it is impossible to pro-
cure it.
‘ They are extremely circumspect and deliberate
in every word and action; nothing hurries them
into any intemperate wrath, but that inveteracy
to their enemies, which is rooted in every Indian’s
breast, and never can be eradicated. In all other
instances they are cool and deliberate, taking care
to suppress the emotions of the heart. Ifan In-
dian has discovered that a friend of his is in dan-
ger of being cut off by a lurking enemy, he does
not tell him of his danger in direct terms, as though
he were in fear, but he first coolly asks him which
way he is going that day, and having his answer,
with the same indifference tells him, that he has
been informed, that a noxious beast lies on the
route he is going, which might probably do him
mischief. ‘This hint proves suilicient, and his
friend avoids the danger with as much caution, as
though every design and motion of his enemy had
been pointed out to him. ;
‘This apathy often shews itself on occasions]
00
282 MISSOURI.
ke would call forth the favour of a susceptible
veart. If an Indian has been absent from his fa-
mily for several months, cither on a war or hunting
party, and his wife and children meet him at some
distance from his habitation, instead of the affec-
tionate sensations that naturally arise in the breast
of more refined beings, and give rise to mutual
congratulations, he continues his course without
looking to the right or left; without paying the
least attention to those around him, till he arrives
at his house: he there sitsdown, and with as much
unconcern as if he had not been absent a day
smokes his pipe ; those of his friends who followed
him do the same; perhaps it is several hours be-
fore he relates to them the incidents that have be-
fallen him during his absence, though perhaps he
has left a father, a brother, or a son dead on the
field, (whose loss he ought to have lamented) or
has been successful in the undertaking that called
him from his home.
¢ Tfan Indian has been engaged for several days
in the chase, or any other laborious expedition,
and by accident continued long without food,
when he arrives at the hut of a friend, where he
knows that his wants will be immediately supplied,
he takes care not to shew the least symptoms of
impatience, or betray the extreme hunger that he
is tortured with; but, on being invited in, sits
contentedly down, and smokes his pipe with as
much composure as if his appetite was cloyed, and
he was perfectly at ease; he does the same if
among strangers. This custom is strictly adhered
to by every tribe, as they esteem it a proof of for-
titude, and! think the reverse would entitle them to
the appellation of old women.
‘If you tell an Indian, that his children have
greatly signalized themselves against an enemy,
have laken many scalps, and brought home many
prisoners, he does not appear to feel any strong
emotions of pleasure on the occasion ; his answer
generally is, ‘¢ they have done well,” and makes
but very little inquiry about the matter; on the
contrary, if you inform him that his children are
slain or taken prisoners, he makes no complaints,
he only replies, ‘¢ it is unfortunate,” and, for
some time, asks no questions about how it hap-
pened.
¢ This seeming indifference, however, does not
proceed from a suppression of the natural affections,
tor, notwithstanding they are esteemed savages,
IT never saw among any other people greater proofs
of filial tenderness ; and although they meet their
wives after a long absence with the stoical indif-
ference just mentioned, they are not, in general,
void of conjugal affection.
‘Another peculiarity is observable in the man.
ner of paying their visits. If an Indian goes to
visit a particular person in a family, he mentions
to whom his visit is intended, and the rest of the
family immediately retire to the other end of the
hut or tent, and are careful not to come near
enough to interrupt them during the whole con-
versation, ‘The same method is pursued when a
young man goes to pay his addresses to a young
woman; but then he must be careful not to let
love be the subject of his discourse whilst the day-
light remains.
‘ They discover an amazing sagacity, and ac-
quire with the greatest readiness any thing that de-
pends upon the attention of the mind. By expe-
rience, and an acute observation, they attain many
peor to which Americans are strangers,
“or instance, they will cross a forest or a plain,
which is 200 miles in breadth, so as to reach with
great exactness the point at which they intend to
arrive, keeping during the whole of that space in
a direct line, without any material deviations ; and
this they will do with the same ease, let the wea-
ther be fair or cloudy.
‘With cqual acuteness they will point to that
part of the heavens the sun is in, though it be in-
tercepted by clouds or fogs. Besides this, they
are able to pursue, with incredible facility, the
traces of man or beast, either on leaves or grass ;
and on this account it is with great difficulty a fly-
ing enemy escapes discovery.
‘ They are indebted for these talents, not only to
nature, but toan extraordinary command of the
intellectual faculties, which can only be acquired
by an unremitted attention, and by long expe-
rience.
¢ They are in general very happy in a retentive
memory. ‘They can recapitulate every particular
that has been treated of in council, and remember
the exact time when they were held. Their belts
of wampum preserye the substance of the treaties
they have concluded with the neighbouring tribes,
fur ages back, to which they will appeal and re-
fer, with as much perspicuity and_ readiness, as
Europeans can to their written records.
‘ Every nation pays great respect to old age.
The advice of a father will never receive any ex-
traordinary attention from the young Indians ;
probably they receive it with only a bare assent ;
but they will tremble before a grandfather, and sub-
mit to his injunctions with the utmost alacrity,
The words of the ancient part of their community
are esteemed by the young as oracles. If they
take, during hunting parties, any game that is
reckoned by them uncommonly delicious, it is]
he man-
goes to
mentions
st of the
id of the
me near
hole con-
| when a
a young
not to let
the day-
y and ac-
r that de-
Sy expe-
ain many
strangers,
a plain,
each with
intend to
it space in
ions; and
| the wea-
nt to that
h it be in-
this, they
cility, the
or grass ;
ulty a fly-
not only to
and of the
acquired
long expe-
a retentive
particular
remember
‘heir belts
he treaties
ing tribes,
eal and res
adiness, as
o old age.
ve any ex-
Indians ;
are assent 5
r, and subs
pt alacrity.
rommunity
If they
ne that is
ous, it is]
MISSOURI. 288
fimmediately presented to the eldest of their rela-
tions.
é ‘They never suffer themselves to be overbur-
dened with care; but live in a state of perfect
tranquillity and contentment, being naturally in-
dolent, If provisions, just sufficient for their sub-
sistence, can be procured with little trouble, and
near at hand, they will not go far, or take any ex-
traordinary pains for it, though by so doing they
might acquire greater plenty, and of a more esti-
rable kind.
¢ Having much leisure time, they indulge this
indolence to which they are so prone, by sleeping
and rambling about among their tents, But when
necessity obliges them to take the field, either to
oppose an enemy, or to procure food, Uiey are
alert and indefatigable. Many instances of tieir
activity on these occasions, will be given when we
treat of their wars,
¢ The greatest blemish in their character, is that
savage disposition which impels them to treat their
eu mies with i severity that every other nation
shudders at. But if they are thus barbarous to
those with whom they are at war, they are friend-
ly, hospitable, and humane in peace. It may
with truth be said of them, that they are the worst
enemies, and the best friends, of any people in the
world.
‘ They are, in general, strangers to the passion
of jealousy, and brand a man with folly that is dis-
trustfui of his wife. Among some tribes the very
idea is not known; as the most abandoned of
their young men very rarely attempt the virtue of
married women, nor do these put themselves in the
way of solicitations: yet the Indian women in ge-
neral are of an amorous disposition ; and before
they are married, are not the less esteemed for the
indulgence of their passions.
¢'Phe Indians, in their common state, are stran-
gers to all distinction of property, except in the
articles of domestic use, which every one considers
as his own, and increases as circumstances admit.
They are extremely liberal to cach other; and
supply the deficiency of their friends with any su-
perfluity of their own.
‘In dangers they readily give assistance to those
of their band who stand in need of it, without any
expectation of return, except those just rewards
that are always conferred by the Indians on merit.
Governed by the plain and equitable laws of na-
ture, every onc is rewarded according to his deserts ;
and their equality of condition, manners, anid pri-
vileges, with that constant and sociable familiarity
which prevails throughout every Indian nation,
animates them with a pure and patriotic spirit,
that tends to the general good of the society to
which they belong.
‘Ifany of their neighbours are bereaved, by
death, or by anenemy, of their children, those who
are possessed of the greatest number of prisoners,
who are made slaves, supply the deficiency; and
these are adopted by them, and treated in every
respect as if they really were the children of the
person to whom they are presented,
© The Indians can form to themselves no idea of
the value of money ; they consider it, when they
are made acquainted with the uses to which it is
applied by other nations, as the source of innume-
rable evils. ‘To it they attribute all the mischiets
that are prevalent among Europeans, such as trea-
chery, plundering, devastation, and murder.
‘ They esteem it irrational, that one man should
be possessed of a greater quantity thananother, and
are amazed that any honour should be annexed to.
the possession of it.
* But that the want of this useless metal should
be the cause of depriving persons of their liberty,
and that on the account of this particular distribue
tion of it, great numbers should be shut up within
the dreary walls of a prison, cut off from society,
of which they constitute a part, exceeds their be-
lief; nor do they fail, on hearing this part of the
United States’ system of government related, to
ch. rge the institutors of it with a total want of hu-
manity, and to brand them with the names of sa-
vages and brutes.
‘They show almost an equal degree of indiffer-
ence for the productions of art, “Vhen any of
these are shewn them, they say, ‘ it is pretty, I
like to look at it,” and often are not inquisitive
about the construction of it, neither can they form
proper conceptions of its use. But if you tell them
a person runs with great agility, that he is skilled
in hunting, can direct with unerring aim a gun, or
bend with case a bow; that he can dexterously
work a canoe, understands the art of war, is ace
quainted with the situations of a country, and can
make his way without a guide through an immense
forest, subsisting during the time on a small quan.
tity of provisions, they are in raptures ; they listen
with great attention to the pleasing tale, and bestow
the highest commendation on the hero of it.
‘ They make but little use of physicians and me-
dicine, and consequently have few diseases amongst
them. ‘There is seldom an Indian but that blooms
with the appearance of health. ‘They have no
midwives among them; and among several tribes
the mother is without the assistance of any person
being with her at the time of her delivery, not
having even a female attendant. ]
002
284 MISSOURI.
[‘ Soon after the birth of a child, it is placed ona
board, which is covered with a skin stuffed with
soft moss: the child is laid on its back, and tied to
it. ‘To these machines are fastened strings, by
which they hang them to branches of trees: or, if
they do not find trees handy, they place them
against a stump or stone while they dress the deer
or fish, or do any domestic business, In this posi-
tion they are kept until they are several months
old. hen taken out they are suffered to go
naked, and are daily bathed in cold water, which
renders them vigorous and active.
‘ An Indian child is generally kept at the breast
until it is two years old, and sometimes, though
rarely, a year longer.
© The Indians often occasion inflammatory dis-
eases by excessive eating, after a fast of three or
four days, when retreating from, or pursuing an
enemy.
© The inequality of riches, the disappointments
of ambition, and merciless oppression, are not with
them exciting causes of insanity, I made great in-
quiry, but was not able to learn, that a single case
a melancholy or madness was ever known among
them.
‘The dreadful havoc that the small-pox has
made has necessarily been mentioned.
‘ The mode of curing a fever is by profuse per-
spiration, which is effected by the patient being
confined in a close tent or wigwam, over a hole in
the earth, in which red-hot stones are placed; a
quantity of hot water is then thrown upon the
stones, which involves the patient in a cloud of
vapours and sweat ; in thissi(uation he rushes out,
and plunges into a river, and from thence retires
into a warm bed.
‘They never think of giving medicine, until
they have first made an attempt to remove the
disease by sacrifices and prayer, and if the patient
recovers soon, it is attributed to the holy manage-
ment of the priest ; and if medicine is to be used
as the last alternative, they never administer it
without its being accompanied with prayer, and a
Jarge quantity of meat, which they consume on
the fire for a sacrifice.
¢ They have a plant among them, which has the
ower of producing abortion. It is related by
Mr. Jefferson, in his Notes on Virginia, that the
Indians inhabiting the frontiers possess a plant
that produces the same effect.
Considering their ignorance of astronomy, time
is very rationally divided by the Indians. Those
in the interior parts (and of those I would gene-
rally be understood to speak) count their years by
winters ; or, as they express themselves, by snows.
‘Some nations among them reckon their years by
moons, and make them consist of 12 synodical or
lunar months, taking care, when 30 moons have
waned, to add a supernumerary one, which they
term the lost moon ; and then begin to count as
before. ‘They pay a great regard to the first ap-
pearance of every moon, and on the occasion al-
ways repeat some joyful sounds, stretching at the
sume time their hands towards it,
‘ Every month has with them a name expressive
of its season; for instance, they call the month ot
March (in which their year generally begins, at
the first new moon after the vernal equinox) the
worm month or moon; because at this time the
worms quit their retreats in the bark of the trees,
&c. where they have sheltered themselves during
the winter.
¢'The month of April is termed by them the
month of plants. ay, the month of flowers.
June, the hot moon, July, the buck moon,
Their reason for thus denominating these is ob-
vious.
¢ August, the sturgeon moon; _ because in this
month they catch great numbers of that fish.
‘ September, the corn moon; because in that
month they gather in their Indian corn.
* October, the travelling moon; as they leave
at this time their villages, and travel towards
the place where they intend to hunt during the
winter.
6 November, the beaver moon ; for in this month
the beavers begin to take shelter in their houses,
having laid up a sufficient store of provisions for
the winter season.
¢ December, the hunting moon, because they em-
ploy this month in pursuit of their game.
¢ January, the cold moon, as it generally freezes
harder, and the cold is more intense in this than
in any other month,
‘ February, they call the snow moon, because
more snow commonly falls during this month than
any other in the winter.
¢ When the moon does not shine, they say the
moon is dead ; and some call the three last days
of it the naked days. ‘The moon’s first appear-
ance they term its coming to life again.
‘They make no division of weeks; but days
they count by sleeps, half days by pointing to
the sun at noon, and quarters by the rising and
the setting of the sun; to express which in their
traditions they make use of very significant hiero-
glyphics.
¢ The Indians are totally unskilled in geography
as well as all the other sciences, and yet they draw
on their birch al very exact charts or maps of |
years by
olical or
ons have
ich they
) count as
» first ap-
casion al-
ing at the
x pressive
month of
yegins, at
inox) the
time the
the trees,
es during
them the
f tlowers.
+k moon.
ese is ob-
ase in this
ish.
e in that
they leave
i towards
luring the
his month
rir houses,
isions for
they em-
1 y freezes
this than
h, because
onth than
y say the
» last days
st appear.
but days
ointing to
rising and
h in their
ant hiero-
eography
they draw
y maps of |
MISSOURI. 285
the countries they are acquainted with. The la-
titude and longitude only are wanting to make
them tolerably complete.
‘ Their sole knowledge in astronomy consists in
being able to point out the polar star; by which
pri regulate their course when they travel in the
night.
tThey reckon the distance of places, not by
miles or leagues, but by a day’s journey, which,
according to the best calculations I could make,
sppens to be about 20 English miles. ‘These
they also divide into halves and quarters, and will
demonstrate them in their maps with great exact-
ness, by the hieroglyphics just mentioned, when
they regulate in council their war parties, or their
most distant hunting excursions.
‘They have no idea of arithmetic; and though
they are able to count to any number, figures as
well as letters appear mysterious to them, and above
their comprehension.
‘ Every separate body of Indians is divided into
bands or tribes; which band or tribe forms a little
community with the nation to which it belongs.
As the nation has some particular symbol by which
it is distinguished from others, so each tribe has a
badge from which it is denominated ; as that of
the eagle, the panther, the tiger, the buffalo, &c.
One band is represented by a snake, another a
tortoise, a third a squirrel, a fourth a wolf, anda
fifth a buffalo. Throughout every nation they
particularize themselves in the same manner, and
the meanest person among them will remember his
lineal descent, and distinguish himself by his re-
spective family.
¢ Did not many circumstances tend to confute
the supposition, I should be almost induced to
conclude, from this distinction of tribes, and the
particular attachment of the Indians to them, that
they derive their origin, as some have asserted,
from the Israelites.
‘ Besides this, every nation distinguishes itself
by the manner of constructing its tents or huts.
And so well versed are all the Indians in this dis-
tinction, that though there appears to be no dif-
ference on the nicest observations made by an
American, yet they will immediately discover,
froin the position of a pole left in the ground, what
nation has encamped on the spot many months
before.
‘ Every band has a chief, who is termed the
great chief, or the chief warrior; and who is
chosen in consideration of his experience in war,
and of his approved valour, to direct their mili-
tary operations, and to regulate all concerns be-
longing to that department. But this chief is not
considered as the head of the state. Besides the
great warrior, who is clected for his warlike qua-
lifications, there is another who enjoys a pre-
eminence as his hereditary right, and has the more
immediate management of their civil affairs. ‘This
chief might, with great propriety, be denominated
the Sachem ; whose assent is necessary in all con-
veyances and treaties, to which he aflixes the
mark of the tribe or nation.
* Though these two are considered as the heads
of the band, and the latter is usually denominated
their king, yet the Indians are sensible of neither
civil nor military subordination, As every one of
them entertains a high opinion of his consequence,
and is extremely tenacious of his liberty, all ine
junctions that carry with them thé appearance of
a positive command, are instantly rejected with
scorn.
* On this account it is seldom that their leaders
are so indiscreet as to give out any of their orders
in a peremptory style ; a bare hint from a chief
that he thinks such a thing necessary to be done,
instantly arouses an emulation among the inferior
ranks, and it is immediately executed with great
alacrity. By this method the disgustful part of
the command is evaded, and an aythority that
falls little short of absolute sway instituted in its
room.
¢ Among the Indians no visible form of govern-
ment is established ; they allow of no such distinc-
tion as magistrate and subject, every one appear-
ing to enjoy an independence that cannot be con-
trouled, if he object of government among them
is rather foreign than domestic, for their attention
seems more to be employed in preserving such an
union among members ot their tribes as will enable
them to watch the motions of their enemics, and
act against them with concert and vigour, than to
maintain interior order by any public regulations,
If'a scheme that appears to be of service to the
community is proposed by the chief, every one is
at liberty to choose whether or not he will assist in
carrying it on; for they have no compulsory laws
that lay them under any restrictions. If violence
is committed, or blood is shed, the right of re-
venge is left to the family of the injured: the chiefs
assume neither the power of inflicting nor of mo-
derating the punishment.
¢ Some nations, where the dignity is hereditary,
limit the succession to the female line. On the
death of a chief, his sister’s son sometimes suc-
ceeds him in preference to his own son; and if he
happens to have no sister, the nearest female rela-
tion assumes the dignity. This accounts for a
woman being at the head of the Winnebago nation, }
286
| which, before I was acquainted with their laws,
appeared strange to me.
* Each family has a right to appoint one of its
Chiefs to be an assistant to the principal chief, who
watches over the interest of his family, and with-
out whose consent nothing of a public nature can
be carried into execution. ‘These are generally
Chosen for their ability in speaking ; and such onl
are permitted to make orations in their councils
and general assemblies.
© In this body, with the hereditary chief at its
head, the supreme authority appears to be lodged ;
as by its determination every transaction relative
to their hunting, to their making war or peace, and
to all their public concerns, is regulated. Next to
these the body of warriors, which comprehends
all that are able to bear arms, bold their rank.
This division has sometimes at its head the chief of
the nation, if he has signalized himself by any re-
nowned action, if not, some chief that has rendered
himself famous.
In their councils, which are held by the fore-
going members, every affair of consequence is de-
bated, and no enterprise of the least moment un-
dertaken, unless it there meets with the general
approbation of the chiefs, They commonly as-
semble in a ‘hut or tent appropriated to this pure
pose, and being seated in a circle on the ground,
the eldest chief rises and makesa speech ; when he
has concluded another gets up, and thus they all
speak, if necessary, by turns.
‘ On this occasion their language is nervous, and
their manner of expression emphatical, Their
style is adorned with images, comparisons, and
strong metaphors, and is equal in allegories to that
of any of the e. nations. In all their set speeches
they express themselves with much veliemence,
but in common discourse according to our usual
method of speech.
‘ The young men are suffered to be present at
the councils, though they are not allowed to make
a speech till they are regularly admitted ; they
however listen with great attention, and to show
that they both understand and approve of the re-
solutions taken by the assembled chiefs, they fre-
quently exclaim, ‘ That is right;” ‘ That is
vood,.”
‘The customary mode among all ranks of ex-
pressing their assent, and which they repeat at the
end of almost every period, is by uttering a kind
of forcible aspiration, which sounds like an union
of the letters oan.
¢ Dancing is a favourite exercise among the In-
dians ; they never meet on any public occasion,
but this makes a part of the entertainment: and
MISSOURI.
when they are not engaged in wer or hunting, the
youth of both sexes amuse themselves in this man-
ner every evening.
They always dance, as 1 have just observed, at
their feasts, In these as well as all other dances,
every man rises in his turn, and moves about with
great freedom and boldness ; singing, as he docs so,
the exploits of his ancestors, During this, the
company, who are seated on the ground ina circle
round the dancer, join with him in making the
cadence, by an odd tone, which shor utter all
together, and which sounds, ‘* Heh, heh, heh.”
‘These notes, if they might be so termed, are ar-
ticulated with a harsh accent, and strained out
with the utmost force of their lungs; so that ove
would imagine their strength must be soon ex.
hausted by it; instead of which they repeat it with
the same violence during the whole of their enter.
tainment.
‘The women, particularly those of the w, na-
tions, dance very gracefully. They corry them-
selves erect, and with their arms hanging down
close to their sides, move first a few yards to the
right, and then back again to the left. ‘This move-
ment they perform without taking any steps as
an American would do, but with their feet con-
joined, moving by turns their tocs and hecls. In
this manner they glide with great agility toa cer-
tain distance and then return ; and let those who
join in the dance be ever so numerous, they keep
time so exactly with each other that no interrup-
tion ensues. During this, at stated periods, they
mingle their shrill voices with the hoarser ones of
the men, who sit around (for it is to be observed
that the sexes never intermix in the same dance),
which, with the music of the drums and chichi-
coes, make an agreeable harmony.
‘The Indians have several kinds of dances,
which they use on different occasions, as the pipe
or calumet dance, the war dance, the marriage
darice, and the dance of the sacrifice. The move-
ments in every one of these are dissimilar; but it
is almost impossible to convey any idea of the
points in which they are unlike.
¢ Different nations likewise vary in their manner
of dancing. The Chipaway throw themselves
into a greater variety of attitudes than any other
people ; sometimes they hold their heads erect, at
others they bend them almost to the ground ; then
recline on one side, and immediately after on the
other, Others carry themselves more upright,
step firmer, and move more gracefully ; but they
all accompany their dances with the disagreeable
noise just mentioned,
‘ The pipe dance is the principal, and the most }
2
iting, the
this man-
erved, at
r dances,
bout with
e docs so,
this, the
ina circle
aking the
utter all
th, heh.”
|, are are
ained out
» that one
soon CX
vat it with
ieir enters
he w, nas
rry them-
ing down
dls to the
his move-
steps as
feet con-
1ecls. In
y toa cer-
those who
they keep
-interrup-
ods, they
er ones of
observed
e dance),
chichi-
f dances,
s the pipe
marriage
he move-
r; but it
lea of the
ir manner
hemsclves
any other
erect, at
nd; then
er on the
upright,
but they
agreeable
the most }
MISSOURI. 287
Epteesing to a spectator of any of them, being the
“ast frantic, and the movemcnts of it most grace-
ful. It is but on particular occasions that it is
used ; as when ambassadors from an enemy arrive
to treat of pred or when strangers of eminence
pass through their territories.
‘The war dance, which they use both before
they set out on their war parties and on their re-
turn from them, strikes terror into strangers. It
is performed, like the others, amidst a circle of the
warriors ; a chief generally begins it, who moves
from the right to the left, singing at the same time
both his own exploits and those of his ancestors,
When he has concluded his account of any me-
morable action, he gives a violent blow with his
war club against a post that is fixed in the ground,
near the centre of the assembly, for this purpose,
‘ Every one dances in his turn, and recapitu-
lates the wondrous deeds of his family, till they
all at last join in the dance. Then it becomes
truly alarming to any stranger that happens to be
amung them, as they thraw themselves into every
horrible and terrifying posture that can be ima-
gined, rehearsing at the same time the parts they
expect to act against their enemies in the field,
During this they hold their sharp knives in their
hands, with which, as they whirl about, they are
every moment in danger of cutting each other’s
throats; and did they not shun the threatened
mischief with inconceivable dexterity, it could
not be avoided. By these motions they intend to
represent the manner in which they kill, scalp,
end take their prisoners. To heighten the scene,
they set up the same hideous yells, cries, and war
whoops they use in time of action; so that it is
impossible to consider them in any other light than
as an assembly of demons,
€ After some hours spent in dancing, the feast be-
gins; the dishes being brought near me, I per-
ceived that they consisted of dog’s flesh ; and I
was informed that at all their public grand feasts
they never use any other kind of food,
‘In this custom of eating dog’s flesh on parti-
cular occasions, they resemble the inhabitants of
some of the countries that lie on the 2. e. borders
of Asia. The author of the account of Kam-
schatka, published by order of the Empress of
Russia, informs us, that the people inhabiting
Koreka, a country n. of Kamschatka, who wan-
der about in hordes like the Arabs, when they pay
their worship to the evil being, kill a rein-deer or
adog, the flesh of which they eat, and leave the
head and tongue sticking on a pole with the front
towards the e.: also, that when they are afraid
of any infectious distemper, they kill a dog, and
winding the guts about two poles pass between
them, These customs, in which or are nearly
imitated by the Indians, seem to add strength >
my supposition, that America was first peopled
from this quarter,
* «TI know not,” says a traveller among them,
“under what class of dances to rank thot pers
formed by the Indians who came to my tent when
I landed near lake’ Pepin, on the banks of the
Mississippi. When 1 looked out, as 1 there mens
tioned, | saw about 20 naked young Indians, the
most perfect in their shape, and by far the hand-
somest of any | had ever scen, coming towards
me, and dancing as they approached to the music
of their drums, At every ten or twelve yards they
halted, and set up their yells and cries,
‘+ When they reached my tent I] asked them to
come in; which, without deigning to make me
any answer, they did. As 1 observed that they
were painted red and black, as they usually are
when they go against an enemy, and perceived
that some parts of the war dance were intermixed
with their other movements, | doubted not but
they were set on by the inimical chief who had
refused my salutation; I therefore determined to
sell my lite as dear as possible. ‘lo this purpose,
1 received them sitting on my chest with my gun
and pistols beside me, and ordered my men to
keep a watchful eye on them, and to be also upon
their guard,
‘ « The Indians being entered they continued
their dance alternately, singing at the same time of
their heroic exploits, and the superiority of their
race over every other people. ‘Io enforce their
language, though it was uncommonly nervous and
expressive, and such as would of itself have care
ried terror to the firmest heart ; at the end of eycry
period they struck their war clubs against the poles
of my tent with such violence that I expected
every moment it would have tumbled upon us,
As each of them, in dancing round, passed by me,
they placed their right hand above their eyes, and
coming close to me looked steadily in my face,
which I could not construe into a token of friend-
ship. My men gave themselves up for lost, and I
acknowledge, for my own part, that I never found
my apprehensions more tumultuous on any oc-
casion.
¢ « When they had nearly ended their dance,
I presented to them the pipe of peace, but they
would not receive it. IJ then, as my last resource,
thought [ would try what presents would do ; ac-
cordingly I took from my chest some ribbons and
trinkets, which I laid before them. These seemed
to stagger their resolutions, and to avert, in some]
288 MISSOURI.
(degree their anger; for after holding a consulta-
tion together they sat down on the ground, which
1 considered as a favourable omer.
‘ ¢ Thus it proved, for in a short time tl.ey re-
ceived the pipe of peace, and lighting it, first
presented it to me, and then smoked with it them-
selyes, Soon after they took up the presents,
which had hitherto lain neglected, and appearing
to be greatly pleased with them departed in a
friendly manner ; and never did I receive greater
pleasure than at getting rid of such formidable
guests.
¢ ¢ It never was in my power to gain athorough
knowledge of the designs of my visitors. I had
suflicient reason to conclude that they were hos-
tile, and that their visit, at so late an hour, was
made threugh the instigation of ihe Grand Sautor ;
but I was afterwards informed that it might be in-
tended as a compliment which they usually pay to
the chiefs of every other nation who happen to fall
in with them, and that the circumstances in their
conduct which had enpeared so suspicious to me,
were merly the efi*cts of their vanity, and de-
signed to impress on the minds of those whom
they thus visited, an elevated opinion of their va-
lour and prowess. In the morning before I con-
tinued my route, several of their wives brought
me a present of some sugar, for whom | found a
few more ribbons.
¢ ¢ The dance of the sacrifice is not so denomi-
nated from their offering up at the same time a sa-
crifice to any good or evil spirit, but is a dance to
which the Naudowessies give that title, from being
used when any public fortunate circumstance be-
fals them. Whilst I resided among them, a fine
large deer accidentally strayed into the middle of
their encampment, which they soon destroyed.
As this happened just at the new moon, they
estecmed it a lucky omen; and having roasted it
whole, every one in the camp partook of it. After
their feast, they all joined in a dance, which they
termed, from its being somewhat of a religious
nature, a dance of the sacrifice.” (See Ir. Hubd-
bard's Compilation of Indian History.)
* Hunting (continucs Lewis) is the chief employ
of the Indians; they are trained io it from their
youth, and it is an exercise which is esteemed no less
honourable than necessary towards their subsistence.
A dexterous and resolute hunter is held in nearly as
great estimation by them as a distinguished war-
rior. Scarcely any device, which the ingenuity
of man has discovered, for ensnaring or destroying
those animals that supply them with food, or
whose skins are valuable, is unknown to them.
6 Whilst they are engaged in this exercise, they
shake off the indolence peculiar to their nature,
and become active, persevering, and indefatigable,
They are equally sagacious in finding their prey,
and in the means they use to destroy it. ‘They
discern the footsteps of the beasts they are in pure
suit of, although they are imperceptible to every
other eve, and can follow them with certainty
through the pathless forest.
¢ The beasts that the Indians hunt, both for their
flesh, on which they subsist, and for their skins,
which serve them either for apparel, or to barter
with Europeans for necessaries, are the buffalo,
elk, deer, moose, carriboo, bear, beaver, otter,
martin, &c. I defer giving a description of
these animals here, and shall only, at present,
treat of the manner of hunting them.
¢ The route they shall take for this purpose, and
the parties that shall go on the different expedi-
tions, are fixed in their general councils, which
are held some time in the summer, when all the
operations for the ensuing winter are settled. The
chief warrior, whose proyince it is to regulate their
roceedings on this occasion, with great solemnity
Issues out an invitation to those who choose to at-
tend him ; for the Indians, as before observed, ac-
krowledge no superiority, nos have they any idea
of compulsion; and every one that accepts the
invitation, prepares himself by fasting during
several days.
¢ The Indians do not fast, as some other nations
do, on the richest and most luxurious food, but
totally abstain from every kind, either of victuals
or drink ; and such is their patience and resolu-
tion, that the most extreme thirst could not in-
duce them to taste a drop of water; yet amidst
ne severe abstinence they appear cheerful and
appy.
Pile reasons they give for thus fasting are,
that it enables them freely to dream, in which
dreams they are informed where they shall find
the greatest plenty of game; also that it averts the
displeasure of the evil spirits, and induces them
to be propitious. ‘They also on these occasions
blacken those parts of their bodies that are un-
covered.
‘ The fast being ended, and the place of hunt-
ing made known, the chief, who is to conduct
them, gives a grand feast to those who are to form
the different parties ; of which none of them dare
to partake till they have bathed. At this feast,
notwithstanding they have fasted so long, they eat
with great moderation ; and the chief who pre-
sides employs himself in rehearsing the feats of
those who have been most successful in the busi-
ness they are about to enter upon. They soon]
ir nature,
fatigable,
1eir pre
t. Whey
ein pure
to every
certainty
h for their
eir skins,
to barter
2 buffalo,
er, otter,
tiption of
t present,
‘pose, and
it expedi-
ils, which
en all the
led. The
ulate their
solemnity
ose to ate
erved, ace
y any idea
ccepts the
ng during
her nations
food, but
of victuals
ind resolu
Id not in-
yet amidst
leerfnl and
pasting are,
in which
shall find
averts the
uces them
b occasions
at are un-
e of hunt-
0 conduct
lare to form
them dare
this feast,
g, they eat
who pre-
he feats of
the busi-
hey soon]
MISSOURI. 289
[after set out on the march towards the place ap-
pointed, painted or rather bedaubed with black,
amidst the acclamations of all the people.
¢ It is impossible to describe their agility or per-
severance, whilst they arc in pursuit of their prey ;
neither thickets, ditches, torrents, pools, nor rivers
stop them ; they always go straight forward in the
most direct line they possibly can, and there are
few of the savage inhabitants of the woods that they
cannot overtake.
¢ When they hunt for bears, they endeavour to
find out their retreats ; for during the winter, these
animals conceal themselves in the hollow trunks
of trees, or make themselves holes in the ground,
where they continue without food whilst the se-
vere weather lasts.
‘ When the Indians think they have arrived at
a place where these animals usually haunt, they
form themselves into a circle according to their
number, and moving onward, endeavour, as they
advance towards the centre, to discover the re-
treats of their prey. By this means, if any lie in
the intermediate space, they are sure of arousing
and bringing them down, either with‘ their bows
or their guns. The bears will take to flight at
sight of a man ora dog, and will only make re-
sistance when ihey are extremely hungry, or after
they are wounded.
¢ The Indian method of hunting the buffalo is,
by forming a circle or a square, nearly in the same
manner as when they search for the bear. Having
taken their different stations, they set the grass,
which at this time is rank and dry, on fire, and
these animals, who are extremely fearful of that
element, flying with precipitation betore it, great
numbers are hemmed in a small compass, and
scarcely a single one escapes.
‘ They have different ways of hunting the elk,
the deer, and the carriboo. Sometimes they seek
them out in the woods, to which they retire dure
ing the severity of the cold, where they are easily
shot from behind the trees. In the more x, cli-
mates they take the advantage of the weather to
destroy the elk ; when the sun bas just strength
enough to melt the snow, and the frost in the night
forms a kind of crust on the surface, this animal
being heavy, breaks it with his forked hoofs, and
with difficulty extricates himself from it: at this
time, therefore, he is soon overtaken and de-
stroyed.
‘Some nations have a method of hunting these
animals which is more easily executed, and free
from danger. ‘The hunting party divides into two
bands, and choosing a spot near the borders of
VOL, Il.
some river, one party embarks on board their ca-
noes, whilst the other, forming themselves into a
semicircle on the land, the flanks of which reach
the shore, let loose their dogs, and by this means
rouse all the game that lies within these bounds ;
they then drive them towards the river, into which
they no sooner enter, than the greatest part of them
are immediately dispatched by those who remain
in the canoes.
¢ Both the elk and buffalo are very furious when
they are wounded, and will return fiercely on their
pursuers, and trample them under their feet, if the
hunter finds no means to complete their destruc-
tion, or does not seek for security in flight to some
adjacent tree ; by this method they are frequently
avoided, and so tired with the pursuit that they
voluntarily give it over.
‘ But the hunting in which the Indians, par-
ticularly those who inhabit the n. parts, chiefly
employ themselves, and from which they reap the
greatest advantage, is that of the beaver. The
season for this lasts the whole of the winter, from
November to April ; during which time the fur of
these animals is in the greatest perfection. A de-
scription of this extraordinary animal, the con-
struction of their huts, and the regulations of
their almost rational community, I shall give in
another place.
¢ The hunters make use of several methods to
destroy them, Those generally practised, are ei-
ther taking them in snares, cutting through the
ice, or opening their causeways.
* As the eyes of these animals are very quick,
and their hearing exceedingly acute, great precaue
tion is necessary in approaching their bodies ; for
as they seldom go far from the water, and their
houses are always built close to the side of some
large river or lake, or dams of their own con-
struction, upon the least alarm they hasten to the
deepest part of the water, and dive immediately
to the bottom; as they do this they make a great
noise by beating the water with their tails, on
purpose to put the whole fraternity on their
uard.
¢ They are taken with snares, in the following
manner :—though the beavers usually lay up a
suflicient store of provision to serve for their sub-
sistence during the winter, from time to time they
make excursions to the neighbouring woods, to
procure further supplies.
‘The hunters having found out their haunts,
place a trap in their way, baited with small pieces
of bark, or young shoots of trees, which the beaver
has no sooner laid hold of, than a large log of}
PP
290 MISSOURI.
{wood falls upon him and breaks his back ; his ene-
mies, who are upon the watch, soon appear, and
instantly dispatch the helpless animal.
¢ At other times, when the ice on the rivers and
lakes is about half a foot thick, they make an
opening through it with their hatckets, to which
the beavers will soon hasten, on being disturbed at
their houses, for a supply of fresh air. As their
breath occasions a considerable motion in the
water, the hunter has sufficient notice of their ap-
proach, and methods are easily taken for knock-
Ing them on the head the moment they appe:.>
above the surface.
© When the houses of the beavers happen to be
near a rivulet, they are more easily destroyed :
the hunters then cut the ice, and spreading a net
under it, break down the cabins of the beavers,
who never fail to make towards the deepest part,
where they are entangled and taken. But they
must not be suffered to remain there long, as
they would soon extricate themselves with their
teeth, which are well known to be excessively sharp
and strong.
‘ The Thdtiine take great care to hinder their
dogs from touching the bones of the beavers.
‘The reasons they give for these precautions are,
first, tl:at the bones are so excessively hard, that
they spoil the teeth of the dogs; and secondly,
that they are apprehensive they shall so exas-
perate the spirits of the beavers by this permis-
sion, as to render the next hunting season unsuce
cessful.
© When the Indians destroy buffaloes, elks, deer,
‘&c. they generally divide the flesh of such as they
have taken among the tribe to which they belong.
But in hunting the beaver a few families usually
unite, and divide the spoil between them. Indeed,
in the first instance they generally pay some at-
tention in the division to their own familes; but
no jealousies or murmurings are ever known to
arise on account of any apparent partiality.
¢ Among the Naudowessies, if a person shoots a
deer, buffalo, &c. and it runs a considerable dis-
tance before it drops, where a person belonging
to another tribe, being nearer, first sticks a knife
into it, the game is considered as the property of
the latter, notwithstanding it had been mortally
wounded by the former. ‘Though this custom
appears to be arbitrary and unjust, yet that people
cheerfully submit to it. This decision is, how-
ever, very different from that practised by ‘the
Indians on the back of the colonies, where the first
person that hits is entitled to the best share.
* The Indians begin to bear arms at the age of
1
15, and lay them aside when they arrive at the
age of 60. Some nations to the s. I have been in-
formed, do not continue their military exertions
after they are 50.
¢ In every band or nation there is a select num-
ber who are styled the warriors, and who are al-
ways ready to act either offensively or defensively,
as occasion requires. These are well armed, bear-
ing the weapons commonly used among them,
which vary according to the situation of their
countries. Some make use of tomahawks, knives,
and fire-arms ; but those who have not an oppor-
tnnity of purchasing these kinds of weapons, use
yeaa and arrows, and also the casse-tete, or war
club.
¢ The Indians that inhabit still further to the w.
a country which extends to the S, sea, use in fight
a warlike instrument that is very uncommon. Hav-
ing great plenty of horses, they always attack their
enemies on horseback, and encumber themselves
with no other weapon than a stone of a middling
size, curiously wrought, which they fasten by a
string, about a yard and a half long, to their right
arms, a little above the elbow. These stones they
conveniently carry in their hands, till they reach
their enemies, and then swinging them with great
dexterity, as they ride full speed, never fail of
doing execution. The country which these tribes
possess abounding with large extensive plains,
those who attack them seldom return, as the swift-
ness of the horses on which they are mounted, en-
ables them to overtake even the fleetest of their in-
vaders.
* I was informed, that unless they found mo-
rasses or thickets, to which they could retire, they
were sure of being cut off; to prevent this they
always took care, whenever they made an onset,
to do it near such retreats as are impassable for
cavalry, having then a great advantage over their
Snes whose weapons would not there reach
them.
¢ Some nations make use of a javelin, pointed
with bone, worked into different forms; but the
Indian weapons in general are bows and arrows,
and the short club already mentioned. The latter
is made of a very hard wood, and the head of it
fashioned round like a ball, about 34 inches dia-
meter; in this rotund part is fixed an edge re-
sembling that of a tomahawk, either of steel or
flint, whichsoever they can procure.
‘ The dagger is peculiar to some nations, and
of ancient construction; but they can give no ac-
count how long it has been in use among them.
1t was originally made of flint or bone, but since]
‘ive at the
re been in-
- exertions
‘lect num.
vho are al-
efensively,
med, bear-
ong them,
mn of their
ks, knives,
, an oppor-
“ApONs, use
ete, or war
or to the w.
use in fight
now. Hav-
attack their
themselves
a middling
asten by a
their right
stones they
they reach
with great
ver fail of
these tribes
ive plains,
s the swift-
punted, en=
of their in-
found mo-
retire, they
t this they
P an onset,
pasedble for
over their
there reach
n, pointed
s; but the
And arrows,
The latter
head of it
inches dia-
n edge re-
of steel or
ations, and
give no ac-
ong them.
but since]
MISSOURI. 291
[they have had communication with the European
traders, they have formed it of steel. The length
is about 10 inches, and that part close to the
handle nearly three inches broad. Its edges are
keen, and it gradully tapers towards a point.
They wear it in a sheath made of dcer’s leather,
neatly ornamented with porcupine quills; and it
is usually hung by a string, decorated in the
same manner, which reaches as low as the breast.
This curious weapon is worn by a few of the prin-
ein chiefs alone, and considered both as a use-
ful instrument, and an ornamental badge of supe-
pe
‘ I observed among them a few targets, or
shields, made of raw buffalo hides, and in the form
of those used by the ancients: but as the number
of these was small, and I conld gain no intelli-
gence of the era in which they first were intro-
duced among them, I suppese those I saw had
descended from father to son for many genera-
tions.
‘ The reasons the Indians give for making war
against one another, are much the same as those
urged by more civilized nations for disturbing the
tranquillity of their neighbours. The pleas of the
former are, however, in general more rational and
just, than such as are brought by Europeans in
vindication of their proceedings.
‘ The extension of empire is seldom a motive
with these people to invade, and to commit depre-
dations on the territories of those who happen to
dwell near them. To secure the rights of hunting
within particular limits, to maintain the liberty of
passing through their accustomed tracks, and to
guard those lands which they consider from a long
tenure as their own, against any infringement, are
the general causes of those dissensions that so
often break out between the Indian nations, and
which are carried on with so much animosity.
‘ Though strangers to the idea of separate pro-
perty, yet the most uncultivated among them are
well acquainted with the rights of their communit
to the domains they possess, and oppose with
vigour every encroachment on them,
‘ Notwithstanding it is generally supposed that
from their territories being so extensive, the boun-
daries of them cannot be ascertained, yet I am
well assured that the limits of each nation in the
interior parts are laid down in their rude plans
with great precision. By theirs, as 1 have be-
fore observed, was I enabled to regulate my own ;
and after the most exact observations and in-
quiries | found but.a very few instances in which
they erred.
* But interest is mot either the most frequent or
most powerful incentive to their making war on
each other. The passion of revenge, which is
the distinguishing characteristic of these people,
is the most general motive. Injuries are felt by
them with exquisite sensibility, and vengeance
ursued with unremitted ardour. To this may
added that natural excitation which every In-
dian is sensible of, as soon as he approaches the
age of manhood, to give proof of his valour and
prowess,
¢ As they are early possessed with a notion that
war ought to be the chief business of their lives,
that there is nothing more desirable than the repu-
tation of being a great warrior, and that the scalps
of their enemies, or a number of prisoners, are
alone to be esteemed valuable, it is not to be won-
dered at, that the young Indians are continuall
restless and uneasy if their ardour is repressed,
and they are kept in a state of inactivity. Mither
of these propensities, the desire of revenge or the
graiiieaton of an impulse, that by degrees become
abitual to them, is sufficient, frequently, to ine
duce them to commit hostilities on some of the
neighbouring nations.
© When the chiefs find any occasion for making
war, they endeavour to arouse their prejudices, an
by that means soon excite their warriors to take
arms, For this purpose they make use of their
martial eloquence, nearly in the following words,
which never fail of proving effectual: ‘* The
bones of our sebsnaod countrymen lie uncovered,
they call out to us to revenge their wrongs, and
we must satisfy their request. Their spirits cry
out against us. They must be appeased. The
genii, who are the guardians of our honour, ine
spire us with a resolution to seek the enemies of
our murdered brothers. Let us go and devour
those by whom they were slain. Sit here no longer
inactive, give way to the impulse of your natural
valour, anoint your hair, paint your faces, fill
your quivers, cause the forest to resound with your
songs, console the spirits of the dead, and tell them
they shall be revenged.”’
‘ Animated by these exhortations, the warriors
snatch their arms in a transport of fury, sing the
songs of war, and burn with impatience to imbrue
their hands in the blood of their enemies.
¢ Sometimes private chiefs assemble small pare
ties and make excursions against those with whom
they are at war, or such as have injured them.
A single warrior, prompted by revenge or a desire
to show his prowess, will march unattended for
several hundred miles, to surprise and cut off a
straggling party.
‘These irregular pallies, however, are not al-]
PP
292 MISSOURI.
(ways approved of by the elder chicfs, though they
are often obliged to connive at them,
¢ But when a war is national, and undertaken
by the community, their deliberations are formal
and, slow. The elders assemble in council, to
which all the head warriors and young men are
admitted, where they deliver their opinions in so-
lemn specches, weighing with maturity the nature
of the enterprise they are about to engage in, and
balancing with great sagacity the advantages or
inconveniences that will arise from it.
‘ Their priests are also consulted on the subject,
and even, sometimes, the advice of the most intel-
ligent of their women is asked.
‘If the determination be for war, they prepare
for it with much ceremony.
‘The chief warrior of a nation docs not on all
occasions head the war party himself, he fre-
quently deputes a warrior of whose valour and
prudence he has a good opinion, ‘The person thus
fixed on, being first bedaubed with black, observes
a fast of several days, during which he invokes the
Great Spirit, or deprecates the anger of the evil
ones, holding,.whilst it lasts, no converse with any
of his tribe.
‘ He is particularly careful at the same time to
observe his dreams, for on these do they suppose
their success will in a great measure depend ; and
from the firm persuasion every Indian, actuated
by his own presumptuous thoughts, is impressed
with, that he shall march forth to certain victory,
these are generally favourable to his wishes,
‘ After he has fasted as long as custom pre-
scribes, he assembles the warriors, and holding
a belt of wampum in his hand, thus addresses
them :—
¢ “ Brothers! by the inspiration of the Great
Spirit I now speak unto you, and by him am I
prompted to carry into execution the intentions
which I am about to disclose to you. The blood
of our deceased brothers is not yet wiped away ;
their bodies are not yet covered, and I am going
to perform this duty to them.”
¢ Having then made known all the motives that
induced him to take up arms against the nation
with whom they are to engage, he thus proceeds :
6¢ |] have therefore resolved to march through the
war path to surprise them. We will eat their
flesh, and drink their blood ; we will take scalps,
and make prisoners ; and should we perish in this
glorious enterprise we shall not be for ever hidden
in the dust, for this belt shall be a recompense to
him who buries the dead.” Having said this, he
lays the belt on the ground, and he who takes it
up declares himself his lieutenant, and is con-
sidered as the second in command; this, how.
ever, is only done by some distinguished war-
rior who has a right, by the number of his scalps,
to the post.
‘Though the Indians thus assert that they will
eat the flesh and drink the blood of their enemies,
the threat is only to be considered as a figurative
expression $ notwithstanding they sometimes de-
vour the hearts of those they slay, and drink their
blood, by way of bravado, or to gratify in a more
complete manner their revenge.
¢ The chief is now washed from his sable cover-
ing, anointed with bear’s fat, and painted with
their red paint, in such figures as will make him
appear most terrible to his enemies. He then sings
the war song, and enumerates his warlike actions.
Having done this he fixes his eyes on the sun, and
pays his adoration to the Great Spirit, in which he
is accompanied by all the warriors.
‘ This ceremony is followed with dances, such
as I have before described ; and the whole con«
cludes with a feast, which usually consists of dog’s
flesh.
‘ This feast is held in the hut or tent of the chief
warrior, to which all those who intend to accom-
pany him in his expedition send their dishes to be
filled ; and during the feast, notwithstanding he
has fasted so long, he sits composedly with his pipe
in his mouth, and recounts the valorous deeds of
his family.
‘ As the hopes of having their wounds, should
they receive any, properly treatec' and expedi-
tiously cured, must be some additivnal induce-
ment to the warriors to expose themselves more
freely to danger, the priests, who are also their
doctors, prepare such medicines as will prove effi-
cacious, With great ceremony they carry vari-
ous roots and plants, and pretend that they impart
to them the power of healing.
‘ Notwithstanding this superstitious method of
proceeding, it is very certain that they have ac-
quired a knowledge of many plants and herbs that
are of a medicinal quality, and which they know
how to use with great skill.
‘ From the time the resolution of engaging in
war is taken, to the departure of the warriors, the
nights are spent in festivity, and their days ia
making the needful preparations.
* [fit is thought necessary by the nation going
to war, to soricit the alliance of any neighbouring
tribe, they fix upon one of their chicfs, who speaks
the language of that people well, and who is a
good orator, and send to them by him a belt of
wampum, on which is specified the purport of the
embassy, in figures that eyery nation is well ac- |
this, how-
ished war-
f his scalps,
at they will
cir enemies,
a figurative
netimes de-
| drink their
y in a more
sable cover-
ainted with
il make him
le then sings
like actions.
the sun, and
in which he
Jances, such
~whole con«
sists of dog’s
t of the chicf
id to accom.
dishes to. be
standing he
with his pipe
yus deeds of
inds, should
and expedi-
vnal induces
nselves more
re also. their
ll prove effi-
carry vari-
they impart
s method of
hey have ac-
id herbs that
h they know
engaging in
warriors, the
heir days ia
nation going
neighbouring
, who speaks
nd who is a
im a belt of
urport of the
is well ac-|
MISSOURI. 293
fanainted with, Atthe same time he carries with
im a hatchet painted red.
* As soon as he reaches the camp or village to
which he is destined, he acquaints the chief of the
tribe with the general tenor of his commission,
who immediately assembles a council, to which
the ambassador is invited. ‘There having laid the
hatchet on the ground he holds the belt in his
hand, and enters more minutely into the occasion
of hisembassy. In his speech he invites them to
take up the hatchet, and as soon as he has finished
speaking, delivers the belt.
¢ If his hearers are inclined to become auxilia-
ries to his nation, a chief steps forward and takes
up the hatchet, and they immediately espouse
with spirit the cause they have thus engaged to
support. But if on this application neither the
belt nor hatchet are accepted, the emissary con-
cludes that the people whose assistance he solicits
have already entered into an alliance with the foes
of his nation, and returns with speed to inform his
countrymen of his ill success.
¢ The manner in which the Indians declare war
against each other, is by sending a slave with a
hatchet, the handle of which is painted red, to the
nation which they intend to break with; and.the
messenger, notwithstanding the danger to which
he is exposed from the sudden fury of those whom
he thus sets at defiance, executes his commission
with great fidelity.
* Sometimes this token of defiance has such an
instantaneous effect on those to whom it is present-
ed, that in the first transports of their fury a small
party will issue forth, without waiting for the per-
mission of the elder chicts, and slaying the first
of the offending nation they meet, cut open the
body, and stick a hatchet of the same kind as that
they just received, into the heart of their slaugh-
tered foe. Among the more remote tribes this is
done with an arrow or spear, the end of which is
painted red. And the more to exasperate, they
dismember the body, to show that they esteem them
not as men, but as old women.
* The Indians seldom take the field in large
bodies, as such numbers would require a greater
degree of industry to provide for their subsistence,
during their tedious marches through dreary forests,
or long voyages over lakes and rivers, than they
would care to bestow.
¢ Their armies are never encumbered with bag-
gage or military stores. Lach warrior, besides his
weapons, carries with him only a mat, and, whilst
at g distance from the frontiers of the enemy, sup-
ports himself with the game he kills or the fish he
catclics.
¢ When they pass through a country where they
have no apprehensions of meeting with an enemy,
they use very little precaution ; sometimes there
are scarcely a dozen warriors left together, the rest
being in pursuit of their game; but though they
should have roved to a very considerable distance
from the war path, they are sure to arrive at the
place of rendezvous by the hour appointed.
¢ They always pitch their tents long before sun-
set ; and being naturally presumptuous, take very
little care to guard against a surprise. ‘They place
great confidence in their Manitous, or household
gods, which they always carry with them; and
being persuaded that they take upon them the
office of centinels, they sleep very securely under
their protection.
‘ These Manitous, as they are called by some
nations, but which are termed Wakons, that is,
spirits, by the Naudowessies, are nothing more than
the otter and martin skins I have already de-
scribed, for which, however, they have a great
vencration.
¢ After they have entered the enemy’s country,
no people can be more cautious and circumspect ;
fires are no louger lighted, no more shouting is
heard, nor the game any longer pursued. ‘They
are not even permitted to speak ; but must con-
vey whatever they have to impart to each other,
by signs and motions,
¢ They now proceed wholly by stratagem and
ambuscade. Having discovered their enemies,
they send to reconnoitre them; and a council is
immediately held, during which they speak only
in whispers, to consider of the intelligence impart-
ed by those who were sent out.
© The attack is gencrally made just before day-
break, at which period they suppose their foes to
be in the soundest sleep. ‘Lhroughout the whole
of the preceding night they will lie flat upon their
faces, without stirring ; and make their approaches
in the same posture, creeping upon their hands
and feet till they are got within bow-shot of those
they have destined to destruction. On a signal
given by the chief warrior, to which the whole
body makes answer by the most hideous yells, they
all start up, and discharging their arrows in the
same instant, without giving their adversarics time
to recover from the confusign into which they are
thrown, pour in upon them with their war clubs
or tomahawks,
¢ The Indians think there is little glory to be
acquired from attacking their enemics openly in the
field ; their greatest pride is to surprise and destroy.
They seldom engage with a manifest appearance
of disadvantage. Ifthey find the enemy on their]
294
[guard, too strongly entrenched, or superior in
numbers, they retire, provided there is an ‘
portunity of doing so. And they esteem it the
greatest qualification of a chief warrior, to be
able to manage an attack, so as to destroy as many
of the enemy as possible, at tle expence of a few
men.
6 When the Indians succeed in their sitent ap-
proaches and are able to force the camp which they
attack, a.scene of horror that exceeds description
ensues. The savage fierceness of the conquerors,
and the desperation of the conquered, who well
know what they have to expect should they fall
alive into the hands of their assailants, occasion
the most extraordinary exertions on both sides.
The figure of the combatants, all besmeared with
black and red paint, and covered with the blood
of the slain, their horrid yells and ungovernable
fury, are not to be conceived by those who have
never seen them. Though the Indians are negli-
gent in guarding against surprise, they are alert
and dexterous in surprising their enemies. ‘To
their caution and perseverance in stealing on the
party they design to attack, they add that admi-
rable talent, or rather instinctive qualification I
have already described, of tracing out those they
are in ‘pursuit of. On the smoothest grass, on the
hardest earth, and even on the very stones, will
they discover the traces of an enemy, and by the
shape of the footsteps, and the distance between
the prints, distinguish ne. only whether it is a man
or woman who has pass.d that way, but even
the nation to which they belong. However incre-
dible this might appear, yet, ‘from the many proofs
I received, whilst among them, of their amazing
sagacity ‘in this point, I see no reason to discredit
even these‘extraordinary exertions of it.
‘ When they ‘have overcome an enemy, and
victory is no longer doubiful, the conquerors first
dispatch all such as they think they shall not be
able to:carry off without great trouble, and then
endeavour to take as many prisoners as possible ;
after this they return'to scalp those who are either
ah or too much wounded to be taken with
em.
* At this business they ate exceedingly expert.
They seize'the head of the disabled or dead enemy,
and placing one of their feet on the neck, twist
their left hand if the hair; by this means, having
extended the skin that covers the top of the head,
they draw out their scalping knives, which are
‘always kept in good order for this cruel purpose,
and with a few dexterous strokes take off the patt
‘that is termed the scalp. They are so expeditious
in doing this, that the whole time required scarcely
MISSOURI.
exceeds a minute. These they preserve as monu-
mc¢nts of their prowess, and at the same time as
prvofs of the vengeance they have inflicted on tleir
enemies,
¢ If two Indians seize in the same instant a pri-
soner, and seem to have an equal claim, the con-
test between them is soon decided; for to puta
speedy end toany dispute that might arise, the
person that is apprehensive he shall lose his ex-
pected reward, immediately has recourse to his
tomahawk or war club, and knocks on the head
the unhappy cause of their contention.
¢ Having completed their purposes, and made
as much havoc as possible, they immediately retire
towards their own country, with the spoil they
have acquired, for fear of being pursued. -
¢ Should this be the case, they make use of
many stratagems to elude the searches of their pur-
suers. They sometimes scatter leaves, sand, or
dust over the prints of their feet ; sometimes tread
in each other’s footsteps; and sometimes lift their
feet so high, and tread so lightly, as not to make
any impression on the ground. But if they find
all these precautions unavailing, and that they are
near being overtaken, they first dispatch and scalp
their prisoners, and then dividing, each endea-
vours to regain his native country by a different
route, This prevents all farther pursuit ; for their
pursuers now despairing, either of gratifying their
revenge, or of releasing those of their friends who
were made captives, return home.
¢ If the successful party is so lucky as to make
good their retreat unmolested, they hasten with the
greatest expedition to reach a country where they
may be perfectly secure; and that their wounded
companions may not retard their flight, they carry
them by turns in litters, or, if it is in the winter
season, draw them on sledges.
¢ ‘The prisoners, during their march, are guard.
ed with the greaicst care. During the day, if the
journey is over land, they are always held by some
of the victorious party ; if by water, they are fas-
tened tothe canoe. In the night time they are
stretched along the ground quite naked, with their
legs, arms, and neck fastened to hooks fixed :in the
ground. Besides this, cords are tied to their arms
or legs, which are held by an Indian, who instantly
awakes at the least motion of them.
* During their march they oblige their prisoners
to sing their death song, which generally consists
of these or similar sentences: * I am going to die,
1 am about to suffer: but I will bear the severest
tortures my enemies can inflict, with becoming
fortitude. I will die like a brave man, and I shall
then go to join the chiefs that have suffered on the}
-as monu-
ie time as
don their
tant a pri-
» the con-
r to puta
arise, the
se his ex.
rse to his
| the head
and made
itely retire
pet they
ike use of
‘their pur-
. sand, or
imes tread
s lift their
»t to make
they find
t they are
and scalp
ch endea-
a different
; for their
ying their
iends who
is to make
n with the
rhere they
wounded
they carry
lhe winter
Are guard.
ay, if the
by some
y are fas-
they are
with their
xed in the
heir arms
D instantly
prisoners
ly consists
ing to dic,
e severest
becoming
bnd [ shail
ed on the]
MISSOURI. 295
[same account.” These songs are continued with
necessary intervals, until they reach the village or
camp to which they are going.
¢ When the warriors are arrived withic hearing,
they set up different cries, which communicate to
their friends a general history of the success of the
expedition. The number of the death cries they
ive, declare how many of their own party are
ost; the number of war whoops, the number of
prisoners they have taken.
© It is difficult to describe these cries, but the
best idea I can convey of them is, that the former
consists of the sounds whoo, whoo, whoop,’ con-
tinued in along shrill tone, nearly till the breath
is exhausted, and then broken off with a sudden
elevation of the voice. The latter is a loud cry,
of much the same kind, which is modulated into
notes by the hand being placed before the mouth.
Both of them might be heard toa very considerable
distance.
‘ Whilst these are uttering, the persons to whom
they are designed to convey the intelligence, con-
tinue motionless and all attention. hen this
ceremony is performed, the whole village issue out
to learn the particulars of the relation they have
just heard in general terms; and accordingly, as
the news proves mournful, or the contrary, they
,answer by so many acclamations or cries of lamen-
tation.
‘ Being by this time arrived at the village or
camp, the women and children arm themselves
with sticks and bludgeons, and form themselves
into two ranks, through which the prisoners are
obliged to pass. ‘The treatment they undergo be-
fore they reach the extremity of the line, is very
severe. Sometimes they are so beaten over the
head and face, as to have scarcely any remains of
life; and happy would it be for them if by this
usage an end was put to their wretched beings.
But their tormentors take care that none of the
blows they give prove mortal, as they wish to re-
serve the miserable sufferers for more severe in-
flictions.
‘ After having undergone this introductory dis-
cipline, they are bound hand and foot, whilst the
chiefs hold ‘a council in which their fate is deter-
mined. Those who are decreed to be put to death
by the usual torments, are delivered to the chief
of the warriors ; such as are to be spared, are given
into the hands of the chief of the nation: so that
in a short time all the prisoners may be assured of
their fate, as the sentence now pronounced is itre-
vocable. The former they term being consigned
to the house of death, the latter to the house of
grace.
* Such captives as are pretty far advanced in
life, and have acquired great honour by their ware
like deeds, always atone for the blood they have
spilt by the tortures of fire. Their success in war
is readily known by the blue marks upon their
breasts and arms, which are as legible to the In-
dians as letters are to Americans.
¢ The manner in which these hieroglyphics are
made, is by breaking the skin with the teeth of
fish, or sharpened flints, dipped in a kind of ink,
made of the soot of pitch pine. Like those of the
ancient Picts of Britain, these are esteemed orna-
mental ; and at the same time they serve as regis-
ters of the heroic actions of the warrior, who thus
bears abou him indelible marks of his valour,
¢ The prisoners destined to death are soon led to
the place of execution, which is generally in the
centre of the camp or village ; where, being stript,
and every part of their bodies blackened, the skin
of a crow or rayen is fixed on their heads. They
are then bound to a stake, with faggots heaped
around them, and obliged, for the last time, to
sing their death song.
¢ The warriors, for such only commonly suffer
this punishment, now perform in a more prolix
manner this sad solemnity. They recount with
an audible voice all the brave actions they have
performed, and pride themselves in the number of
enemies they have killed. In this rehearsal they
spare not even their tormentors, but strive by every
rovoking tale they can invent, to irritate and
insult them. Sometimes this has the desired effect,
and the sufferers are dispatched sooner than they
otherwise would have been.
¢ ‘There are many other methods which the Ine
dians employ to put their prisoners to death, but
these are only occasional ; that of burning is most
generally used.
‘ This method of tormenting their enemies is
considered by the Indians as productive of more
than one beneficial consequence. It satiates, in a
greater degree, that diabvlical lust of revenge,
which is the predominant passion in the breast of
every individual of every tribe, and it gives the
growing warriors an early propensity to that cruelty
and thirst for blood, which is so necessary a qualifi-
cation for such as would be thoroughly skilled in
their savage art of war.
¢ Notwithstanding these acts of severity exer-
cised by the Indians towards those of their own
species who fall into their hands, some tribes haye
been very remarkable for their moderation to suc
female prisoners, belonging to the English colonies,
as have bappened to be taken by them. Women
of great beauty have frequently been carried off}
296
[by them, and during a march of 3 or 400 miles,
through their retired forests, have lain by their
sides without receiving any insult, and their chas-
tity has remained inviolate. Instances have hap-
pened, where female captives, who have been
pregnant at the time of their being taken, have
found the pangs of child-birth come upon them
in the midst of solitary woods, and savages their
only companions; yet from these, savages as they
were, have they received every assistance their
situations would admit of, and been treated with
a degree of delicacy and humanity they little ex-
pected.
¢ Those prisoners that are consigned to the house
of grace, and these are commonly the young men,
women, and children, await the disposal of the
chiefs, who, after the execution of such as are
condemned todie, hold a councit for this purpose,
© A herald is sent round the village or camp, to
give notice that such as have lost any relations in
the late expedition, are desired to attend the dis-
tribution which is about to take place. Those
women who have lost their sons or husbands, are
gencrally satisfied in the first place; after these,
such as have been deprived of friends of a more
remote degree of consanguinity, or who choose to
adopt some of the youth.
6 The division being made, which is done, as
in other cases, without the least dispute, those who
have received any share lead them to their tents
or huts; and having unbound them, wash and
dress their wounds, if they happen to have re-
ceived any ; they then clothe them, and give the
most comfortable and refreshing food their store
will afford.
¢ Whilst their nev: domestics are feeding, they
endeavour to administer consolation to them, they
tell them that as they are redeemed from death,
they must now be cheerful and happy ; and if they
serve them well, without murmuring or repining,
nothing shall be wanting to make them such atone-
ment for the loss of their country and friends as
circumstances will allow.
¢ Ifany men are spared, they are commonly
given to the widows that have lost their husbands
by the hand of the enemy, should there be any such,
to whom, if they happen to prove agreeable, they
are soon married. But should the dame be other-
wise engaged, the life of him who falls to her lot
isin great danger; especially if she fancies that
her late husband wants a slave in the country of
spirits to which he is gone.
¢ When this is the case, a number of young
men take the devoted captive to some distance, and
dispatch him without any ceremony. After he
MISSOURI.
has been spared by the council, they consider tim
of too little consequence to be entitled to the tor-
ments allotted to those who have been judged
worthy of them.
¢ The'women are usually distributed to the men,
from whom they do not fail of meeting with a fa-
vourable reception. ‘The boys and girls are taken
into the families of such as have necd of them, and
are considered as slaves; and it is not uncommon
that they are sold in the same capacity to the
American traders who come among them.
¢ The Indians have no idea of moderating the
ravages of war, by sparing their prisoners and en-
tering into a negociation with the band from whom
they have been taken, for an exchange. All that
are taken captive by both parties, are either put to
death, adopted, or made slaves of. And so par-
ticular is every nation in this respect, that if any
of their tribe, even a warrior, should be taken
prisoner, and by chance be received into the house
of grace, either as an adopted person or a slave,
and should afterwards make his escape, they will
by no means receive him, or acknowledge him as
one of their band.
¢ 'The condition of such as are adopted, differs
not in any one instance from the children of the
nation to which they now belong. ‘They assume
all the rights of those whose places they supply,
and frequently make no difficulty of going in the
war parties against their own countrymen. Should,
however, any of those by chance make their es-
cape, and be afterwards retaken, they are esteemed
as unnatural children, and ungrateful persons, who
have deserted and made war upon their parents
and benefactors, and are treated with uncommon
severity.
‘ That part of the prisoners which are considered
as slaves, are generally distributed among the
chiefs; who frequently make preseuts of some of
them to the American governors of the out-posts,
or to the superintendants of Indian affairs, 1
have been informed that the Jesuits and French
missionaries first occasioned the introduction of
these unhappy captives into the settlements, and
who, by so doing, taught the Indians that they
were valuable,
‘ Their views indeed were laudable, as they
imagined that by this method they should not only
prevent much barbarity and bloodshed, but find
the opportunities of spreading their religion among
them increased, ‘I’o this purpose they have en-
couraged the traders to purchase such slaves as
they met with.
* The good effects of this mode of proceeding,
were not however equal to the expectations of these |
2
nsider tim
to the tor-
‘en judged
to the men,
with a fa-
ls are taken
fihem, and
uncommon
sity to the
Ne
lerating the
ers and cn-
from whom
2», All that
ither put to
nd so par-
that ifany
1 be taken
to the house
or aslave,
e, they will
sdge him as
sted, differs
Idren of the
‘hey assume
iey supply,
oing in the
n. Should,
ke their es-
re esteemed
ersons, who
cir parents
uncommon
considered
among the
of some of
out-posts,
affairs. 1
nd French
duction of
ments, and
that they
ce, as they
ld not only
d, but find
gion among
have en-
h slaves as
proceeding,
ns of these |
MISSOURI. 207
[pious fathers. Instead of being the means of pre-
venting cruelty and bloodshed, it only caused dis-
sensions between the Indian nations to be carried
on with a greater degree of violence, and with
unremitted ardour. The prize they fought for
being no longer revenge or fame, but the acquire-
ment of spirituous liquors, for which their captives
were to be exchanged, and of which almost every
nation is immoderately fond, they sought for their
enemies with unwonted alacrity, and were con-
stantly on the watch to surprise and carry them
off.
¢ It might still be said, that fewer of the captives
are tormented and put to death, since these ex-
pectations of receiving so valuable a consideration
for them have been excited, than there usually had
been; :ut it does not appear that their accustomed
cruelty io the warriors they take, is in the least
abated; their natural desire of vengeance must be
gratified : they now only become more assiduous
in securing a greater number of young pfisoners,
whilst those who are made captive in their defence,
are tormented and put to death as before. And
this, even in despite of the disgraceful estima-
tion; for the Indians consider every conquered
people as in a state of vassalage to their conquerors.
After one nation has finally subdued another, and
a conditional submission is agreed on, it is cus-
tomary for the chiefs of the conquered, when they
sit in council with their subduers, to wear petti-
coats, as an acknowledgment that they are ina
state of subjection, and ought to be ranked among
the women. Their partiality to the French has,
however, taken too deep root for time itself to eradi-
cate it.
‘ The wars that are carried on between the In-
dian nations are in general hereditary, and continue
from age to age with a few interruptions. Ifa
peace becomes necessary, the principal care of
both parties is to avoid the appearance of making
the first advances.
¢ When they treat with an encmy, relative toa
suspension of hostilities, the chief who is commis-
sioned to undertake the negociation, if it is not
brought about by the mediation of some neigh-
bouring band, abates nothing of his natural haugh-
tiness ; even when the affairs of his country are in
the worst situation, he makes no concessions, but
endeavours to persuade his adversaries that it is
their interest to put an end to the war.
¢ Accidents sometimes contribute te bring about
a peace between nations that otherwise could not
be prevailed on to listen to terms of accommoda-
tion.
¢ Sometimes the Indians grow tired of a war,
VOL. MT.
which they have carried on against some neigh-
bouring nation for many years without much suc-
cess, and in this case they seek for mediators to
begin a negociation, ‘These being obtained, the
treaty is thus conducted :
¢ A number of their own chiefs, joined by those
who have accepted the friendly office, set out
together for the enemy’s country; such as are
chosen for this purpose, are chiels of the most ex-
tensive abilities, and ofthe greatest integrity, ‘They
bear before them the pipe of peace, which I need
not inform my readers is of the same nature as a
flag of truce among the Americans, and is treated
with the greatest respect and veneration, even by
the most barbarous nations, I never heard of an
instance wherein the bearers of this sacred badge
of friendship were ever treated disrespectfully, or
its rights violated. ‘Ihe Indians believe that the
Great Spirit never suffers an infraction of this kind
to go unpunished.
* The pipe of peace, which is termed by them
the calumet, for what reason 1 could never learn,
is about four feet long. ‘The bowl of it is made
of red marble, and the stem of a light wood,
curiously painted with hieroglyphics in various
colours, and adorned with feathers of the most
beautiful birds; but it is not in my power to
convey an idea of the various tints and pleasing
ornaments of this much esteemed Indian imple-
ment.
¢ Every nation has a different method of deco-
rating these pipes, and they can tell at first sight
to what band it belongs. It is used as an introduc-
tion to alltreatics, and great ceremony attends the
use of it on these occasions.
* The assistant or aid-de-camp of the great war-
rior, when the chiefs are assembled and seated,
fills it with tobacco mixed with herbs, taking care
at the same time that no part of it touches the
ground. When it is filled, he takes a coal that is
thoroughly kindled, from a fire which is generally
kept burning in the midst of the assembly, and
places it on the tobacco.
¢ As soon as it is sufficiently lighted, he throws
off the coal. Hethen turns the stem of the pipe
towards the heavens, after this towards the earth,
and now holding it horizontally, moves himself
round till he has completed a circle. By the first
action he is supposed to present it to the Great
Spirit, whose aid is fhereby supplicated ; by the
second, to avert any malicious interposition of
the evil spirits; and by the third to gain the pro-
tection of the spirits inhabiting the air, the earth,
and the waters. Having thus secured the favour
of these invisible agents, in whose power they]
QQ
298
Leuppore it is either to forward or obstruct the issue
of their present deliberations, he presents it to the
hereditary chief, who having taken two or three
whiffs, blows the smoke from his mouth, first to-
wards heaven, and then around him upon the
ground,
‘It is afterwards put in the same manner into
the mouths of the ambassadors or strangers, who
observe the same ceremony, then to the chief of the
warriors, and to all the other chiefs in turn, ac-
cording to their gradation, During this time the
person who executes this honourable office holds
the pipe slightly in his band, as if he feared to
press the sacred instrument; nor docs any one
presume to touch it but with his lips.
6 When the chiefs who are entrusted with the
commission for making peace, approach the town
or camp to which they are going, they begin to
sing and dance the songs and dances appropriated
to this occasion. By this time the adverse party
are apprised of their arrival, and, at thé sight of
the pipe of peace, divesting themselves of their
wonted enmity, invite them tothe habitation of the
great chief, and furnish them with every conyeni-
ency during the negociation.
* A council is then held ; and when the speeches
and debates are ended, if no obstructions arise to
put a stop to the treaty, the painted hatchet is
uried in the ground, as a memorial that all ani-
mosities between the contending nations have
ceased, and a peace taken place. Among the
rader bands, such as have no communication with
the Americans, a war club painted red is buried,
instead of the hatchet.
© A belt of wampum is also given on this occa-
sion, which serves as a ratificetion of the peace,
and records to the latest posterity, by the hiero-
glyphics into which the beads are formed, every
stipulated article in the treety.
* These belts are made of shells found on the
coasts of New England and Virginia, which are
sawed out into beads of an oblong form, about a
quarter of an inch long, and round like, other
beads. Being strung on leathern strings, and
several of them sewed neatly together with fine
sinewy threads, they compose what is termed a
belt of wampum.,
¢ The shells are generally of two colours, some
white and others violet ; but the latter are more
highly esteemed than the former, They are held
in as much estimation by the Indians, as gold,
silver, or precious stones are by the America s.
‘ The belts are composed of 10, 12, ora greater
number of strings, according to the importance of
the affair in agitation, or the dignity of the person
1
MISSOURI.
to whom it is presented. On more trifling occa.
sions, strings of these beads are presented by the
chiefs to each other, and frequently worn by them
about their necks as a valuable ornament,
¢ The Indians allow of polygamy, and persons of
every rank indulge themselves in this point. The
chiefs in particular havea seraglio, which con-
sists of an uncertain number, usually from six to
12 or 14, ‘The lower rank are permitted to take
as many as there is a probability of their being
able, with the children they may bear, to maintain,
It is not uncommon for an Indian to marry two
sisters ; sometimes, if there happen to be more, the
whole number ; and notwithstanding this (as it ap-
pears to civilized nations) unnatural union, they
all live in the greatest harmony.
The younger wives are submissive to the elder ;
and those who haye no children, do such meniat
oflices for those who are fertile, as causes their
situation to differ but little from a state of servi-
tude. However, they perform every injunction
with the greatest cheerfulness, in hopes of gain-
ing thereby the affections of their husbands, that
they in their turn may have the happiness of be-
coming mothers, and be entitled to the respect at-
tendant on that slate.
¢ It is not uncommon for an Indian, although he
takes to himself so many wives, to live in a state
of continence with some of them for several years,
Such as are not so fortunate as to gain the favour
of their husband, by their submissive and prudent
behaviour, and by that means to share in his em-
braces, continue in their virgin state during the
whole of their lives, except they may happen to be
presented by him to some stranger chief, whose
abode among them will not admit of his entering
into a more lasting connection. In this case they
submit to the injunction of their husband without
murmuring, and are not displeased with the tem-
porary union. But if at any tithe it is known that
they take this liberty without first receiving his
consent, they are punished in the same manner as
if they had been guilty of adultery.
_ 6'Fhis custom is more prevalent among the na-
tions which lie in the interior parts, than among
those that are nearer the settlements, as the manners
of che latter are rendered more conformable in some
points to those of the Americans, by the intercourse
they hold with them.
* The Indian nations differ but Tittle from each
other in their marriage ceremonics, and less in the
manner of their divorces. ‘The tribes that inhabit
the borders of Canada, make use of the following
custom. "
* When a young Indian has fixed his inclinations]
ling ocen~
ted by the
n by then
ersons of
int. The
hich con-
rom six to
ted to take
heir being
» maintain,
marry two
>more, the
8 (as it Ape
nion, they
the elder;
ich meniat
huses their
e of servi-
injunction
8 Of gaine
ands, that
ness of bes
respect at-
Ithough he
in a state
eral years,
the favour
id prudent
in his em-
luring the
ppen to be
tef, whose
is entering
B case they
hd without
h the tem-
nown that
eiving his
manner as
bng the na-
lan among
he manners
le insome
ntercourse
from each
less in the
hat inhabit
following
linations |
<
MISSOURI, 299
fos one of the other sex, he endeavours to gain
ier consent, and if he succceds, it is never known
that her parents obstruct their union, When
every ey a is agreed on, and the day ap-
pointed, the friends and acquaintance of both
parties assemble at the house or tent of the oldest
relation of the bridegroom, where a feast is pre-
pared on the occasion.
§ The company who meet to assist at the festival
are sometimes very numerous: they dance, they
sing, and enter into every other diversion usually
made use of on any of their public rejoicings,
¢ When these are finished, all those who attended
merely out of ceremony depart, and the bride-
groom and bride are let alone with three or four
of the nearest and oldest relations of cither side ;
those of the bridegroom being men, and those of
the bride, women.
‘ Presently the bride, attended by these few
friends, having withdrawn herself for the purpose,
appears at one of the doors of the house, and is led
to the bridegroom, who stands ready tv receive
her. Having now taken their station, on a mat
placed in the centre of the room, they lay hoid of
the extremities of a wand, about four feet lone, by
which they continue separated, whilst the old men
pronounce some short harangues suitable to the oc-
casion,
‘ The married couple then make a public decla-
ration of the love and regard they entertain for each
other, and still holding the rod between them,
dance and sing. When they have finished this
part of the ceremony, they break the rod into as
many pieces as there are witnesses present, who
cach take a piece and preserve it with great care.
‘ The bride is then reconducted out of the door
at which slice entered, where her young companions
wait to attend her to her father’s house ; there the
bridegroom is obliged to seck her, and the mar-
riage is consummated. Very often the wife re-
mains at her fathcr’s house till she has a child,
when she packs up her apparel, which is all the
fortune she is generally possessed of, and accom-
panies her husband to his habitation.
¢ When from any dislike a separation takes place,
for they are seldom known to quarrel, they gene-
rally give their friends a few days notice of their
intentions, and sometimes offer reasons to justify
their conduct. ‘The witnesses who were present at
the marriage, meet on the day requested, at the
house of the couple that are about to separate, and
bringing with them the pieces of rod which they
had © -seived at their nuptials, throw them into the
five 1 the presence of all the parties.
‘ 'This is the whole of the ceremony required, and
the separation is carried on without any murmur-
ings or ill will between the couple or their relations ;
and after a few months they are at liberty to marry
again,
© When a marriage is thus dissolved, the chil-
dren which have been produced fram it, are equally
divided between them; and as children are esteem-
ed a treasure by the Indians, if the number hap.
ens to be odd, the woman is allowed to take the
tter half,
‘ Though this custom seems to encourage fickle.
ness and frequent separations, yet there are many
of the Indians who have but one wife, and enjoy
with her a state of connubial happiness not to be
exceeded in more refined societies. ‘There are also
not a few instances of women preserving an invio-
lable attachment to their husbands, except in the
cases before mentioned, which are not considered
as cither a violation of their chastity or fidelity.
§ Although 1 have said that the Indian nations
differ very little from each other in their marriage
ceremonies, there are some exceptions. ‘The Nau.
dowessies have a singular method of celebrating
their marriages, which seems to bear no resem-
blance to those made use of by any other nation I
assed through. When one of their young men
nas fixed on a young woman he approves of, he
discovers his passion to her parents, who give him
an invitation to come and live with them in their
tent.
‘He accordingly accepts the offer, and by so
doing engages to reside in it for a whole year, in
the character of a menial servant. During this
time he hunts, and brings aH the game he kills to
the family ; by which means the father has an op-
ortunity of seeing whether he is able to provide
or the support of his daughter and the children
that might be the consequence of their union. This
however is only done whilst they are young men,
and for their first wife, and not repeated like Ja-
cob’s servitude.
¢ When this period is expired, the marriage is
solemnized after the custom of the country, in the
following manner: three or four of the oldest male
relations of the bridegroom, and as many of the
bride’s, accompany the young couple from their
respective tents, toan open part in the centre of
the camp. ;
‘The chiefs and warriors being here assembled
to receive them, a party of the latter are drawn up
in two ranks on each side of the bride and bride-
groom immediately on their arrival. Their prin-
cipal chief then acquaints the whole assembly with
the design of their mecting, and tells them that the
couple before them, ROMA at the same time}
Qa Qs
300
[their names, are come to avow publicly their in-
tentions of living together as man and wile, Tle
then asks the two young people alternately, whe-
ther they desire that the union might take place,
Having declared with an audible voice that they
do so, the warriors fix their arrows, and discharge
them over the heads of the married pair; this
done, the chief pronounces them man and wife,
¢ The bridegroom then turns round, and bend-
ing his body, takes his wife on his back, in which
manner he carries her amidst the acclamations of
the spectators to his tent. ‘The ceremony is suc-
ceeded by the most plentiful feast the new-married
man can afford, and songs and dances, according
to the usual custom, conclude the festival,
¢ Among the Indian as well as European nations,
there are many that devote themselves to pleasure,
and notwithstanding the accounts given by some
modern writers of the frigidity of an Indian’s con-
stitution, become the zealous votaries of Venus.
The young warriors that are thus disposed, seldom
want opportunities for gratifying their passion ;
and as the mode usually followed on these occa-
sions is rather singular, 1 shall describe it.
¢ 6 When one of these young debauchees ima-
gines, from the behaviour of the person he has
chosen for his mistress, that he shall not meet with
any great obstruction to his suit from her, he pur-
sues the following plan,
¢ ¢ Tt has been already observed, that the In-
dians_ acknowledge no superiority, nor have they
any ideas of subordination, except in the necessary
regulations of their war or hunting partics; they
consequently live nearly ina state of equality, pur-
suant to the first principles of nature. The lover
therefore is not apprehensive of any check or con-
troul in the accomplishment of his purposes, if he
oan find a convenient opportunity for completing
them.
‘ ¢¢ As the Indians are also under no apprehen-
sion of robbers, or secret enemies, they leave the
doors of their tents or huts unfastened during the
night, as well as in the day. ‘Two or three hours
after sunset, the old people cover over their fire, that
is generally burning in the midst of their apartment
with ashes, and retire to their repose.
¢ ¢ Whilst darkness thus prevails, and all is
quiet, one of these sons of pleasure, wrapt up
closely in his blanket, to prevent his being known,
will sometimes enter the apartment of his intended
mistress. Having first lighted at the smothered
fire a small splinter of wood, which answers the
purpose of a match, he approaches the place where
she reposes, and gently pulling away the covering
from the head, jogs her till she awakes. If she
MISSOURIL
then rises ups and blows out the light, he needs no
further confirmation that his company is not dis-
agreeable ; but if, after he has discovered hinself,
she hides her head, and takes no notice of him, he
might rest assured that any further solicitations
will prove vain, and that it is necessary imme-
diately for him to retire. During his stay he con-
ceals the light as much as possible in the hollow of
his hands, and as the tents or rooms of the Indians
are usually large and capacious, he escapes with-
out detection. It is said, that the young women
who admit their lovers on these occasions, take
great care, by an immediate application to herbs,
with the potent efficacy of which they are well ac-
quainted, to prevent the effects of these illicit amours
from becoming visible; for should the natural
consequences ensue, they must for ever remain un-
married,”
‘ The children of the Indians are always distin-
guished by the name of the mother; and if a wo-
man marries several husbands, and has issue by
each of them, they are called after her, The rea-
son they give for this is, that as their offspring are
indebted to the father for their souls, the invisible
part of their essence, and to the mother for their
corporeal and apparent part, it is more rational
that they should be distinguished by the name of
the latter, from whom they indubitably derive
their being, than by that of the father, to which
a doubt might sometimes arise whether they are
justly entitled,
‘ There are some ceremonies made use of by the
Indians at the imposition of the name, and it is
considered by them asa matter of great import-
ance; but what these are, | could never learn,
through the secrecy observed on the occasion, I
only know that it is usually given when the chil-
dren have passed the state of infancy.
* Nothing can exceed the tenderness shown by
them to their offspring ; and a person cannot re-
commend himself to their favour by any method
more certain, than by paying some attention to the
younger branches of their families,
‘Some difficulty attends an explanation of the
manner in which the Indians distinguish them-
selves from each other, Besides the name of the
animal by which every nation and tribe is deno-
minated, thcre are others that are personal, and
which the children receive from their mother,
‘ The chiefs are also distinguished by a name
that has either some reference to their abilities, or
to the hieroglyphic of their families ; and these are
acquired after they arrive at the age of manhood.
Such as have signalized themselves cither in their
war or hunting parties, or are possessed of some]
needs no
s not dis.
1 hiniself,
f him, he
licitations
ry imme-
y he con-
hollow of
ie Indians
ipes with
ig women
ons, take
to herbs,
e well ace
sit amours
e natural
emain un
\ys distin-
dif a wo-
} issue by
The rea-
spring are
2 invisible
for their
é rational
e name of
ly derive
to which
t they are
of by the
and it is
it import.
ver learn,
vasion,. |
the chil-
shown by
‘annot re-
ly method
tion to the
tion of the
ish them-
me of the
e is deno-
onal, and
ther,
by a name
dilities, or
1 these are
manhood.
Y in their
of sone]
MISSOURL 30!
[eminent qualifications, receive a name that serves
to perpetuate the fame of those actions, or to make
their abilities conspicuous,
* It is certain the Indians acknowledge one Su-
reme Being, or Giver of Life, who presides over
all things; that is, the Great Spirit; and they
look up to him as the source of good, from whom
no evi) san proceed, They also believe ina bad
spirit, to hom they ascribe great power, and sup-
ose that through his means all the evils which
Petal mankind are inflicted. To him therefore do
they pray in their distresses, begging that he would
either avert their troubles, or moderate them when
they are no longer avoidable.
¢ They say that the Great Spirit, who is infinitely
good, neither wishes nor is able to do any mischief
to mankind ; but on the contrary, that he showers
down on them all the blessings they deserve ;
whereas the evil spirit is continually employed in
contriving how he may punish the human race ;
and to do which, he is not only possessed of the
will, but of the power.
‘They hold also that there are good spirits of a
lower degree, who have their particular depart-
ments, in which they are constantly contributing
to the happiness of mortals. ‘These they suppose
to preside over all the extraordinary productions
of nature, such as those lakes, rivers, or moun-
tains that are of an uncommon magnitude ; and
likewise the beasts, birds, fishes, and even vege-
tables or stones, that exceed the rest of their species
in size or singularity. ‘To all of these they pay
some kind of adoration.
¢ But at the same time I fancy that the ideas they
annex to the word spirit, are very different from
the conceptions of more enlightened nations.
‘They appear to fashion to themselves corporeal re-
presentations of their gods, and believe them to be
of a human form, though of a nature more excel-
Jent than man,
¢ Of the same kind are their sentiments relative
toa futurity. “ They doubt not but they shall exist
in some future state; they however fancy that
their employments there will be similar to those
they are engaged in here, without the labour and
difficulties annexed to them in this period of their
existence.
‘ They consequently expect to be translated to a
delightful country, where they shall always have
a clear unclouded sky, and enjoy a perpetual
spring ; where the forests will abound with game,
and the lakes with fish, which might be taken
without a painful exertion of skill, or laborious
pursuit; in short, that they shall live for ever in
regions of plenty, and enjoy every gratification
they delight in here, in a greater degree,
© To intellectual pleasures they are strangers ;
nor are these included in their scheme of ha piness,
But they expect that even these animal pleasures
will be proportioned and distributed according to
their merit; the skilful hunter, the bold and suc-
cessful warrior, will be entitled toa greater share
than those who, through indolence or want of skill,
= boast of any superiority over the common
rerd,
‘'l’he priests of the Indians are at the same time
their ph sicians, and their conjurers ; whilst they
heal their wounds, or cure their diseases, they ine
terpret their dreams, give them protective charms,
and satisfy that desire which is so prevalent among
them, of searching into futurity.
‘How well they execute the latter part of their
professional engagements, and the methods they
make use of on some of these occasions, I have
already shewn in the exertions of the priest of the
Killistiones, who was fortunate enough to succeed
in his extraordinary attempt near lake Superior.
They frequently are successful likewise in admi-
nisterin the salubrious herbs they have acquired a
knowledge of; but that the ceremonies they make
use of during the administration of them, contri-
butes to their success, I shall not take upon me to
assert.
¢ When any of the people are ill, the person
who is invested with this triple character of
doctor, priest, and magician, sits by the patient
day anh night, rattling in his ears goad shell,
filled with dry beans, called a chichicoue, and
making a disagreeable noise that cannot well be
described,
¢ This uncouth harmony one would imagine
would disturb the sick person and prevent the
good effects of the doctor’s prescription; but on
the contrary they believe that the method made
use of, contributes to his recovery, by diverting
trom his malignant purposes the evil spirit who
has inflicted the disorder; or at least that it will
take off his attention, so that he shall not increase
the malady. This they are credulous enough to.
imagine he is constantly on the watch to do, and
would carry his inveteracy toa fatal length if they
did not thus charm him,
* I could not discover that they make use of any
other religious ceremonies than those I have dese
cribed ; indeed on the appearance of the new
moon they dance and sing; but it is not evident
that they pay that planet any adoration; they only
seem to rejoice at the return of a luminary. that]
ae
|
i
'
|
|
302 MISSOURI.
[rake the night cherful, and which serves to light
them on their way when they travel during the
absence of the sun.
‘ Notwithstanding Mr. Adair has asserted ihat
the nations among whom he resided, observe with
very little variation all the rites appointed by the
Mosaic law, 1 own 1 could never discover among
those tribes that lie but a few degrees to the n. w.
the least traces of the Jewish religion, except it he
admitted that one particular female custom, and
their divisions into tribes, carry with them proof
sufficient to establish this assertion.
6‘ The Jesuits and French missionaries have
also pretended, that the Indians had, when they
first travelled into America, some notions, though
these were dark and confused, of the Christian
institution; that they have been greatly agitated
at the sight of a cross, and given proofs by the
impressions made on them, that they were not
entirely unacquainted with the sacred mysteries of
Christianity. 1 need not say that these are too
glaring absurdities to be credited, and could only
receive their existence from the zeal of those
fathers, who endeavoured at once to give the pub-
lic a better opinion of the success of their mis-
sions, and to add support to the cause they were
engaged in.
¢ The Indians appear to be in their religious
principles rude and uninstructed. ‘The doctrines
they hold are few and simple, and such as have
been generally impressed onthe human mind, by
some means or other, in the most ignorant ages,
They, however, have not deviated, as many other
uncivilized nations, and too many civilized ones,
have done, into idolatrous modes of worship: they
venerate indced and make offerings to the won-
derful parts of the creation, as I have before ob-
served; but whether those rights are performed
on account of the impression such extraordinary
appearances make on them, or whether they con-
sider them as the peculiar charge, or the usual
places of residence of the invisible spirits they
acknowle~e, | cannot positively determine.
‘The! aman mind in its uncultivated state is apt
to ascribe the extraordinary occurrences of nature,
such as earthquakes, thunder, or hurricanes, to
the interposition of unseen beings; the troubles
and disasters also that are annexed to a savage
life, the apprehensions attendant on a precarious
subsistence, and those numberless inconveniences
which man in his improved state has found means
to remedy, are supposed to proceed from the ine
terposition of evil spirits ; the savage, consequently,
lives in continual apprehensions of their unkind
attacks, and to avert them has recourse to charms,
to the fantastic ceremonies of his priest, or the
powerful influence of his Manitous. Fear has of
course a greater share in his devotions than grati-
tude, and he pays move attention to deprecating
the wrath of the cvil, than to securing the favour
of the good beings.
© The Indians, however, entertain these absurdi-
ties in common with those of every part of the
globe who have not been illuminated with that
religion, which only can disperse the clouds of
superstition and ignorance, and they are as free
from error as people can be, who have not been
favoured with its instructive doctrines.
* In Penobscot, a settlement in the province of
Maine, in then. e. part of New England, the wife
of a soldier was taken in labour, and notwithstand-
ing every necessary assistance was given her,
could not ve delivered. In_ this situation she re-
mained for two or three days, the persons around
her expecting that the next pang would put an end
to her existence.
* An Indian woman, who accidentally passed by,
heard the groans of the unbappy sufferer, and in-
quired from whence they proceeded. Being made
acquainted with the desperate circumstance at-
tending the case, she told the informant, that if
she might be permitted to sce the person, she did
not doubt but that she should be of great service
to her.
* The surgeon that had attended, and the mid-
wife who was then present, having given up every
hope of preserving their patient, the Indian woman
was allowed to make use of any methods she
thought proper. She accordingly took a handker-
chiet, and bound it tight over the nose and mouth
of the woman: this immediately brought on a
suffocation; and from the struggles that conse-
quently ensued, she was in a few seconds deliver-
ed. ‘The moment this was achieved, and time
enough to prevent any fatal effect, the handkere
chief was taken off. ‘The long-suffering paticnt,
thus happily relieved from her pains, soon atter
perlectly recovered, to the astonishment of all
those who fad been witnesses to her desperate
situation.
¢ The reason given by the Indian for this hazard-
ous method of proceeding, was, that desperate
disorders require desperate remedies; that as she
observed the exertions of nature were not suflici-
ently forcible to effect the desired consequence, she
thought it necessary to augment their force, which
could only be done by some mode that was violent
in the extreme, |
o charms,
st, or the
ear has of
han gratis
‘precating
he favour
e absurdi-
ut of the
with that
clouds of
reas free
>not been
ovince of
, the wife
vithstand-
iven her,
on she re-
ns around
ut an end
yassed by,
> and in-
sing made
stance at-
t, that if
» she did
at service
the mid-
up every
n woman
hods she
handker-
d mouth
bht on a
it conse-
s deliver-
and time
handkere
patient,
oon after
t of all
esperate
Ss hazards
lesperate
at as she
bt sullici+
nee, she
le, which
$s violent
MISSOURI. 303
fr An Indian meets death when it approaches him
in his hut, with the same resolution as he evinces
when called to face him inthe field. His indiffer-
ence unter this important trial, which is the source
of so many apprehensions to almost every other
nation, is truly admirable. When his fate is pro-
nounced by the physician, and it remains no
Tonger uncertain, he harangues those about him
with the greatest composure.
© Ifhe is a chief and has a family, he makes a
kind of funeral oration, which he concludes by
giving to his children such advice for the regula-
tion of their conduct as he thinks necessary. He
then takes leave of his friends, and issues out ore
ders for the preparation of a feast, which is de-
signed to regale those of his tribe that can come to
pronounce his eulogium.
© The character of the Indians, like that of other
uncivilized nations, is composed of a mixture of
ferocity and gentleness. ‘They are at once guided
by passions and appetites, which they hold in com-
mon with the fiercest beasts that inhabit their woods,
and are possessed of virtues which do honour to
homan nature.
© In the following estimate I shall endeavour to
forget on the one hand the prejudices of Ameri-
cans, who usually annex to the word Indian,
ideas that are disgraceful to human nature, and
who view them in no other light than as savages
and cannibals, whilst with equal care I avoid my
partiality towards them, as some must naturally
arise from the favourable reception EF met with
during my stay among them.
© That the Indians are of a cruel, revengeful, in-
exorable disposition; that they will watch whole
days unmindful of the calls of nature, and make
their way through pathless, and almost unbounded
woods, subsisting only on the scanty produce of
them, to pursue and revenge themselves of an ene-
my; that they hear unmoved the piercing cries of
sich as unhappily fall into their hands, and re-
ceive a dfnbolival pleasure from the tortures they
inflict on their prisoners, I readity grant: but let
us lock on the reverse of this terrifying picture,
and we shall find them temperate both in their
diet and potations, (it must be remembered that I
speak of those tribes who have little communica-
tion with Americans); that they withstand, with
unexampled patience, the attacks of hunger, or
the inclemency of the seasons, and esteem the
gratification of their appeiites but as a secondary
consideration.
¢ We shall likewise see them social and humane
to those whom they consider as their friends, and
even to their adopted cnemies ; and ready to share
with them the last morsel, or to risk their lives in
their defence.
© In contradiction to the report of many other
travellers, all of which have been tinctuted with
prejudice, I + ~~ ssert, that notwithstanding the
apparent incif.cvence with which an Indian meets
his wife and childreu after a long*’absence, an ins
difference proceeding rather from custom than in-
sensibility, he is not unmindful of the claims cither
of connubial or parental tenderness.
¢ Accustomed from their youth to innumerable
hardships, they soon become superior to a sense of
danger, or the dread of death ; and their fortitude,
implanted by nature, and nurtured by example,
by precept and accident, never experiences a mo-
ment’s allay,
¢ Though slothful and inactive whilst their
stores of provisions remain uncxbausted, and their
foes are at a distance, they are indefatigable and
persevering in pursuit of their game, or in circum
venting their enemies.
© If they are artful and designing, and ready to
take every advantage, if they are cool and delibe-
rate in their councils, and cautious in the extreme,
either of discovering their sentiments, or of reveal-
ing a secret, they might at the same time boast of
possessing qualifications of a more animated na-
ture, of the sagacity of a hound, the penctrating
sight of a lynx, the cunning of a fox, the agility
of a bounding roe, and the unconquerable fierce-
ness of the tiger.
‘ In their public characters, as forming part of a
community, they possess an attachment for that
band to which they belong, unknown to the inha-
bitants of any other country. ‘They combine, as if
they were actuated only by one soul, against the
enemies of their nation, and banish from their
minds every consideration opposed to this,
¢ They consult without unnecessary opposition,
or without giving way to the excitements of envy
or ambition, on the measures necessary to be pur-
sucd for the destruction of those who have drawn
on themselves their displeasure. No selfish views
ever influence their advice, or obstruct their con-
sultations. | Nor is it in the power of bribes
or threats to diminish the love they bear their
country.
¢ The honour of their tribe, and the welfare of
their nation, are the first and most predominant
emotions of their hearts ; and from hence proceed
in a great measure all their virtues and their vices.
Actuated by these, they brave every danger, endure
the most refined torments, and expire triumphing
in their fortitude, not as a personal quality, but as
a national characteristic. ]
304 MISSOURI.
(* From hence also flows that insatiable revenge
towards those with whom they are at war, and all
the consequent horrors that disgrace their name.
Their uncultivated mind being incapable of judg-
ing of the propriety of an action, in opposition to
their passions, which are totally insensible of the
- controul of reason or humanity, they know not
how to keep their fury within any bounds, and
consequently that courage and resolution, which
would otherwise do them honour, degenerate into
a savage ferocity.
* But this short dissertation,’ continues Cap-
tain Lewis, ¢ must suffice: the limits of my work
will not permit me to treat the subject more
copiously, or to pursue it with a logical regularity.
The observations already made by my readers on
the preceding pages, will, I trust, render it unne-
cessary ; as by them they will be enabled to form a
tolerably just idea of the people I have been des-
criving. Experience teaches that anecdotes, and
relations of particular events, however trifling they
might appear, enable us to form a truer judgment
of the man..ers and customs of a people, and are
much more deciaratory of their real state, than the
most studied and elaborate disquisition, without
these aids.’
Statement of the Commerce of the Missouri.
The following statement of the commerce of the
Missouri is extracted from the work of the author
whom we have already so liberally quoted.
¢ The products which are drawn from the
Missouri are obtained from the Indians and hunters
in exchange for merchandize. They may be class-
ed according to the subjoined table.
d. c. dolls. cts,
Castor - 12281 Ibs. at 1 20 14737 20
Otters - 1267 skins 4— 5068 —
Foxes
Pouha Foxes 802 skins 0 50 401 —
Tiger cats
Raccoons - A248 skins 025 1062 —
WI\rw/ 1 8
Bears, black,
grey, and 2541 skins 2— 5082 —
yellow
Puces -- - 2541 skins 2— 5082 —
fe alee - 1714 skins 3— 5142 —
ressed cow :
hao : 189 skins 150 983 50
Shorn deer
ae } 96926 Ibs. 0 50 88770 40
Deer skins, é 6381 skins 050 3190 50
with hair
Carry forward 78818 60
d.c. dolls. ets,
Brought forward 78818 60
Tallow and fat 8313 lbs. 0 20 81662 60
Bears oil - 2310 galls 128 2472 —
Muskrats ° _ — _- —
Martens _ — — _- —
Total 82:53 20
¢ The calculation in this table, drawn from the
most correct accounts of the products of the
Missouri, during fifteen years, makes the average
of a common year about 77,971 dollars.
¢ On calculating, in the same proportion, the
amount of merchandize entering the Missoni: and
given in exchange for peltries, it is found that it
amounts to 61,250 dollars, including expences,
equal to one-fourth of the value of the merchan-
dize.
‘ The result is, that this commerce giyes an
annual produce of 16,721 dollars, or about 27 per
cent.
¢ If the commerce of the Missouri, without en-
couragement, and badly regulated, gives annually
so great a profit, may we not rest assured that it
will be greatly augmented, should government
direct its attention to it. It is also necessary to
observe, that the price of peltry fixed by this table
is the current price in the Illinois: if it were regu-
lated by the prices of London, deducting the
expences of transportation, the profit, according
to our calculation, would be much more con-
siderable.
‘ If the Missouri, abandoned to savages, and
presenting but one branch of commerce, yields
such great advantages, in proportion to the capital
employed in it, what might we not hope, if some
merchants or companies with large capital, and aided
by a population extended along the borders of the
river, should turn their attention to other branches
of the trade, which they might undertake (1 dare
say) with a certainty of success, when we consider
the riches buried in its banks, anc of which I
have endeavoured in these notes to give an idea?
© AN ESTIMATE OF THE PRODUCE OF THE SEVERAL
MINES.
Mine at Burton, 550,000lbs.
mineral, estimated to pro-
duce 663, is 336,6662lbs.
lead, at 5 dollars, is - 18,333 53
To which add 30 dollars,
(on 120,000lbs, mannfac-
Carry forward 18,333 33]
dolls. ets.
78818 60
1662 60
2472 —
—_— —
° 82:53 20
n from the
cts of the
he average
portion, the
ssouri, and
und that it
expences,
e merchan-
2 gives an
out 27 per
without en-
es annually
ured that it
rovernment
ecessary to
y this table
were regu
ucting the
according
more con-
vages, and
ree, yields
the capital
ne, if some
I,and aided
rders of the
er branches
ke (I dare
e consider
bi which I
an idea?
E SEVERAL
MIS
[Brought forward 18,333 33
tured) to each thousand,
| Oe ae eed A i
3,600 —
21,933 33
Old Mines, 200,000lbs. mi-
neral, estimated to pro-
duce 663, is 133,3334\bs.
lead, at 5 dollars per cwt.
is - + = =
Mine & la Mott, 200,000Ibs.
lead, at 5 dollars per cwt.
is - + + + 10,000 —
Suppose at all the other
mines 30,000Ibs. Ica.’ at
5 dollars, is - - 1,500 —
6,666 67
18,166 67
Dollars 10,100 —
¢ Wher the manufacture of white and red Icad is
put into operation, the export valuation will be
considerably augmented on the quality of ong
[Missouri Indians, properly so called, are the
remnant of the most numerous nation inhabiting
the Missouri, when first known to the French.
Their ancient and principal village was situated in
an extensive and fertile plain, on the 2. bank of
the Missouri, just below the entrance of the grand
river. Repeated attacks of the small-pox, together
with their war with the Saukees and Renars, have
reduced them to their present state of dependence
on the Ottoes, with whom they reside, as well in
their village as on their hunting excursions. ‘The
Ottoes view them as their inferiors, and sometimes
treat them amiss. ‘These people are the real pro-
prietors of an extensive and fertile country lying
on the Missouri, above their ancient village, for a
considerable distance, and as low as the mouth oi
the Osag> river, and thence to the Mississippi.
For an account of other nations inhabiting the
borders of 42 Missouri, see that river. }
[MISSQUASH River. Nova Scotia and New
Brunswick provinces are separated by the several
windings of this river, from its confluence with
Beau Basin (at the head of Chignecto channel) to
its rise or main source; and from thence by a due
e. line to the bay of Verte, in the straits of Nor.
thumberland, See New Baunswick. ]
[MISTAKE Bay, a large bay on the w. side of
the entrance of Davis's straits, and to the . of
Hudson’s straits; from which it is separated by a
peninsula of the r. main on the w. and Resolution
island on the s.- It is to the x. e. of Nieva island,
and 2. w. of cape Elizabeth. ]
[MISTAKEN Cape, the s. point of the eastern-
VOL. Hl.
Total amount is
MI3 305
most of the Hermit’s islands, is about 25 miles x,
an cape Horn, at the extremity of S. Ame-
rica.
[Misraxken Point, to the w. of cape Race, at
the s. e. point of the island of Newfoundland, and
to the e, of cape Pine, isso called because it has
been frequently mistaken by seamen for cape Race
when they first make the island from the s. though
it is two leagues w. n. w. from it. :
MISTAN, a settlement of the head settlement
of the district and alcaldia mayor of Huauchinango
in Nueva Espaiia; situate on the s. side of the
said head settlement.
MISTASSINS, a great lake of New France or
Canada in "/. America; formed from the river
Rupert, in tne country of the Indians of its name.
and is divided into three parts, which afterwards
communicate.
MISTECAPA, a small settlement or ward of
the head settlement of the district of San Luis, of
the coast and alcaldia mayor of Tlapa in Nueva
Espaiia. It contains 16 tamilies of Indians, and
is a little more than a league from the settlement
of Quauzoquitengo.
MISTEPEC, a settlement and head settlement
of the district of the alcaldia mayor of Juxtla-
huaca in Nueva Espaiia. It contains 232 families
of Indians, including those of five wards of its
district,
Mistrrec, another settlement, of the alcaldia
mayor of Guajuapa in the same kingdom; con-
taining 12 families of Indians.
MISTEPEQUE, San Acustin nr, a settle
ment and head settlement of the district of the al-
caldia mayor of Nexapa in Nueva Espaiia; com-
posed of six other setilememts.
Misrepreque, another, with the dedicatory
title of San Agustin, of this head settlement and
alcaldia mayor. 1t is situate on an extensive lofty
plain, having on either side two very deep and
craggy glens, in the which the Indians cultivate
cochineal and other seeds. Every cight days there
is celebrated here a tianguis or fair, visited by
traders as well of other jurisdictions as this, for
the buying and selling of seeds, household utensils,
fruit, flesh, mantles, eloths, and cotion stuffs, It
is 34 leagues s. with a small inclination w. of its
capital.
Mistereaur, another, with the dedicatory
title of San Andres, of the same head settlement
and alcaldia mayor; containing 56 Indiau fa.
milies.
MISTERIOSA, a small island of the N. sea ;
between the coast of Honduras, or rather between
the shoal of Santillana and El Placer.
RR
306 MIT
(MISTIC, or Mystic, a short river which falls
into the n. side of Boston harbour by a broad
mouth on the e. side of the peninsula of Charles-
town. It is navigable for sloops four miles to the
industrious town of Medford; and is crossed a
mile above its mouth by a bridge 130 rods in
length, through which vessels pass by means of a
qt
(MISTINSINS, an Indian nation who inhabit
ou the s. side of the lake of the same name in
Lower Canada.
(MISTISSINNY Lake, in Canada; on the
s. e. side of which is a Canadian house, or sta-
tion for trade.
MISTLAN, San Juan pt, a settlement of the
province and alcaldia mayor of Guazacapan in the
kingdom of Guatemala ; annexed to the curacy
of Nuestra Sefiora de la Concepcion of Escu-
intla; formerly of the monks of St. Domingo.
MITARE, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Venezuela ; situate on the shore of the
river of its name, in the part where this unites
with the Seco, to the w. of the city of Coro.
Mitare. The aforesaid river is large, and en-
ters the N. sea near the mouth of the gulf of Mara-
caibo, in lat. 11° 27/ n.
([MITCHELL’S Eddy, the first falls of Mer-
rimack river, 15 miles fram its mouth, and six
above the new bridge which ccennects Haverhill
with Bradford. Thus far it is navigable for ships
of burden.
MITCHIGAMES, abarbarous nation of Indians
of the province and government of Louisiana in N.
America. They retired and fled from the Tchicachas
to the territory of the Arkansas, and these finding
them valorous and useful to them in their wars al-
lowed them to domesticate, and thus the two tribes
became confounded, to the extinction of this of
which we treat.
MITIC, a settlement of the head settlement of
the district and alcaldia mayor of Lagos in Nueva
Espana; four leagues z. e. of its capital.
MITIMARES, certain Indians, who removed
themselves from different provinces to others, a
practice which was much encouraged and enforced
by the Incas, when, after taking any new pro-
vinces, they doubted of the loyalty of some of the
subjects.
MITLA, a settlement and head settlement of
the district of the alcaldia mayor of Teutitlan in.
Nueva Espafia. It contains 150 families of In-
dians, and is four leagues w. of its capital.
MITLANTONGO, Santa Cruz bE, a settle-
ment and head settlement of the district of the alcal-
dia mayor of Nochiztlan in Nueva Espajia; con-
j
MIX
taining 58 familics of Indians, and being eight
leagues e. and s, of its capital.
Mixbanvawans with the dedicatory title: of
Santiago, another settlement of the same head scttle-
ment and alcaldia mayor as the former ; contain..
ing 48 Indian families, and being: nine: leagues e,
with an inclination to s. of its capital,
MITLAZINCO, a settlement of the head sct-
tlement of the district of Otengo, and alcalidia
mayor of Chilapa, in Nueva Kspaiia ; two leagues,
n. of its head settlement.
MITMAS, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Pree in Peru; annexed to:
the curacy of Chisquilla.
MITO, a settlement of the province and. core-
i elig Tarma in Peru ; annexed tothe curacy
of Tapu.
MITOTO, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Xauja in Peru,
MITQUITLAN, a settlement of the province
of Cuextlan in Nueva Espafia,. in the time of the
Indian gentilism ; conquered by the King Ahuit-.
zot!, although, from the valour of its natives, it
cost him a great many lives of his best:troops.
MIXAPA, a settlement of the province and
alcaldia mayor of Los Zoques in the kingdom of
Guatemala.
MIXATA, a settlement of the province and
government of Sonsonate in the kingdom of
Guatemala ; annexed to the curacy of San Pedro
Chipilapa.. and containing 60 Indians.
MIXCO, a settlement of the province and.
kingdom of Guatemala ;: founded in. an extensive
valley, from which it takes its name, and on the:
shore of the river Las Vacas. It contains 300 fa-
milies, and is very rich, being the decided pass
to Mexico. The opulence of its inhabitants is.
acquired chiefly from the keeping of mule-droves
for the purposes. of forwarding merchandize, and:
the Father ‘Tomas Gage, who was curate here for
five years, relates, that one person, named Juan.
Palomequel, himself kept no less than 300 of these
animals. What contributes, however, no less to
ils opulence is,. that the Indians here are very ex-
pert in making earthen-ware articles of gveat
beauty, and such. as are eagerly bought by a
greater part of the jurisdictions of the kingdom.
It abounds in wheat, fruit, seeds, and all sorts of
fowl. leven leagues from Guatemala.
Mixce. The aforesaid valley is five leagues
long and three quarters of a. league wide, watered:
by the river Las Vacas, and thereby rendered very
fertile and delightful, It has some breeds of cat-
tle, and produces the best wheat in the kingdom,
and from it the capital is supplied. In it are 36
ug eight
r title: of
ad settle-
contain..
eagues e,
head sct-
! alcaldia
0 leagues,
°
e and cor-
inexed to:
ind. corre-
he curacy
vince and
) province
me of the
ng Ahuit-.
natives, it
Ops.
yince and:
ngdom of
yince and
dom of
San Pedro
vince and.
extensive
ind on the:
ns 300 fa-
cided pass
bitants is.
le-droves
idize, and:
te here for
ed Juan
)O of these
no less to
e very ex
of great
ght by a
kingdom.
bll sorts of
e leagues
e,. Watered
ered very
ds of cat-
kingdom,
it are 360
MIX
or 40 scattered houses which belong to so many
masters, and all being of the curacy of a church
which is at a small distance, called Nuestra Seitora
del Carmen.
MIXCONTIQUE, a settlement of the pro-
vince and alcaldia mayor of Chiapa in the king-
dom of Guatemala.
MIXO, a small river of St. Domingo, rising
in the mountains of Ciboo, and running s. s. w,
with the river San Juan to enter the Neiba.
MIXQUIAHUACAN, a settlement of the pro-
vince of Cempoala, and of the nation of Totona-
cas Indians, in Nueva Espaiia. After the conquest
of the kingdom bythe Spaniards, it changed its
name to that of San Francisco, which it pre-
scrves.
MIXQUIC, a province of Nueva Espziia,
conquered by the Emperor Thechotlatzin, the
fifth of the Chichimocas and Aculhuas. These
united themselves with Monquihuix, king of the
Tlatelucas, to defend themselves against Axaya-
catl, king of Mexico; who, however, reduced
them to obedience, and subjected them to the em-
pire. They afterwards entered into an alliance
with Cortes, and were greatly instrumental to the
carrying his purposes, by assisting him with ca-
noes and whatever else they had it in their power
to afford.
MIXTAN, a settlement of the province and al-
caldia muyor of Guazacapan in the kingdom of
Guatemala ; annexed to the curacy of San Pedro
Chipilapa, and containing 60 Indian inhabitants.
MIXTECA, a province of Nueva Espaiia ;
situate on the coast of the S. sea, divided into Alta
and Bara; the first being in the serrania, and its set-
tlements belonging to the jurisdiction of the bishop-
ric of La Puebla de los Angeles; the second be-
ing of the bishopric of Oaxaca, and lying in the
lanuras contiguous to the coast; bounded by the
province and alcaldia mayor of Xicayan, and by
Oaxaca, with the province of Huizo. Its district
comprehends the settlements of 'Teposcolula, No-
chitlan, and others, tothe which are subject va-
rious principal settlements, such as Nanguitlan and
Tlaxiaco. The temperature is for the most part
cold throughout. It abounds in wheat, maize,
fruit, and particularly in fine cochineal and silk-
worms; and these, with some manufactures and
some goat cattle which they kill, constitute the
chief articles of commerce, In the capital settle-
ments of the alcaldias mayores above mentioned
live some Spaniards; but in ail the others there
are none but Indians, speaking the Mixtecan
tongue, the language of this country. ‘These are,
generally speaking, docile, civil, and industrious,
MI Z 307
and less averse to labour than other Indians. In
one of the aforesaid settlements of this province
was born the illustrious Don Nicolas del Puerto,
an Indian and celebrated lawyer, and such as me-
rited to become the bishop of Oaxaca, a man of
great virtue and science, and who destroyed, the
prejudice that no India. was competent in ability
to the offices of Europeans.
MIZANTLA, a jurisdiction and alcaldia mayor
of Nueva Espaiia, called slso Vera Cruz Vieja,
from there being in it the city thus named and
founded by Hernan Cortes, but which was since re-
moved. It consists of seven settlements, which are,
Santa Maria Talixcoya, S. Martin Tlacotepe-
Cempoala, que,
S. Francisco Tenampa, Chicontepec y Colipa.
Santa Maria Tetela,
All these are small, though heads of districts,
and to them are annexed different wards; their
commerce consisting in the several breeds of cattle,
as also in maize and other seed. The natives
equally apply themselves to the cultivation of cot-
ton and to fishing, since they are girt by the sea,
and have a small port which serves only: for little
vessels. In this port Hernan Cortes landed at
the conquest of this place ; and here he effected the
stratagem of sending back his vessels as soon as
his men were ashore, for fear they might be induced
to fly to them for succour.
The capital is the settlement of the same name ;
situate on the spot where the city of Vera Cruz
stood. It is of an hot and somewhat moist tempe-
rature, inhabited by 230 families of Spaniards,
Mustees, and Mulattoes, and 260 of Mexican In-
dians. One hundred and forty-six miles e. of
Mexico, and 53 n. by w. of Vera Cruz. Lat,
19° 54’ n. Long. 96° 36’ w.
MIZAPA, Punta ne, a very lofty mountain
of the coast of Nueva Espaiia, between the
river Guazacoalco and the sierras of San Martin,
and serving as a land-mark to vessels.
MIZQUE, a province of the government of
Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Peru; bounded s. by the
province of Yamparaes, the river Grande inter-
secting the two, s. w, by that of Charcas, w. by
that of Cochabambas, and », by the serranias of
the cordillera. Its temperature is for the most part
hot, although it has some places mild. It pro-
duces wheat, maize, pulse, and garden herbs,
some sugar-cane, and vines of which wine is made;
and has various estates of large and small cattle
brought from Santa Cruz. ‘This province is very
poor, and all its commerce consists in the cultiva-
tion of the fields for the mere maintenance of the
families which inhabit os It has no mine what. -
RR!
308 MIZ
ever, and has no person of any consequence re-
siding in it; even those who lived there once be-
ing either dead or removed to Potosi and other
parts. It has, however, in its woods several sorts
of trees good for building; such as cedars, carobe
trees, quinaquinas, and others; also many tigers,
leopards, foxes, ounces, turkeys, doves, parrots,
ducks, herons, and other animals and birds, Near
the settlement of Pocona is a lake two leagues in
circumference, and is watered by rivers abound
ing in fish sufficient to supply the jurisdiction.
The inhabitants amount to 12,000, and its corre-
gidor used to enjoy a repartimiento of 11,512 dol-
ars. The settlements of its district are Pocona,
Tintin, Aiguile, Totora, Omereque; also those of
its ecclesiastical jurisdiction, Punata and Tarata,
which in their civil government belong to the pro-
vince of Cochabamba.
The capital is of the same name; asmall city,
founded in a beautiful and extensive valley of
eight leagues long, abounding in grain, wax, and
honey. 1t was formerly large and opulent, as no
few vestiges of itsancient grandeur testify. It has
besides the parish churches convents of monks of
St. Domingo, San Francisco, San Juan de Dios,
and of barefooted Augustins, the which, at the
present day, can scarcely maintain a single monk.
The principal cause of this decay has arisen from
the continued affliction of tertian fevers, to which
these hot valleys are subject, and which are here
called chuahu. Near the city pass two rivers,
which come from the province of Cochabamba and
enter Maraiion, in which fish are caught. [It is
situate on the shore of the river Grande, in lat. 18°
40's. Long. 56° 42! w.|
MIZQUIAHUALA, a settlement and head
settlement of the district and alcaldia mayor of
‘Tepetango in Nueva Espaiia; comprehending set-
ilements, and containing 50 families of Indians,
20 of Spaniards, Mustees, and Mulattoes. Eigh-
teen leagues 2. of Mexico,
MIZQUITIC, asettlement of the province of
Zacatecas in Nueva Espaiia; founded by order
of the viceroy Don Luis de Velasco, for which
purpose he sent some Indians from the province
of ‘Maxcala. It has in ita convent of the reli-
gious order of San Francisco, under whom it was
long dependent for religious instruction. ‘Three
leagues from the settlement of Tlaxcalilla, and 75
n. of Mexico.
MIZQUIYAHUALAN, a settlement near the
city of Mexico in the time of the Indians, cele-
brated for having been one of the places founded
by the Chichemacas during their peregtinations
under XNolotl.
MOB
[M‘KESSENSBURG, a town of Pennsylya-
nia, York county, on ‘Tom’s creek, 32 miles w,
s. w, of York. |
MOA, Cayo pr, an isle of the N. sea, near the
coast of the island of Cuba and the point of Las
Malas.
MOABAS, a settlement of the missions that
were held by the regulars of the company, in the
province of Ostimuri of N. America ; four leagucs
from the river Chico.
[MOAGES Islands, on the n. coast of S, Ame-
rica, in the entrance of the gulf of Venezuela.
They extend from n, to s. and lie w. of the island
of Aruba; are eight or nine in number, and all,
except one, low, flat, and full of trees. ‘The south-
ernmost is the largest.
MOALCACTEII, a settlement of the missions
which were held by the Jesuits, in the province
of 'Taraumara and kingdom of Nueva Vizcaya, s.e.
of the town and real of mines of Chiguagua. In
its vicinity are three large cultivated estates called
Cosaguinoa, lying four leagues to the s, Calichi-
qui four and an half to the w. and Cochunigui
eight to the s. w.
(MOBILE, a large navigable river, formed by
two main branches of the Alabama and 'Tombeck-
bee, in the s. w. part of Georgia. It pursues a s.
course into W. Florida; the confluent stream enters
the galf of Mexico at Mobile point, in lat. 30° 17/1.
11 leagues below the town of Mobile. Large ves-
sels cannot go within seven miles of the town. ‘The
breadth of the bay is in general about three cr four
leagues, Vast numbers of large alligators bask on
the shores, as well as swim in the rivers and la-
goons. See Georaia, ALABAMA, ‘TomBECK-
Bre, &c. From the n.e. source of the waters
of the Alabama, to Mobile point at the mouth of
Mobile bay, is, according to the best maps, about
460 miles: large boats can navigate 350 miles, and
canocs much farther.
([Monine, a city of W. Florida, formerly of
considerable splendour and importance, but now in
a state of decline. It is pretty regular, of an ob-
long figure, and situated on the w. bank of the
river. ‘The bay of Mobile terminates a little to
the n. e. of the town, in a number of marshes and
lagoons; which subject the people to fevers and
agues in the hot season. It is $3 miles x. of Mo-
bile point, about 32 below the junction of the two
principal branches of Mobile river, and 46 w.n.w.
of Pensacola. ‘here are many very clegant houses
here, inhabited by French, English, Scotch, and
Irish. Fort Conde, which stands very near the
bay, towards the lower end of the town, is a re-
gular fortress of brick ; and there is a neat square
Pennsylya-
32 miles w,
a, near the
oint of Las
ssions that
ny, in the
aur leagucs
of S. Ame-
Venezuela.
f the island
er, and all,
The south-
i¢ missions
1¢ province
IZCAYA, $.€.
agua. In
fates called
s. Calichi-
Sochunigui
formed by
'Tombeck-
ursues a Ss.
ream enters
t. 30° 17/2.
Large yes-
town. The
hree cr four
ors bask on
prs and la-
TomBeck-
the waters
> mouth of
naps, about
) miles, and
formerly of
, but now in
r, of an ob-
bank of the
a little to
narshes and
» fevers and
n. of Mo-
1 of the two
AG ww... w.
rant houses
scotch, and
y near the
mM, is a re-
neat square
MOC
of barracks for the officers and soldiers. Mobile,
when in possession of the British, sent yearly to
London skins and furs to the value of from 12 to
15,000/, sterling, It surrendered to the Spanish
forces in 1780.
MOBJACK, a bay on the coast, province, and
colony of N, Carolina, at the entrance of the bay
of Chesapeak. ;
MOCA, a province of Peru in the time of the
Indian gentilism, on the confines of the kingdom
of Quito; at present confounded in the division
made by the Spaniards. It was conquered and
united to the empire by the Inca 'Tapac Yupan-
qui, eleventh emperor.
MOCALASA, a settlement of Indians of the
province of S. Carolina; situate on the shore of
the river Albama.
MOCANACO, a point of the coast of the N.
sea, and kingdom of Nueva Espaiia in N. Ame-
rica, two leagues and an half trom Vera Cruz.
At the distance of one league and an half is the
mouth of the river Medellin, on the shore of which
is a smal! settlement inhabited by 30 families of
Indians, who maintain themselves by the trade of
fishing in the said river, and carrying their stock
to the market of the city. It is of a warm and
dry temperature, in lat. 19°4’ n. Long. 96°
ow.
MOCIIA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Arica in Peru; annexed to the
curacy of Cibaya.
Mocua, another settiement, of the province and
corregimiento of Ambato in the kingdom of Quito,
onthe s. It is near the river Pachanlica, which
runs by the s. and is of a cold temperature from
its vicinity to the paramo or mountain desert of
Chimbocaso, which is always covered with snow.
The inhabitants are almost all Mustees, and have
the credit throughout the province of being noto-
rious robbers ; on which account it is said, that in
Mocha they sow grain and gather mules, mean-
ing that they do not there maintain themselves by
what they sow, but rather by what they plunder,
inasmuch as these depredators constantly take the
niles from passengers proceeding to Guaranda or
Ainbato, which lie in the road from Guayaquil
and from Quito. In lat. 1° 97’ s.
Mocua, another, with the dedicatory title of
Santa Lucia, in the province and corregimiento of
Truxillo in Peru. It is very small; situate near
the sea, and two leagues from the capital to the
s.e, in the road leading to Lima. The natives are
all people of colour, (excepting here and there a
Spaniard), and living by agriculture; so that its
limited district is nothing but a pleasant, culti-
2
MOC 309
vated garden, of a mild and salutary climate. It
lies in the direct road to Lima, and is the place
where the passports must be shewn to the lieutes
nant of the corregidor; in default of which no pere
son whatever is permitted to pass. ‘ '
Mocua, another, of the kingdom of Chile; si-
tuate on the coast, at the mouth of the river Vil-
lagran. :
Mocita, an island of the S, sea, belonging to
the kingdom of Chile, six leagues from the contie
nent. It is small, but well peopled with Indians,
who cultivate it with success, the soil being ex-
tremely fertile, ‘The climate is benign and salue
tary, and its water is supplicd by a most delicate
fountain. In lat. 38°21’ s. Es!
Mocua, a river of the province and corregimi«
ento of 'l'ruxillo in Peru, which rises from the
lakes Guaigaicocha and San Lorenzo, and, rune
ning 22 leagues, passes through the fertile valley
of Chimo, where the capital is founded, a league’s
distance from the river. It collects the waters of
many other rivers and streams, and being united
with the Trapiche, takes the name of Minocucho.
It so overflows the valley in the winter time that
it must be passed in rafts, as by here runs the royal
road to Lima. It empties itself into the S, sea.
MOCHARA, a settleinent of the province and
corregimiento of Chichas and 'Tarija in Peru.
MOCHICAUCHI, or Mocuicanut, a settle-
ment of the province and alcaldita mayor of Ci-
naloa in N. America; situate on the shore of the
river Fuerte, between the settlements of Charay
and San Miguel.
MOCHICOS, a very numerous nation of In-
dians of Peru, who used to dwell in the valleys on
the coast of the S. sea.
MOCHIMA, a port of the coast of the N. sea,
in the province and government of Cumana, It
is large, convenient, and frequented by vessels
which carry on an illicit trade on those coasts ; si-
tuaie between cape Cordera and point Araya.
MOCO, a river which flows down from the
mountains of Bogota, in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada, runs e. and, after having collected the
waters of several others, enters by the 2. shore into
the Orinoco.
MOCOA, a large and extensive province of the
kingdom of Quito, in the jurisdiction and corregi-
miento of Pasto, discovered by Hernan Perez de
Quesada in 1541. In this province the rivers Ca-
queta to the 2. and the Putumayo or Iza to the s.
take their rise. It has also a large lake of the
same name as itself, in which are found pearls,
which, although small, are extremely fine. ‘Fhe
territory here is but little known and less peopled ;
310 MOC
hounded 2. by the province of Popayin, w. by
that of Pasto, s.w. by the town of Ibarra, s. by
the province of Sucumbios, and e. by the moun-
tains of the infidel Indians. It is irrigated by the
two rivers aforesaid, as also by those of Sucia,
Tango, Pato, Labaquero, Piedras, Guinchoa, Vi-
des, Quino, Pischilin, Yaca, and others of less
note, ‘The natives are expert at making beautiful
wooden utensils, giving them a varnish which
they fix in by the fire, and having the appearance
of japan, and which work they call de Mocoa. In
the mountains is found a small animal of the figure
of a beetle, which becomes converted into a plant,
and in the city of Pasto they have frequently been
seen half in an animal and half in a vegetable state,
previous to the perfect metamorphosis of the ani-
mal to the plant with roots and tendrils. ‘The ca-
pital of this province was the city of the same
name, the which is at present destroyed, though
once situate on the s. shore of the river Caqueta,
in lat. 1°32’n. At the present day the capital is
the settlement of Sibundoy.
MOCOBI, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Moxos in the kingdom of Quito. It runs
n.w. near the settlement of La Santisima Trinidad,
and empties itself into the Marmore, in lat. 14°
53! s.
MOCOBIS, a barbarous nation of Indians, of
the province ard government of Tucuman in Peru,
to the n. of the city of Cordoba. ‘These Indians
are ferocious, and in their incursions infest the
whole province. They extend e. as far as the
river Ocloyas, and n. as far the district of the city
of Salta, to the w. as far asthe river Salado, and
to the s. as the fort of San Joseph. ‘They go in
troops through the woods, and burst suddenly upon
a settlement and destroy it. In 1668, the go-
vernor Don Alonso Mercado attempted their re-
duction by means of the Jesuits the Fathers Agus-
tin Fernandez and Pedro Patricio: these succeeded
in forming with them a treaty of peace, but which
was soon broken, and when they immediately re-
turned to their hostilities. ‘The Jesuits of the col-
lege of the town of Santa Fé catechised in 1744
one of the'r principal caciques named Anacaiqui,
and he returned a short time after, requesting the
Spaniards would send back with him a inissionary
of the Jesuits, and found a settlement to which he
might induce those of his nation to come. ‘The
governor of Buenos, Don Miguel de Salcedo, ac-
ceeded to his wishes, and giving his commands to
the provincial of the abolished order of the Jesuits,
the Father Francisco Burgher was nominated to
the mission, and he established a numerous reduc-
@ion, with the na.ic_of San Francisco Xavier,
MOC
when he was afterwards joined by a brother of
his order, Miguel de Zea, What operated against
a great number of conversions, was the circum.
stance of the contiguity of this new settlement to
the city of Santa Fé ; for the Indians, w! > had fre-
quent occasion to go'to this city, and observing the
customs there, would tell their instructors that the
Spaniards acted very differently from what they
were told to do, This induced the missionaries to
remove the settlement to a greater distance; and
then the Mocobis and many Abiporis and other
nations of Indians flocked to it, and embraced
the Christianity, in which they have since per-
severed.
MOCODONE, a port of the s. coast of Nova
Scotia or Acadia in N. America, between the
islands Poland and Liscomb.
OCOMO, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Larecaja in Peru.
OCOMOKO, or Litre Orinoco, a river
to the s.e. of the great river Orinoco, on the e.
coast of S, America. Four leagues w. of Amacum. |
MOCONDINO, called by some Mojondino, a
settlement of the province and corregimiento of
Pasto in the kingdom of Quito.
MOCORCA, a lake of the province and corre-
gimiento of Collahuas in Peru, of the district of
Arequipa, belonging to the settlement of Caba-
condo. It is three leagues in circumference, and
in it breeds a certain fish serving as a common
food for the natives, and which in their language
is called ilpi.
MOCORETA-GUAZU, a small river of the
province and government of Buenos Ayres, which
runs e. and enters the Uruguay between the Tim-
boy and the following river.
Mocoreta-Rint, or Mint, a small river of the
same province and government as the former, also
entering the Uruguay, between the former river
and the Maudozobo.
MOCORIPE, a port on the coast of the pro-
vince and captatnshtp of Seara in Brazil, between
the cape of Las Sierras and the river Koko.
MOCORI'TO, a settlement of the missions
which were held by the Jesuits of the province and
government of Cinaloa in N. America.
MOCOYAGUI, a settlement of the missions
that were held by the Jesuits in the same province
and government as the former.
MOCTUN, a settlement of the head settlement
of the district and alcaldia mayor of Villalta in
Nueva Espaiia, of a cold temperature, and contain-
ing 15 Indian families. Seven leagues e. of its
capital.
OCUL, a settlement of the province and cor-
‘brother of
ted against
le circum.
tlement to
ts had fre.
serving the
ors that the
what they
sionaries to
lance; and
and other
| embraced
since per-
st of Nova
atween the
ovince and
D0, a river
, on the e.
Amacum. |
jondino, a
zimiento of
and corre-
district of
t of Caba-
2rence, and
a common
r language
iver of the
res, which
n the ‘Tim-
iver of the
ormer, also
brmer river
pf the pro-
il, between
oko.
e€ missions
ovince and
he missions
e€ province
settlement
Villalta in
ind contain-
Ps é. of its
e and core
M OW
regimiento of Maule in the kingdom of Chile ; si-
tuate on the shore of the river Colorado,
OCUPE, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Saiia in Peru,
[MODER AND Davuauters Islands, a long
island two leagues e. by s. of the Father, or
Vaader island, with two small ones, so called,
near Cayenne, on the e. coast of S. America, not
far from the Constables, and 1 about lat. 5° 2.
Long. 52° the
([MOGHULBUGHKITUM, or Munvutsuck-
TITUM, a creek which runs w. to ANeghany river
in Pennsylvania. It is passable in flat-bottomed
boats to the settlements in Northumberland county.
Wheeling is its n. branch.
MOGI, a small river of the province and cap-
tainship of San Vicente in Brazil. It rises in
the mountains near the coast, and runs”, to enter
the Sapocay.
MOGIROIRI, a settlement of the same pro-
vince and kingdom as the former ; situate on the
n. of the bay of San Vicente.
MOGOTES, Sanrva Barpa bE, a settlement
of the province and corregimiento of 'Funja in the
Nuevo Reyno de Granada. It is of an hot tem-
perature, but subject to wet, with frequent tem-
pests of thunder and lightning. lt produces
maize, yucas, phpelany and sugar canes, of which
are made good sugars and conserves, called here
panelas; this being its principal article of com-
merce, though not without some woven cotton
stuffs. Itis a very healthy country, and where
people generally live tothe age of 80 years, and
some to 100. ‘The inhabitants of this settlement
amount to 400, who are very poor, and it is 93
miles n.e. of Tunja, and three e. of the town of
San Gil.
Mocorrs, a river, called also De las Fortelezns,
in the province and government of Choco, and
Nuevo Rupno de Granada. It rises in the grand
cordillera, and traverses the whole kingdom of
Tierra Firme ; running 2. «. it follows its course:
to Peru, and enters the S, sea near the cape Cor-
rientes,
MOHANET, a settlement of Indians of the
province and colony of Pennsylvania in N. Ame-
rica; situate on the bank of the e. arm of the river
Susquehannah.
[MOHAWK River, in New York, rises about
40 miles to the e. of lake Ontario, about cight
miles from Black or Sable river, a water of lake
Ontario, and runs s. 25 miles to fort Schuyler,
then e. 80 miles, and after receiving many tribu-
tary streams, falls into Hudson river, by three
mouths opposite to the cities of Lansinburgh and.
MOH 3it
Troy, from 7 to 10 miles n. of Albany. The pro-
duce that is conveyed down this river is landed at
Schenectady, on its s. bank, and is thence con-
veyed by land 16 miles over a barren, sandy,
shrub plain to Albany. It is in contemplation
either to cut a canal from Schenectady to the na-
vigable waters of Hudson river, or to establish a
turnpike road between Schenectady and’ Albany.
This fine river is now navigable for boats, from.
Schenectady, nearly or quite to its source, the
locks and canals round the Little falls, 56 miles
above Albany, having been completed in the au-
tumn of 1795; so that boats full loaded now pass:
them. The canal round them is nearly three
quarters of a mile, cut almost the whole distance
through an uncommonly hard rock, 'The opening
of this navigation is of great advantage to the com-
merce of the state. A shore of at least 1000 miles
in length is, in consequence of it, washed by boat-
able waters, exclusive of all the great likes; and’
many millions of acres of excellent tillage land,
rapidly settling, are accommodated with water
communication for conveying their produce to
market. The intervales on botli sides of this
river are of various widths ; and now and then, in-
terrupted by the projection of the bills quite to the
banks of the river, are some of the richest and best:
lands in the world. ‘The fine farms which em-
brace these intervales, are owned and cultivated:
principally by Dutch people, whose mode of
managing them would admit of great’ improve-
ment, The manure of their barns they consider as
a nuisance, and instead of spreading it on their up-
land, which they think of little value, (their mea-
dow lands do not require it) they cither let it re-
main for years in heaps, and remove their barns,
wlien access to them becomes difficult, or else
throw it into the river, or the gullies and streams:
which communicate with it. The banks of this
river were formerly thickly settled’ with Indians.
At the period when Albany was first settled, it has
been said by respectable authority, that there were
800 warriors in Schenectady ; and that 300 war-
riors lived within a space which is now occupied
as one farm. ‘The Cohoez in this river are a great
curiosity. ‘hey ure three miles fram its entrance’
into the Hudson, ‘The river is about 1000 feet
wide; the rock over which it pours, as over a
mill«dam, extends from s.w. to m,e. almost in a
line from one side of the river to the other, and is
about 40 feet perpendicular height; and including
the descent above, the fall is as much as 60 or 70
feet. About a mile below the falls, is a handsome
bridge, finished in July 1795. It is 1100 feet in
length, 24 in-breadth, and 15 feet aboye the bed of
et
gS
ip
M
te
At
1%
i}
312 MOH
the river, which for the most part is rock, and is
supported by 13 solid stone pillars, It is a free
bridge, and including the expence of cutting
through a ledge on the v.e. side of the river,
cost 12,000 dollars. ‘The river, immediately below
the brid , divides into three branches, which form
several |e islands. ‘The branches are fordable
at low water, but are dangerous, From the bridge
you have a fine view of the Cohocz on the 7. w. |
{Mouawk, a branch of the Delaware river.
Its course from its source in lake Uttayantha is
s.w. 45 miles, thence s.e. 12 miles, when it mine
gles with the Popachton branch ; thence the con-
fluent stream is called Delaware.
(Monaws, a town on the s. side of the river of
its name in Mont yomery couity, New York ; si-
tuated in one of the most fertile countries in the
world. It was abandoned by the Mohawk Indians
in the spring of 1780, See unten Fort, The
township is bounded 2, by Mohawk river, e. and
s. by Albany county. In 1790, it contained 4440
inhabitants, including 111 slaves, |
{Monawks, an Indian nation, acknowledged
by the other tribes of the Six Nations to be ‘ the
true old heads of the contederacy.” They were
formerly very powerful, and inhabited on Mohawk
river. As they were strongly attached to the
Johnson family, on account of Sir William John.
son, a part of them emigrated to Canada with Sir
John Johnson, as early as the year 1776, About
300 of this nation now reside in Upper Canada,
Sec Hunter Fort and Six Nattons. |
[MOHEGAN, situated between Norwich and
New London in Connecticut. This is the resi-
dence of the remains of the Mohegan tribe of In-
dians, A considerable part of the remains of this
tribe lately removed to Oneida with the late Mr.
Occom. See Brotutrrown,
([MOHICCONS, a tribe of Indians who inhabit
on a branch of the Susquehannah, between Chag-
net and Owegy. ‘They were reckoned by Hute
chins, about 50 years ago, at 100; but by Imlay,
in 1773, at only 70 fighting men. They were
formerly a contederate tribe of the Delawares,
Also an Indian tribe, in the N.W. territory. who
inhabit near Sandusky, and between the Sciota
and Maskingum ; warriors, 60,
MOHICKANS, a settlement of Indians, of the
same province and kingdom as the former ; situate
on the shore of the river Bever.
MOHOCAMAG, a settlement of the province
and colony of New York in N, America; situate
on the shore of the e. arm of the river Delaware.
MOHOSA, a settlem at of the province and
corregimiento of Cochabamba in Peru.
MOL
MOINA, a small lake of the province and cor-
regimiento of Quispicanchi in Peru, where a fort
has been built to restrain the incursions of the in-
fidel Indians, Sec Onorgsa.
MOINES, a small island within the bay of the
Cul de Sac Royal in Martinique, very close to the
coast.
MOINGONA, an abundant river of the pro-
vince and government of Lonisiana, its origin not
being known for certain, It runs s.¢. for many
leagues, and enters the Mississippi, traversing some
immense Uanuras, which abound with buffaloes,
(MOINS, a river of Louisiana, which empties
from the n, zw. into the Mississippi, in lat. 39° 38’ n.
The Sioux Indians descend by this river.
[MOISIE River, on the n. shore of the St.
Lawrence, is about three leagues w. 5. w. of Little
Saguena river, from which to the w. 2. w.’ within
the Seven Istands, is a bay so called from these
islands. ]
MOIFTACO, a settlement of the missions that
were held by the religious observers of San Fran-
cisco, in the province and government of Guayana,
It is the first of the establishments which were
formed there on the shores of the Orinoco, and
near the mouth of the Caura.
MOJIBIO, a settlement of the province and
government of Popaydén in the Nucvo Reyno de
Granada,
MOJICA, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Venezuela; situate on the shore of
the river Guarico.
MOJOIN, a settlement of the province and
country of Las Amazonas ; situate on the coast,
near the entrance of this river into the sea, at the
cape of Miguari and territory of the Portuguese.
MOLANGO, Santa Manta pf, a settlement
of the jurisdiction and alcaldia mayor of Meztitlan
in Nueva Espaiia. It contains a very good con-
vent of the religious order of San Agustin, and
480 families of Indians. Fifteen leagues x. 7. e. of
its canital,
MOLCOCHINECON, asmall river of the pro-
vince and colony of Virginia, running w. and en-
tering the Ohio,
(MOLE, The, is the a. w, cape of the island of
St. Domingo, to the n. of cape St. Nicholas, and
is often called by that name. The Mole, though
inferior, by a great deal, to cape Francois and
Port au Prince, is the first port in the island for
safety in time of war, being strongly fortified both
by nature and art, Gount D'Estaing, under whose
direction these works were constructed, inteuded
to have established here the seat of the French Yo-
vernment ; but the productions of its dependencics
sand cor.
“ve a fort
f the in-
ny of the
ose to the
‘the pro.
origin not
for many
sing some
Maloes,
h empties
39° 38’ n.
) the St.
. of Little
w.° within
rom these
sions that
san Fran.
Guayana,
lich were
loco, and
vince and
Reyno de
ec and go-
. shore of
vince and
the coast,
pa, at the
juguese.
settlement
‘Meztitlan
rood cons
astin, and
nn. e. of
f the pro-
» and en-
e island of
iolas, and
le, though
noois and
‘island for
tified both
der whose
» intended
'rench po.
pendencics
M OL
were of too little value to engage his successors to
carry his plan into effect; so that it is now no
more than a garrison. It has a beautiful and safe
port, and is considered as the healthiest situation
in St.Domingo, by reason of the purity of its
eprings. The exports from January I, 1789,
to December 31, of the same year, were only
265,615 1b. coffee, 26,8611b. cotton, 2,823 1b.
indigo, and other small articles to the value of
129 livres. ‘The value of duties on exportation
1,250 dollars, 21 cents. It is 14 miles s. by w. of
Jean Rabel, 69 w. of cape Frangois, and 48 w. by
s. of Port de Paz, Lat. 19° 51/n. Long. 73°
26' 30" w.
MOLEQUES, Rio pe 10s, a small river of Q
the district of Matogroso in Brazil, which rises in
the mountains, and runs s, w, to enter the Itenes,
MOLINA, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Esmeraldas in the kingdom of Quito. It
runs between the rivers Santingo and Vainillas to
the n.w. and enters the Pacific or S. sea, to the n.
of the equator.
Morin, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Costarica in the kingdom of Guate-
mala; situate on the shore of the river of Los An-
zuelos, on the coast.
(MOLINE’S Gut, on the s.w. side of the
island of St. Christopher’s in the W. Indies, is
the first rivulet to the s.¢. of Brimstone hill, near
the mouth of which is anchorage in five and 10 fa-
thoms, and a clear shore; but to the e. of it are
some sunken rocks. |
MOLINO, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Ica in Peru, annexed to the cu-
racy of San Juan de Ica,
Mou1no, another settlement, of the kingdom
of Chile ; situate on the shore of the river Canten,
Mou1no,asmall island, situate near the 7. coast
of the island St. Domingo, and the promoatory of
Monte Christi, between the islands Arenosa and
Crisin.
MOLI-TATUBA, asmall river of the province
and captainship of Seara in Brazil. Ut runs 2. and
enters the sea on the coast of Los Humos, between
the island of Coruban and the settlement of Mana-
pirange.
MOLLEAMBATO, Saw Miaver pr, a set-
tlement of the province and corregimiento of La-
tacunga in the kingdom of Quito.
MOLLEBAMBA, a settlement of the province
and corregimiento of Aimaracz in Peru.
MOLLEBAYA, a settlement. of’ the province
and corregimiento of Moqucbua in Peru; annex-
ed to the curacy of Pocsi.
MOLLEPATA, a settlement of the province
VOL, III.
M O M’ 313
and corregimiento of Guamachuco in Peru; one
of the four districts into which the curacy of Es-
tancias is divided,
Mouverata, another settlement, in the pro.
vince and corregimiento of Abancai of the same
kingdom.
Mouuepata, another, of the province and
corregimiento of Conchucos in the same kingdom ;
situate on the shore of the river ‘Tablachica,
MOLLEPONGO, a settlement of the province
and corregimiento of Chimbo in the kingdom of
Quito, of the district of Alausi.
MOLLETURO, a settlement of the province
and corregimiento of Cuenca in the kingdom of
uito,
MOLLOBAMBA, a settlement of the pro-
vince and corregimiento of Chancay in Peru; an
nexed to the curacy of Canchas.
MOLOACAN, Santiaco pe, a settlement
and head settlement of the district of the alcaldia
mayor of Acayuce in Nueva Espaiia. It con-
tains 109 families of Ahualulcos Indians, including
those of its adjoining ward. It is 18 leagues e.
is. e. of its capital.
MOLUEDEC, a settlement of the province
and corregimiento of Chillan in the kingdom of
yb ; opposite the lakes of the Desaguadero on
the w.
MOMAS, a settlement of the head settlement
of the district of Tlaltenango, and alcaldia mayor
of Colotlan, in Nueva Espaiia. ‘Three leagues
n,n. w. of its head settlement.
MOMBACHA, a settlement of the province
and government of Nicaragua in the kingdom of
Guatemala,
MOMIL, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Cartagena in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada, of the district of the town of Sint ;
situate on the shore of the river of this name, be-
tween the settlements of San Juan and San Andres.
MOMOSTENANGO, a settlement of the pro
vince and alcaldia mayor of Gueguetenango in the
same kingdom as the former,
MOMPON, Senat ve, a mountain of the coast
of Peru, in the province and correginiento of Santa;
serving as a land-mark for vessels off that coast.
MOMPOX, Sanra Cruz pe, a great and rich
town of the province and government of Carta-
gena in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada; founded
on the w. shore of the river of La Magdalena, on
the 2. of Honda and s. e. of Cartagena, by Gerd-
nimo de Santa Cruz, who gave it his name, in
1540. It is of an healthy temperature, although
warm and very moist, as being surrounded with
swamps, It is the embarking place of the river
$ s-
314 MON
which leads to the provinces ofthe Nuevo Reyno; by
a commerce with which it is rendered very rich and
flourishing. It is fertile and abounds in vegetable
productions, and especially in cacao, cotton, sugars
cane, and tobacco, The natives make mats of
straw which they call petates, fans, and other
articles, much esteemed for their beauty through-
out the kingdom. — In this town is a royal custom-
house, where goods and merchandize going to the
Nuevo Reyno pay a certain duty. It has a very
good parish church, some convents of the religious
orders of San Francisco, San Agustin, San Juan
de Dios, and had a college of the Jesuits, It is
inhabited by various noble and rich families, but
the natives have the character of being haughty
and litigious. 1t is greatly infested with musqut-
toes and by alligators, which come up the river to
feed upon what is thrown from the city and the
albarrada, which is a strong stone wall to keep the
water from running into the streets. Indeed, this
city has been frequently inundated by the swelling
of the waters, and particularly in 1762, when
the inhabitants were obliged to desert their houses
and save themseves in canoes.
[MONA, or La Guenon, or The Mowe, a
small island, 38 miles s.¢. of cape Engano, which
is the most.e. point of the island of St. Domingo,
and 88 miles w. by 2. of cape Morrilos in the island
of Porto Rico, it is five miles from e, tow, and
a little less from 2. to s. It has several ports for
small vessels, plenty of good water, and all that
would be necessary for settlements of culture, and
the breeding of cattle. Its fruit-trees, and parti-
cularly.the orange, are much extolled, ‘T'wo miles
anda half 2. w. of Mona is a very small island,
called Monito, or the Little Monkey. ‘Che king
Don Fernando the Catholic gave this island as a
property tothe admiral Don Christopher Columbus,
with a repartimiento of 200 Indians. The English
disembarked upon it in 1521. It is at an equal
distance from St. Domingoand Puerto Rico. |
MONACACI, a small river of the province
and colony of Maryland in N. America, of the
district of Frederick county. It runs s, and en-
ters the Patowmac.
[MONADNOCK, Gaeat, amountain, situated
in Cheshire county, New Hampshire, between the
towns of Jaffray and Dublin, 10 miles 2. of the
Massachusetts line, and 22 miles e. of Connccti-
cut river. ‘The foot of the hill is 1595 feet, and
its summit 3254 feet above the level of the sca.
Its base is five miles in diameter from n, to s. and
three frome. tow. On the sides are some appear-
ances of subtcrraneous fires. Its summit is a bald
rock. }
MON
[Monapyock, Urren Great, a high moun.
tain in Canaan, in the xe. corner of the state
of Verney ‘
(MONAHAN, a township in York county,
Pennsylvania.
MONATOMY, a town of the county of Mid-
dlesex and bay of Massachusetts, three miles 2. of
Waterton, and four . w. of Cambridge.
MONBATECEL, a river of the province and
government of Paraguay, rising in the serranias
etween the rivers Paraguay and Parana, = It runs
w, and enters the former between the Monbembvi
and the 'Taquari.
MONBEMBOI, a small river of the same pros
vince and government as the former, It has the
same rise and course, and also enters the Para-
ruay.
MONCLOUA, a town and capital of the pro«
vince and alcaldia mayor of Coaguila or Coha-
huila, founded by order of the viceroy of Nueva
Espaiia, with this title. It has in it a garrison of
troops for the defence of the frontiers, and to ree
strain the infidel Indians. It contains 150 fami-
lies of Spaniards, and is 258 leagues to the 2. of
Mexico, in lat. 27° 50’, Long. 270° 5’, [This
military post is now, according to Humboldt, under
the intendancy of San Luis Potosi. |
MONDAHU, a small river of the province and
captainship of Seara in Brazil, which rises near
the coast, runs 2. and enters the Curd in its mid-
course,
MONDAT, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Paraguay, running s. e. and entering the
Parana,
MONDAQUE, a settlement of Indians of the
province and government of Louisiana; situate in
the road which leads to Nuevo Mexico, not far
from the river of La ‘Trinidad.
Meo, Bay, on the s, shore of the straits
of Magellan, in that part of the straits called the
Long Reach, and four leagues w. of Pisspot bay.
It is nearly s. of Buckley point, on then, side of
the strait, and attords good anchorage in 20 fa-
thoms. }
[Monpay, a cape in the above straits, seven
leagues w. m. w. of cape North. Lat. 53° 12's.
Long. 73° 30! w. |
MONFERRATO, Nuestra Senora ne, a
settlement of the province and pees of Per-
nambuco in Brazil; situate on the coast, on the
shore of the Bahia Grande or Puerto Calvo.
MONGA-AGUA, a river of the province and
captainship of San Vicente in Brazil. It enters
the sca opposite the island of Nucstra Sciiora,
MONGANGAPE, a small river of the pro-
igh moun-
the state
« county,
ty of Mid-
miles 2. of
’
ovince and
» serranias
. Tt runs
Lonbemboi
same pros
It has the
the Para.
of the pro-
or Coha-
‘of Nueva
garrison of
and to res
150 fami-
y the 2. of
5’, [This
oldt, under
rovince and
1 rises near
1 in its mid-
and govern-
ntering the
ians of the
3 situate in
ico, not far
of the straits
s called the
Pisspot bay.
fens side of
le in 20 fa-
raits, seven
t. 53° 12's.
ORA Dr, a
ship of Per-
past, on the
alvo.
brovince and
It enters
Sciiora.
of the pro-
MON
vince and captainship of Paraiba in Brazil, It
rises near the coast, runs e. and enters the sea at
the cape of Leda and settlement of Jorge Pinto.
MONGAGUABA, a settlement of the province
und captainship of Pernambuco in Brazil; situate
on the const and at the point of Las Piedras,
MONGAGUEIRA, Sierra nx, a cordillera
of mountains of the province and captainship of
'Yodos Santos in Brazil. It runs 2,2, e. following
the course of the river Del Real.
MONGAUEIRAS, a settlement of the island
of Joanes or Marajo in Brazil; situate on an arm
of the river of Las Amazonas, opposite the Gran
Para.
MONGE, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Buenos Ayres, It runs ¢. and enters the
Parana close to the settlement of Calchaqui.
MONGES, some farallones or isles of the N.
sen; situate near the coast of the province and go-
vernment of Santa Marta, 10 leagues from the
point of Mazola.
Monaes, a river of the kingdom of Brazil,
which rises at the foot of the Sierra Grande, runs
mn. n.e. and enters the Tocantines between that of
Santa Lucia and that of Corijas.
MONGON, «cape or point and extremity of
the island of Cuba, close to the Caico Grande or
del N. looking s. and near to that of Caico Pe-
quefio,
[Monaon, on the coast of Peru and province
of Santa, on the S. Pacific ocean, is 20 miles 7.
of the harbour of Guarmey, and four Icagues
from Bermejo island, which lies between the former
places. Casma is four leagues 7. of it. Mongon
is known at sea by a great mountain just over it,
which is seen farther than any others on this part
of the coast. Lat, 9° 49! n.]
[MonGon, Cape, on thes. side of the island of
St. Domingo, is 3600 fathoms 2. of point Balo-
ruco and the river Nayauco, and near!y ve. of the
little port of Petit Trou.]
MONGRAUE, a small island of the N. sea,
one of the Lucayas, and tie last at the mouth or
entrance of the canal of Bahama.
MONGUA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of 'Yunja in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada. It is of a very cold temperature,
abounding in wheat, barley, beans, maize, and
pig-nuts, the which when put into a hole with
water, and this being often changed, make a kind
of fetid oil, which they call fudes, and which is
taken as an excctiont stomachic. Its population
may. amount to 80 persons, and about as many In-
dians, Ten Icagues 2. e. of Tunja.
MONGUI, Nuestra Senora ne, a setile-
MON 315
ment of the province: saa corregimiento of Tunja
in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada; of a cold tem-
perature, producing some fruits of this climate,
t has a good convent of monks of San Francisco,
in which is venerated an image of the Virgen del
Rosario, with the child Jesus in her arms, and St,
Joseph on the side, the same having been painted
by the Emperor Charles V. who sent it to this
settlement with some rich ornaments, as an ac-
knowledgment to it as having becn the first settle.
ment of that kingdom which had voluntarily offered
obedience to the crown of Castille, At its en-
trance runs a large river called La Quebrada, over
which there is a stone bridge of beautiful archi-
tecture, Hight leagues n, e. of Tunja.
Monaut, another settlement, with the addi-
tional title of Chacala, to distinguish it from the
former ;_ in the jurisdiction and district of the town
of San Giland of the same kingdom. It is a large
9 iota of a moderately hot temperature, and
lealthy, though subject to rains; produces great
quantity of cotton, maize, and tartuffles, with
which the neighbouring towns are provided, espe-
cially that of Socorro. It abounds equally in
lantains, «yamas, and a variety of fruits, as also
in exquisite kinds of woods, Some cotton-stuffs
are made here, though little esteemed. Its popu-
lation consists of 2000 souls, and it is situate be-
tween two fine rivers abounding with delicious
water. It is seven leagues s.e. of San Gil, and
three e. of Socorro.
Monaut, another, of the province and corres
gimiento of Parinacochas in Peru; annexed to the
curacy of Pampamarca.
[MONHEGAN, or Menurcan, a small
island inthe Atlantic ocean, 12 miles s. e. of Pe-
maquid point, in Lincoln county, district of Maine,
and in lat, 43° 42’, North of it are a number of
small isles at the mouth of St. George’s river.
Captain Smith landed his party herein 1614, The
chimneys and remains of the houses are yet to be
seen,
[MONTIETOU Islands, in the N. W. tervi-
tory, lie towards the e. side of the Michigan lake,
towards its 2. end, and s. of Beaver islands, |
MONI, a large and copious river of the pro-
vince and government of Maraiian in Brazil. Its
shores are delightfully pleasant, and the imme
diate soil yields the best sugar-cane in the whole
kingdom. It ernpties itself in the gulf of San
Luis de Marafian. On the w. near its source and
amidst some very thick woods, dwells a nation of
barbarian Indians, the Tapayos.
MONICA, Santa, a settlement of the head
settlement of the district and alealdia mayor of
$$ 2
316 MON
Marinalco in Nueva Espniia, from whence it is a
little more than half a league's distance.
Monica, Santa, another, a small settlement
or ward of the head settlement of the district of
Ocuila, and of the same alcaldia mayor and king-
dom as the former.
Monica, Santa, aport onthe s. coast of the
strait of Magellan, close to cape Pilares, and at
its entrance by the S, sea.
MONIGOTE, a settlement of tue province and
government of Buenos Ayres ; situate on the shore
ofthe river Saladillo, between this river and the
lake Brava.
MONIQUIRI, a settlement of the corregimiento
of the jurisdiction of Velez in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada, of an hot temperature, but healthy, fer-
tile, and abounding in all the fruits of a warm
climate, especially sugar-canes, of which are made
great quantitics of sugar by the engines or mills for
the purpose. It also abounds in excellent water,
yucas, plantains, and maize, and they make here
delicate conserves, sweet-meats, and honey, which
are much esteemed in the other provinces where
they are sold. It contains 500 house-keepers, and
is eight leagues to the e. of Velez, and four from
Leiba.
MONITO, Ev, asmall island of the N. sea;
situate close to that of La Mona, to the n. between
those of'Saona and Puerto Rico.
MONK’S-NIECK, asmall river of the province
and colony of Virginia, in the county of Bruns-
wick, It runs s. e. and enters the Nottaway.
[ MONKTON, a township in Addison county,
Vermont, e. of Ferrisburgh, and contains 450 in-
habitants. |
{Monxton, a township in Annapolis county,
Nova Scotia, inhabited by Acadians, and a few
families from New England. It lies pastly on the
basin of Annapolis, and partly on S. Mary’s bay,
and consists chiefly of wood-land and salt-marsh.
It contains about GO families. |
MONLEDO, a settlement of the province and
alcaldia mayor of San Miguel in the kingdom of
Guatemala ; annexed to that. of Yayantique.
fMONMOUTH, a large maritime county of
New Jersey, of a triangular shape, SO miles in
length, and from 25 to 40 in breadth ; bounded x.
by part of Rariton bay, 2. w. by Middlesex county,
s. w. by Burlington, and e, by the ocean. It is
divided into six townships, and contains 16,918
inhabitants, including 1596 slaves. The face of
the country is generally level, having but few hills,
The most noted of these are the highlands of
Navesink and Centre hill, See Mipptetown,
A great part of the county is of a sandy soil, but
MON
other parts are fertile. There is a very curious
cave, now in ruins, at the mouth of Navesink
river, 30 feet long and 15 wide, and contains three
arched apartments. |
{Monmourtn, or Freenonp, a post-town of
New Jersey, and capital of the above county ;
situated 18 miles a. e. by ec. of Allentown, 25 e,
of Trenton, 12s. w. by s. of Shrewsbury, and 46
nc. by e. of Philadelphia. It contains a court-
house and gaol, and a few compact dwellings
houses. This town is remarkable for the battle
fought within its limits on the 27th of June 1778,
between the armies of General Washington and
Sir Henry Clinton, The latter having evacuated
Philadelphia, was on his march to New York.
The loss of the Americans, in killed and wounded,
was about 250; that of the British, inclusive of
prisoners, was about 350. ‘The British pursued
their march the night after, without the loss of
their covering party or baggage. Sce Free-
Hon, |
[Monmoutit, a small post-town in Lincola
county, district of Maine; situated to the e. of
Androscoggin river, 10) miles w. of Hallowell
court-house, five w. of Winthrop, seven x. e. by
n. of Greene, 39 x. of Portland, aud 125 n, by e.
of Boston. |
Prewmonny Cape, onthe s.¢. side of the straits
of Magellan, about half way from the s. entrance
of the second narrows, to the s, e. angle of the
straits opposite cape Forward. |
[Monmoornt Island, one of the four islands of
Royal reach, in the straits of Magellan, and the
second from the zw. |
MONO and Mona. Some small barren and
desert isles of the N. sea, amongst the Antilles ; 12
leagues to the w. of the point of La Aguada of
Puerto Rico, in long. 308° 4’. Lat. 18° 4/.
[MONOCACY, a river which after a s,s. w.
course, empties into the Patowmac, about 50 miles
above Georgetown. |
MONONEPIOUI, a small river of New
France or Canada, which runs s.w#. and enters
lake Superior.
[MONONGAHELA River, a branch of the
Ohio, is 400 yards wide at its junction with the
Alleghany at Pittsburg. [t is deep, geatle, and
navigable with batteaux and barges beyond Red
Stone creck, and. still further with lighter craft.
It rises at the foot of the Laurel mountain in Vir-
ginia, thence meandering ina n. by e. direction,
passes into Pennsylvania, and reccives Cheat river
from the s.s.e, thence winding in ax. by w.
course, separates Fayette and Westmoreland from
Washington county, and passing into Alleghany
Pry Ctiriaus
f Navesink
bntains three
ost-town of
ve county ;
town, 25.
hry, and 46
ns a court-
t dwelling-
r the battle
June 1778,
lington and
lr evacuated
New York.
cl wounded,
inclusive of
ish pursued
the loss of
See Free-
in Lincoln
lo the e. of
r Hallowell
ren x. e. by
125 n. by e.
of the straits
s. entrance
angle of the
ir islands of
an, and the
barren and
\ntilles; 12
Aguada of
18° 4’,
ra 6.8. Ww.
out 50 miles
r of New
and enters
inch of the
m with the
reatle, and
eyond Red
ghter craft.
ain in Vire
», direction,
Cheat river
an by w.
reland from
Alleghany
MON
county, joins the Alleghany river at Pittsburg, and
forms the Ohio. It is 300 yards wide 12 or 15
miles from its mouth, where it receives the You-
ghiogany from the s. ¢. which is navigable with
batteaux and barges to the foot of Laurel hill,
Thence to Red Stone, at fort Byrd, by water, is
50 miles, by land 30, and 18 ina straight line.
Thence to the mouth of Cheat river, by water 40
miles, by land 28; the width continuing at 300
yards, and the navigatiox good for boats. Thence
the width is about 200 yards to the w. fork, 50
miles higher, by water, and the navigation fre-
quently interrupted by rapids; which, however,
with a swell of two or three feet, become very
passable for boats. It then admits light boats,
except in dry scasons, 65 miles farther, by water,
to the head of Tygart’s valley, presenting only
some small rapids and falls of one or two feet per-
yendicular, and lessening in its width to 20 yards.
The w. fork is navigable in the winter, towards the
n. branch of the Little Kanhaway, and wiii admit
a good waggon road to it. l'rom the navigable
waters of the s. easternmost branch of the Monon-
gahela, there is a portage of 10 miles to the s.
branch of Patowmac river. The hills opposite
Pittsburg on the banks of this river, which are at
least 300 feet high, appear to be one solid body of
coal, On the Pike run of this river, a coal-hill
has been on fire 10 years, yet it has burnt away
only 20 yards. ]
(MONONGALIA, a county in the 7, w. part
of Virginia, about 40 miles long and 30 broad,
and contains 4768 inhabitants, including 154
slaves.
MONOS, Istas pe. Some islands in the N.
sea, near the coast of the kingdom of Tierra Firme,
in the bay of Garrote, in the jurisdiction and go-
vernment of Portoyelo. They are many, all small,
barren and desert, and peopled only by monks ;
from whence they are so called.
Monos, one of the mouths of Los Dragos to
enter the gulf Trieste, between the point of Paria
on the coast of ‘Tierra Firme, and the w. point of
the island ‘Trinidad; situate between this island
and a very small isle lying at the sane rhumb and
mouth.
MONPATAR, a settlement of the island and
government of La Margarita; situate at the
points of Ballenas, opposite the coast of ‘Tierra
‘irme.
[MONPOX, a city of Tierra Firme, about 75
miles s. e. by ¢. of est
MONQUIRA, a settlement of the corregi-
miento of Sachica, in the jurisdiction of the town
of Leiba and Nuevo Reyno de Granada, only a
MON 317
quarter of a league distant from the latter; ofa
benign temperature, and producing wheat and
secds,
MONSAUILACIIA, a small river of the pro-
vince and government of Buenos Ayres, which
runs 2. nw. and enters the Coia,
{[MONSEAG Bay, in Lincoln county, district
of Maine, is separated from Sheepscut river by the
island of Jerem pagan)
MONSEFU, asmall but pleasant and pretty
settlement of the province and corregimiento of
Saiia in Peru, and of the district of Lambayeque,
from whence it is five leagues distant.
MONSERRAT. [See Montserrat. |
{MONSIES, the third tribe in rank ofthe Dela-
ware nation of Indians. ]
MONSIEUR, a small isle of the N. sea,
situate near the s.¢. coast of Martinique. It forms,
with two other islands and the point of Rose, a
great port called Cul de Sac Robert.
[ MONSON, a township in Hampshire county,
Massachusetts, e. of Brimfield, and 55 miles s. a.
by w. of Boston. It was incorporated in 1760,
and contains 1531 inhabitants. ]
MONT Lovis, a road of the river St. Law-
rence in New France or Canada. It is the mouth
of a river which enters into the atoresaid river, and
offers a good sounding, though exposed to the 2,
wind, but this seldom blows in the spring. It is
capable of admitting vessels of ICO tons, where
they may lie secure from tempests and from ene-
mies, but they cannot enter but at high tide, since
at the ebb there is no more than two feet water. 1t
is equally easy to be defended, having on one side
inaccessible mountains, and on the other a penin-
sula, on which might be built a fort. From these
advantages, Mr. Riverin was induced in 1697 to
establish a codefishery, for which purpose he esta-
blished a company ; but just as he was about to
put his design into execution, and the ships with
all their necessaries were setting sail for the new
establishment, the Count of Frontenac received
advice of a probable rupture with the Fuglish,
and he broke up the expedition. In 1700, the
same Mr. Riverin attempted it again, but having
arrived ut Mont Louis at a late season for the fish,
and those engaged with him not deriving the ad-
vantages they were led to expect, he found him-
self, through want of assistance, to abandon, for
the second time, his project.
(MONTAGUE, a township in Hampshire
county, Massachusetts, on the ¢. bank of Cons
necticut river, between Sunderland and Wendel,
about 18 miles 2. of Northampton, and 70 miles
w. by vn. of Boston. It was incorporated in 1753,
9
— wee
ty
¥
; ha
318 MON
and contains 906 inhabilants. A company was
incorporated in 1792, to build a bridge over here.
The work has not yet been completed. ]
[Montacur, the northernmost township in
New Jersey, is situated in Sussex county, on the
e. side of Delaware river, about five miles 7. e. of
Minisink, and 17 2. of Newtown. It contains 543
inhabitants, including 25 ne
[Mowracur, the largest of the small islands in
Prince \¥'illiam’s sound, on the n. w. coast of N.
aes
MONTALUAN, S. Baptista pret Pao ne,
a town of the province and government of Vene-
zucla in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada, founded
in this century (1700), after the establishment of
the company of Guipnzcoa.
MONTANA, S. Francisco ne na, a settle-
ment of the province and government of Santiago
de Veragua in the kingdom of ‘Tierra Firme. It
is of an hot temperature, fertile, abounding in
vegetable productions, and in gold mines, which
are named De la Libertad of Aguacatal and of San
Francisco, and in the vicinity of which there is a
mill for grinding metals, erected in 1749 by Don
Geronimo Sancho. ‘The settlement is situate on
the top of a mountain towards the 2. coast, three
leagues from its capital.
Montana, another setilement, in the province
and government of Popayan, of the district of the
city of Pasto.
MONTANAS, SantiaGo pe nas, a city of
the province and government of Jaen de Braca-
mores in the kingdom of Quito, founded by the
Captain Juar de Salinas ; of a very unequal tem-
perature, and of a rough and rocky territory, as
its name shews, and so reduced and poor that it
does not deserve the name of a city. The soil is,
however, fertile ; nor is it without mines of gold
of excellent quality, but which are not worked
through scarcity of hands and means. One hun-
dred and fifty-eight miles e. of Loyola, on the 7.
bank of the river S. Yago, and six miles x. «, of
S. Borja.
[MONTAUK Point, the e. extremity of Long
island, New York. A tract here, called Turtle
Hill, has been ceded to the United States for the
purpose of building a light-house thereon. |
AONTE, [the Spanish word for mountain :
for the chief mountains in America, see Moun.
TAINS,
enh a fort of the province and government
of Buenos Ayres ; situate near a small lake, about
60 miles s. w. of Buenos Ayres. Liat. 35° 25! 40",
Long. 59° 50’ 54", ]
{ Monte Curist, a cape, bay, town, and river,
MON
on the 7, side of the island of St. Domingo. The
cape isa very high hill, in the form of a tent,
called by the French Cape ia Grange, or Bara. It
is situated in lat. 19° 54’ 80” ». and in Jong. 71°
AY w. A strip of level land joins it tothe territory
of Monte Christ, and it is owing to tiis that the
cape has been taken for an island. It is 29 miles
n. ¢. by e. of cape Francois, where it may be scen
in a clear day with the naked eye. After doubling
this cape, we find the bay of Monte Christ running
nearly s. w. It is formed by cape La Grange on
one side, and point Des Dunes (Down point) on
the other, about 6500 fathoms asunder. ‘The bay
is about 1400 fathoms deep, and its winding is
nearly four leagues. About 900 fathoms from the
cape, descending the bay, we find the little island
of Monte Christ, 350 fathoms frum the shore.
One may sail between the two, with two, four, and
five fathoms water ; and about 250 fathoms further
on, is anchorage in from six to ten fathoms, A
league and a quarter from cape La Grange, is a
battery intended to protect a landing place of 100
fathoms wide, which is below and opposite the
town of Monie Christ. ‘The town of Monte Christ,
standing at 500 fathoms from the sea-side, rises in
form of an amphitheatre on the side of the coast,
which is very high all round this bay, The town
is 200 fathoms square, which space is divided
into nine parts, cut by two streets running from e.
to w. and two others from x. tos. It was founded
in 1533, abandoned in 1606, and now but a poor
place, destitute of every resource but that of cattle
raised in its territory, and sold to the French. The
town and territory contain about 3000 souls. There
is a trifling garrison at Monte Christ. About a
league from the battery, following the winding of
the bay, is the river of Monte Christ, or more
properly, the river Yaqui. The land round the
town is barren and sandy, and the river contains
great numbers of crocodiles. Monte Christ is a
port-well known to American smugglers, and car-
ries on a great commerce from its vicinity to the
French plantations, In the time of peace, all the
produce of the plain of Mariboux, situated be-
tween port Pouphin and Mancenille bay, is ship-
ped here, and in a war between France and Bri-
tain, it used to be a grand market, to which all
the French in the 2. part of the island sent their
ao and where purchasers were always
ready,
ritonrs Curist, a chain of mountains which
extend parallel to the 2. const of the island of St.
Domingo, from the bay of Monte Christ to the
bay of Samana on the e. Two large rivers run in
opposite directions along the s. side of this chain:
0. The
f a tent,
Bara. It
long. 71°
territory
s that the
329 miles
y be seen
doubling
t running
myange on
point) on
The bay
inding is
3 from the
(tle island
he shore.
four, and
ms further
homs, A
‘ange, is a
ace of 100
posite the
ite Christ,
e, rises in
the coast,
The town
is divided
ng from e.
as founded
but a poor
at of cattle
nch. The
Is. There
About a
winding of
» Or more
round the
r contains
hrist is a
» and car
hity to the
e, all the
tuated be-
ly, is ship-
e and Bri-
which all
sent their
e always
ins which
and of St.
ist to the
rs run in
his chain :
MON
the river Monie Christ or Yaqui in a w. by s.
direction, and Yuna river in an e. by s. course to
the bayof Samana. ‘They both rise near La Vega,
and have numerous branches. }
Monre Curistr, a settlement of the district
of the Puerto Viejo, in the province and govern-
ment of Guayaquil, and kingdom of Quito ;_ situate
on the sea-shore. It was formerly in Manta, and
large and populous, from traffic done here by the
vessels going from Panama to the ports of Peru ;
but having been destroyed and sacked by pirates,
with whom those seas at that time were covered,
the inhabitants retired to the spot where the settle-
ment now stands, at the foot of the mountain from
whence it takes its name, and which serves asa
land-mark to vessels for making the port of Manta,
it being one of the loftiest mountains on that coast.
Monte Cnnristt, a small island close to the x.
coast of St. Domingo, between the island Madera
and the port La Granja.
Monte bE Puata, a port on the coast of Cali-
fornia of the S. sea, discovered by Gencral Sebas-
tian, a Biscayan, in 1602, when he was sent by the
viceroy of Nueva Espaiia, the Count de Monterrey,
to reconnoitre that coast, and in honour of whom
hethus named it. It is large, convenient, and shel-
tered from all the winds, abounds in wood, and
has some fine straight firs fit for ship-masts, oaks,
beech, and various other kinds of fine timber; also
many fountains of rich water, lakes, fertile glens
and meadows, and excellent land for agriculture.
In its woods are found a variety of animals, and
particularly great bears, and some animals as large
as a young ox, in shape like a stag, with hair like
a pelican of a quarter of a yard in length, long
neck, and on the head some very large horns, with
atail ofa yard long and half a yard wide, and the
hoof cleft like that of an ox. Here are also deer,
stags, hares, rabbits, wild cats, bustards, ducks,
swallows, geese, doves, thrushes, sparrows, gold-
finches, cardenals, quails, partridges, feldfares, and
various other birds, also Indian fowl of a large sort,
measuring from the extremity of one wing to the
other seven palms. On the sea-shore are various
sorts of shell-fish, and some with shells of most
beautiful mother of pearl: here are also taken
oysters, lobsters, crabs, marine wolves, and whales,
‘The whole of the port is surrounded by Indians ;
who live in huts, are of a docile disposition, kind
and liberal, and using the bow and arrow for wea-
pons. ‘They seemed to express great sorrow when
the Spaniards left them. ‘
Monre bE Puata, a settlement of the island of
St. Domingo, taking its name from a lofty moun-
tain of white stone discoyered by Admiral Don
MON 319
Christopher Columbus in his first voyage in 1493,
and who thought it was silver. Ithasa good port,
which the French call Portoplate, from the name
that had been given it by the Spaniards of Puerto
de Plata, and which was also the name of the settle-
ment. This, on account of its being exposed to
the incursions of pirates, was removed in 1606 to
the place where it now stands, and nearer to the
mountain.
. Monte Estancta, a lake of the province and
government of Buenos Ayres, between the rivers
Hucque Leuvu and Saladillo.
Monte Leon, a settlement and head settlement
of the district of the alcaldia mayor of Tepozcolula
in Nueva Espaiia; of a cold temperature, inha-
bited by 52 families of Indians, who maintain
themselves by catia and selling seeds. Five
leagues s.e. of its capital.
ontE, REAL DEL, a settlement of the jurisdic-
tion and alcaldia mayor of Pachuca in Nueva
Espaiia. It contains 80 familics of Spaniards,
Mustees, and Mulattoes, employed in mining and
preparing the silver when extracted. This is their
principal commerce. The Indians are also, some
of them, employed in this labour, although they are
rather dedicated toagriculture, the sowing of wheat,
maize, and other seeds. ‘This settlement is much
frequented by traders who carry to Mexico cloths
and other articles, taking silver inexchange. ‘I'wo
leagues e.7.e. of its capital.
Monre, Rea per, another settlement, with the
dedicatory title of San Rafacl, in the head settle.
ment of the district and alcaidia mayor of Guejo-
zingo in the same kingdom ; contains 54 families
of Indians, and is to the w. of its capital.
Monte, Reavper, another, with thededicatory
title of San Miguel, of the head settlement of the
district of Etequaro, and alcaldia mayor of Valla-
dolid, of the province and bishopric ot Mechoacan.
It is six leagues to the 7. of its head settlement, and
in its district are some cultivated estates, by which
and the cutting of wood the natives maintain
themselves.
Monte, ReEat bet, another, of the province and
geese of Popayan in the Nuevo Reyno de
iranada.
Monte, Rear ner, another, called Boca del
Monte, in the province and government of Mara-
caibo, and Nuevo Reyno de Granada; situate s.
of the city of Pedraza.
Monte, Reat net, another, with the addition
of San Juan, in the province and captainship of
Rey in Brazil; situate on the shore and at the
source of the river Tajay.
Monte, Rea pez, a town of the province and
]
te ae er
es
ey agape aT
320 MON
corregimiento of Mclipilla in the kingdom of Chile;
situate to the w. of its capital.
Monte Revonpo, a settlement of the province
and government of Tucumén, in the jurisdiction
of the city of Cordoba; situate on the bank of a
sniall river.
Monte Trico, a small island of the N. sea;
situate near the coast of the province and captain-
ship of San Vicente in Brazil; between the island
San Felipe and Santiago, and the great island of
San Sebastian.
Monte Vipeo, a city of the province and go-
vernment of Buenos Ayres in Peru; founded on
the n.shore of the river La Plata, at its mouth or
entrance, by order of the field-marshal Don Bruno
de Zavala, in 1726, by Don Domingo de Vasavil-
vaso. It isa small place, having only one parish
and a convent of the religious order of San Fran-
cisco, although it had once an house of entertain-
ment of the regulars of the company of Jesuits. It
is situate on a lofty spot, upon a great and conve-
nient bay, which is frequented by vessels going to
Buenos Ayres. It has a citadel or casile, which is
badly constructed, with four bulwarks and some
batteries for its defence: the same is the residence
of the governor. ‘The town, which is well for-
tified with a strong wall and sufficient artillery, is
inhabited by more than 1000 souls, amongst whom
are some rich and rvble families. The climate is
excellent, cheerful, and healthy, the soil fertile and
abounding in vegetable productions, and flesh and
fish are so plentiful as to cost almost nothing. — Its
principal commerce consists in the hides of cattle,
and these are killed merely for the above per-
quisites. It is 111 miles e.s.e. from Buenos
Ayres, in lat. 34° 50! 30” s. and long. 46° 16’ w.
Few places in Spanish America have experienced
a greater change in their political consequence
and physical energies, since the time Alcedo wrote,
than that of which we are now treating. Inde-
pendently of its present litigations with Buenos
Ayres, it has been rendered famous in history by
the English expedition which visited the river La
Plata in 1806. It was for some little time in pos-
session of the British troops, and finally evacuated
at the beginning of September 1807. The follow-
ing description of Monte Video and the adjoining
country is extracted from the Travels of Mr. Mawe ;
we divide the information under the following heads.
Site of the town.--- Population.---Character of the
inhabitants.--- Trade. --- Geological remarks,-++
Ditto on the country n. e. of Monte Video.---
Limestone, and mode of burning it.--- Peons.---
Horses.---Defective state of agricullure.---Man-
= ners and dress of the natives.«--}Vild animals,
MON
Monte Video is a tolerably well-built town,
standing on a gentle elevation at the extremity
of a small peninsula, and is walled entirely
round, Its population amounts to between 15,000
and 20,000 souls. The harbour, although shoal,
and quite open to the pamperos, is the best in
the Rio de la Plata; it has a very soft bottom of
deep mud. When the wind continues for some
time at 2, e. ships drawing 12 fect water are fre.
quent’y aground for several days, so that the
harbour cannot be called a good one for vessels
above 300 or 400 tons.
There are but few capital buildings; the town
in general consists of houses of one story, paved
with brick, and provided with very poor conyeni-
ences. Inthe square is a cathedral, very handsome,
bnt awkwardly situated ; opposite to it, isan edi-
fice divided into a town-house or cabildo, and a
prison. ‘The streets, having no paverett, are al-
ways either clouded with dust or loaded with mud,
as the weather happens to be dry or wet. In sea-
sons of drought the want of conduits for water is a
serious inconvenience, the well, which principally
supplies the town, being two miles distant.
Provisions here are cheap and in great abund-
ance. Beef in particular is very plentiful, and,
though rarely fat or fine, makes excellent soup.
The best parts of the meat may, indeed, be called
tolerable, but they are by no means tender, ‘The
pork is not eatable. Such is the profusion of flesh-
meat, that the vicinity for two miles round, and
even the purlieus of the town itselt, present filthy
spectacles of bones and raw flesh at every step,
which feed immense flocks of sea-gulls, and in
summer breed myriads of flies, to the great annoy-
ance of the inhabitants, who are obliged at table to
have a servant or two continually employed in
fanning the dishes with feathers, to drive away those
troublesome intruders.
The inhabitants of Monte Video, particularly
the Creolians, are humane and well disposed, when
not actuated by political or religious prejudices,
Their habits of lite are inuch the same with those
of their brethren in Old Spain, and seem to pro-
ceed from the same remarkable union of two oppo-
site, but not incompatible qualities, indolence and
temperance. ‘The ladies are generally affable and
polite, extremely fond of dress, and very neat and
cleanly in their persons, ‘They adopt the English
costume at home, but go abroad usually in black,
and always covered with a large veil or mantle.
At mass they invariably appear in black silk, bor-
dered with deep fringes. ‘They delight in con-
versation, for which their vivacity eminently quali-
fies them, and they are very courteous to strangers. |
ilt town,
extremity
_ entirely
en 15,000
rh shoal,
e best in
bottom of
for some
r are free
that the
for vessels
the town
ry, paved
t conyeni-
1andsome,
is an edi-
do, anda
nt, are al-
vith mud,
In sea-
water is a
rincipally
“at abund-
iful, and,
lent soup.
y be called
der, ‘The
on of flesh-
bund, and
sent filthy
very step,
Is, and in
eat annoys
at table to
wployed in
away those
articularly
bsed, when
yrejudices.
with those
lem to pro-
two oppo-
olence and
fable and
neat and
he English
in black,
or mantle.
k sill, bore
ht in con-
batly quali-
strangers. |
ae chief trade of Monte Video consists in hides,
tallow, and dried beef; the two former of these
articles are exported to Europe, and the latter is
sent to the W. Indies, especially to the Havannah.
Coarse copper from Chile in square cakes is some-
times shipped here, as well as a herb called matlé
from Paraguay, the infusion of which is as com-
mona beverage in these parts as tea is in Kng-
land.
The inhabitants were by no means opulent before
the English took the garrison, but through the
misfortunes of the latter at Buenos Ayres, and the
losses of our commercial adventurers by ill-judged
and imprudent speculations, they were considerably
enriched. ‘The great prospects indulged in Eng-
Jand, before the pharod fines to the Plata, of im-
mense profits by trade to that river, have generally
ended in ruin; very few, indeed, of ihe specula-
tors have escaped without considerable loss. Pro-
perty, once litigated, might be considered in a fair
way for confiscation; and in case of its having
been deposited until certain questions were decided,
restitution was generally obtained at the loss of one
half. It frequently pe inte that goods detained
in the custom-houses or lodged in private stores in
tne river were opened, and large quantities stolen,
The party on whom suspicion seemed most rea-
sonably to fall was the consignee, who, even with
a few cargoes, was generally observed to get rich
very rapidly. Not contented with the profits ac-
cruing from his commission, he seldom strupled to
take every advantage which possession of the pro-
perty afforded him, of furthering his own interests
at the expence of his correspondent. The dread
of a legal process could be buta slight check upon
him; for in the Spanish courts of justice, as well as
in others, a native and a stranger are seldom upon
equal terms. Other circumstances have concurred
to enrich the inhabitants of Monte Video. It isa
fact that the English exported thither goods to
the amount ofa million and a half sterling, a small
portion of which, on the restoration of the place to
the Spaniards, was re-shipped for the cape of Good
Hope and the W. Indies; the remainder was for
the most part sacrificed at whatever price the Spa-
niards chose to give. As their own produce ad-
vanced in proportion as ours lowered in price,
those among them who speculated gained consi-
derably. The holders of English goods sold their
stock at upwards of fifty per cent. profit imme-
diately after the evacuation of the place.
The climate of Monte Video is humid. ‘The
weather, in the winter months (June, July, and
August), is at times boisterous, and the air in that
season is generally kecn and piercing, Ln summer
VOL. Ill,
MONTE VIDEO. 321
the serenity of the abntonpliats is frequently inter-
rupted by tremendous thunder-storms, preceded
by dreadful lightning, which frequently damages
the shipping, and followed by heavy rain, which
sometimes destroys the harvest. The heat is
troublesome, and is rendered more so to strangers
by the swarms of mosquitoes, which it engen-
ders in such numbers that they infest every apart-
ment,
The town stands on a basis of granite, the feld-
spar of which is for the most part of an opaque
milk-white colour, in a decomposing state; in
some places it is found of a flesh-red colour and
crystallized. ‘The mica is generally large and fo-
liated, in many places impertectly crystallized. It
is obvious that the excessive quantity of mud in the
harbour and throughout the banks of the river can-
not have been formed from this stratum, The high
mount onthe opposite side of the bay, which is
crowned with a fehistonsss and gives name to the
town, is principally composed of clay-slate in la-
mine perpendicular to the horizon. This sub-
stance appears much like basalt in texture, but its
fracture is less conchoidal ; it decomposes into
an imperfect species of wakke, and ultimately into
ferruginous argil. Beds of clay, from which flows
much water, are observable in various parts of the
mountain.
The vicinity of Monte Video is agreeably diver-
sified with low gently-sloping hills, and long
valleys watered by beautiful rivulets; but the
prospects they afford are rarely enlivened by traces
of cultivation ; few enclosures are seen except the
gardens of the principal merchants. The same
defect appears in a n.e. direction from the town,
where similar varictics of hill, valley, and water
prevail, and scem to want only the embellishment
of silvan scenery to complete the landscape. Some
wood, indeed, grows on the margin of the Ria-
chuelo, which is used for the building of hovels
and for fuel. There isa pleasant stream about 10
Icagues from Monte Video called the Louza, the
banks of which seem to invite the labour of the
planter, and would certainly produce abundance
of timber. It is to be remarked that the almost
entire want of this article here, occasions great in-
convenience and expence: wood for mechanical
purposes is extremely scarce, and planks are so
dear that hardly one house with a boarded floor is
to be found.
About 25 leagues n. e. from Monte Video, is an
irregular ridge of granite mountains in a direction
nearly 2. and s. and the country from this distance
gradually assumes a rugged appearance. Mica is
very common upon the road, and in some places |
sae
322 MONTE
{quartz ; on one hill are found several detached
crystals of the latter substance. The ravines of
these stony wilds and the wooded margins of the
rivers afford shelter to many ferocious animals,
such as jaguars, here called tigers, lions, and
ounces. Here are also great numbers of wild dogs
which breed in the rocks, and at times make great
havoc among the young cattle. ‘The farms in this
district, for the most part, include tracts of land
from 20 to 30 miles in length by half that extent
in breadth, watered by pleasing streams. Vast
herds of cattle are bred upon them ; ‘it is calculated
that each square league sustains 1500 or 2000
head.
At the distance of about 40 leagues from Monte
Video, in the direction above mentioned, the range
of hills gradually lessens and disappears; the
country opens finely on the left, and ts intersected
by numerous rivulets. After crossing several of
these you arrive at the head of a little brook called
Polancos, which a few miles below assumes the
name of Barriga Negra. It there receives seycral
small streams, and in the course of 10 leagues is
augmented by the confluence of some others: be-
coming thus a considerable river, about as large as
the Trent at Gainsborough, it is denominated Go-
doy, but on passing into the Portuguese territories
it changes its name to that of Zebolyati and flows
into the Lagun Meni.
The country here in general may be termed
stony and mountainous, though its inequalities do
not exceed those of Derbyshire. No traces of
either volcanic or alluvial matter are to be found ;
the solid rock frequently appears on the surface,
and in many places projects in masses of various
sizes, The mountains and rocks are of granite ;
no veins of metallic substance have hitherto been
discovered, but fine red and yellow jasper, chalce-
dony, and quartz, are not unfrequently found loose
on the surface. Some fossils of the asbestos kind,
and some very poor oxides of iron, are likewise to
be met with occasionally. ‘The bases of many of
the conical granite mountains are overlaid with
(apparently) primitive lime-stone of an obscure
blue colour, in laminwe ; Mawe found in this sub-
stance many capillary veins of calx-spar, and
sometimes crystals of pyrites. In one part of the
vicinity there is a plain about half a mile square,
on the surface of which are found large quantities
of white lime-stone in nodules ; it is ofa very close
texture, but being considered inferior in quality to
the other species it is never converted into lime,
The summits of these mountains are no where cal-
careous, excepting those of one ridge, the singular
appearance of which induced the above traveller
VIDEO.
to trace it as far as was practicable. The lime.
stone on these summits is of a close compact kind,
united to transparent quartz in a tabular form,
standing, as it were, in lamine perpendicular to
the horizon, and thus presenting to the view a
number of upright slabs somewhat similar to the
grave-stones in a country church-yard. ‘This sin-
gular ridge apparently commences at a mountain
of very unusual form, and, extending about two
miles, in which it crosses two or three valleys, ter-
minates in a ravine of considerable depth. No
vestige of calcareous crystallization appeared in
this lime-stone. It is singular to remark, that the
cavities formed by the lamine afford refuge for
reptiles, particularly rattle-snakes: it is said that
a person employed here in getting the stone, de-
stroyed upwards of 27 serpents of that species in
the course of a few weeks.
The lime-stone is loosened by the wedge and
lever, and brought away in large slabs to the kilns,
where it is broken into fragments of a convenient
size, and burnt with wood. The kilns are capa-
cious, but so badly constructed that the process of
calcination is ‘very slow and tedious. ‘The lime,
when slaked, is measured, put into sacks made
of green hides, and sent in large carts, drawn by
oxen, principally to Colonia, Monte Video, and
Buenos Ayres.
Barriga Negra is distant about 160 miles x. e.
from Monte Video, about 120 from Maldonado,
and 90 from the town of Minas. The country
around it is mountainous, well watered, and not
destitute of wood. ‘I'he banks of the streams are
thickly covered with trees, rarely, however, of
large size; for the creeping plants, interweaving
with the shoots, check their growth and form an
impenetrable thicket. Here are numbers of great
breeding estates, many of which are stocked with
from 60,000 to 200,000 head of cattle. These are
guarded principally by men from Paraguay called
Peons, who live in hovels built for the purpose at
convenient distances. ‘Ten thousand head are al-
lotted to four or five Peons, whose business it is to
collect them every morning and evening, and once
or twice a month to drive them into pens where
they are kept for a night. The cattle by this
mode of management are soon tamed ; a ferocious
or vicious beast is never seen among thei, Breed-
ing is alone attended to; neither butter nor cheese
is made, and milk is scarcely known as an article
of food. The constant diet of the people, morn-
ing, noon, and uight, is beef, eaten almost always
without bread, and frequently without salt. ‘This
habitual subsistence on strong food would probably
engender diseases, “es itnot corrected by copious |
the lime-
yact kind,
lar form,
dicular to
he viewa
ilar to the
This sin-
mountain
about two
ileys, ter-
pth. No
peared in
(y that the
refuge for
said that
stone, de-
species in
vedge and
y the kilns,
convenient
are capa-
process of
The lime,
acks made
_ drawn by
fideo, and
miles 2. e.
aldonado,
e country
id, and not
streams are
pwever, of
terweaving
d form an
rs of great
bcked with
These are
ruay called
purpose at
ead are al-
ess it is to
r, and once
pens where
tle by this
ferocious
a, Breed-
nor cheese
an article
ple, morn-
host always
salt. ‘This
d probably
y copious |
MONTE
[draughts of an infusion of their favourite herb
matté, which are frequently taken.
The dwellings of the Peons are in general very
wretched, the walls being formed by a few upright
posts interwoven with small branches of trees,
plastered with mud inside and out, and the roof
thatched with long grass and rushes. The door
is also of wicker-work, or, in its stead, a green
hide stretched on sticks and removable at plea-
sure. ‘The furniture of these poor hovels consists
of a few scalps of horses, which are made to serve
for seats; and of a stretched hide to lie upon.
The principal, if not the sole, cooking utensil is a
rod or spit of iron stuck in the ground in an ob-
lique position, so as to incline over the fire. ‘The
beef when spitted on this instrument is left to roast
until the part next the fire is supposed to be done
enough, then a twist is given to the rod, which is
occasionally repeated, until the whole is cooked.
The juices of the meat, by this mode of roasting,
help to mend the fire, and indeed the people seem
to think that they are fit for nothing else. The
meat, which is naturally poor and coarse, being
thus dried to a cake, bears little affinity to the
boasted roast beef of Engtand. Fuel, in some
parts, is so extremely scarce that the following
strange expedient is resorted to for a supply. As
the mares in this country are kept solely for breed-
ing, and are never trained to labour, they gene-
rally exceed the due proportion ; a flock of them
is frequently killed, and their carcases, with the
exception of the hides and tails, are used as
firing.
The Peons are chiefly emigrants from Paraguay,
and it is a singular fact that, among the numbers
that are here settled, very few women are to be
found. A person may travel in these parts for
days together without seeing or hearing of a single
female in the course of his journey. ‘To this cir-
cumstance may be attributed the total absence
of domestic comfort in the dwellings of these
wretched men, and the gloomy apathy observable
in their dispositions and habits. It is true that
the mistress of an estate may occasionally visit it
for a few months, but she is obliged, during her
stay, to live in great seclusion, on account of the
dreadful consequences to be apprehended from
being so exposed.
The dextcrous mode in which the Peons catch
their cattle, by throwing a noose over them, has
been frequently detailed, but certainly no descrip-
tion can do full justice to their agility. They
throw with equal precision and effect, whether at
full gallop or at rest. Their method of catching
horses by means of balls attached to leather thongs,
¢
VIDEO. 23
is as unerring as it is surprising ; and scarcely an
instance has been known of its failure, except in
those frequent trials which are requisite to acquire
perfect skill in the practice.
They have a very singular and simple way of
training mules and horses to draw light carts,
coaches, &c. No harness is made use of ; a saddle
or pad is girted on, and a leather thong is fastened
to the girth on one side, so that the animal moving
forward with his body in a rather oblique direc.
tion, keeps his legs clear of the apparatus which
is attached to him, and draws with a freedom and
an agility that in a stranger excite great surprise.
A similar contrivance is used in the catching of
cattle. ‘The Peon fastens one end of his azo (or
noosed thong) to the girth of his horse, who soon
Joarns to place himself in such an attitude as to
Craw the ox which his rider has caught, and even
should the latter dismount, he keeps the thong on
the stretch.
The horses in this country are very spirited,
and perform almost incredible labour, They scl-
dom work longer than a week at a time, being
then turned out to pasture for months together.
Their sole food is grass, and the treatment they
mect with from their masters is most harsh and un-
feeling. They are frequently galloped until their
generous fire is spent, and they drop through ex-
haustion and fatigue. ‘The make of the bridle is
alone sufficient to torture the animal, being of the
heavy Spanish fashion. ‘They are never shod.
The girths of the saddles are of a curious construc-
tion ; they are generally formed of shreds of green
hide, or of the sinew of the neck ; the middle part
is 20 inches broad, terminated at each end by an
iron ring. One of these ends is made fast to the
saddle by its ring ; to the other side of the saddle
is attached a third ring and a pliable strap, which,
being passed through it and the girth-ring three or
four times, affords the rider great purchase, and
enables him to gird the saddle very tight, which
is thus kept so firm in its place that a crupper is
unnecessary, and indeed is never used.
Trained horses are here from five to seven dol-
lars‘each ; horned cattle, in good condition, by the
herd of 1000, at two dollars a head; mares at three
rials (1s. Gd. sterling) each. Sheep are very
scarce, and never eaten; they are kept by som
families merely for the sake of their wool, which
is made into flocks for bedding. It is worthy of
remark, that in the remote parts of the interior,
where no settlements have been made, the cattle
are found of a dark dirty brown colour, except on
a small part of the belly, which is white, but when
they become domesticated they produce breeds of'|
TT 2
t]
324 MONTE
[a lighter colour, with hides beautifully spotted
and variegated. ‘The fine herds bred in many
parts of this district have often tempted the Por-
tuguese to make predatory incursions, and the
country being accessible by fine open passes to the
frontier, as well as to the 7. side of the Plata, these
violations of terrifory have been carried on to a
very serious extent. So frequent were they at one
period that it became necessary to appoint a mili-
tary force to parade the boundaries, and to defend
the Spanish settlements against these inroads,
In taking a general view of the country, a
stranger cannot but observe, with regret, that
while Nature has been profuse in her blessings, the
inhabitants have been neglectful in the improve-
ment of them. Here is, for instance, abundance
of excellent clay and plenty of wood on the margin
of the rivers, yet it is rare to meet with an enclo-
sure, even for a kitchen-garden, much more so
for a corn-ficld. They generally choose their
grounds for tillage by the bank of a rivulet, so as
to have one side or sometimes two sides bounded
by it; the remainder is fenced in the most clumsy
and bungling manner imaginable. Ploughing is
performed by the help of two oxen yoked to a
crooked piece of wood, about four inches in dia-
meter, and pointed at the end. After the ground
has been rooted up, the wheat is sown, without
any previous attempt to clear it from noxious seeds.
While it grows up, it is never weeded ; so that
wild oats, poppies, and other pernicious herbs,
thriving among it in thick luxuriance, obstruct the
sun’s rays and hinder it from ripening kindly.
Indian corn, beans, melons, &c. are all treated in
a similar way. The wheat, when ripe, is cut
down with sickles and gathered into heads or
sheaves. A circular pen of from 40 to 60 yards
in diameter is then formed with rails and hides;
in the centre of this enclosure is placed a quantity
of about 100 or 200 quarters of wheat in the straw.
The pile is so formed as to have the ears on the
outside as much as possible. A small quantity is
pulled down towards the circumference of the cire
cls, and a herd of about 20 mares are driven in,
which, being untamed, are easily frightened -and
made to gallop round, At this pace they are
kept by means of whips for four or five hours,
until the corn is trod out of the ears, and the straw
is completely reduced. Another parcel of the
sheaves is then pulled down, and a fresh herd
of mares is let in, and this operation is repeated
until the whole heap is reduced, and the straw is
broken as small as chaff. In this state it is left
until a brisk wind happens to rise; and then the
winnowing is performed by emptying baskets of
VIDEO.
the mixed grain and chaff at an elevation of cight
feet from the ground. While the chaff is borne
away by the current of air, the grain falls, and at
the close of the operation is sewed up in green
hides. In this state it is sent to the sca-ports,
where a considerable quantity of biscuit is pre-
pared for shipping. It is obvious, that by the
above mode of separating the grain, a considerable
quantity must be lost by abrasion, and by mixture
with a large portion of earth which cannot be
blown away by the wind.
The climate and soil are equally favourable for
the growth of grapes, apples, peaches, and in short
every species of fruit belonging to the temperate
zone, but these are known bere only as rarities.
That inestimable root, the potato, would thrive
abundantly, if once introduced; but, though
much has been said in recommendation of it, the
people remain totally averse to this or any other
proposal forimproving their means of subsistence,
and seem to wish for nothing beyond the bare ne-
cessaries of life. Indeed the state of society among
them weakens those ties which naturally attach
men to the soil on which they are accustomed to
subsist. ‘The Peons, brought from Paraguay in
their infancy, grow up to the age of manhood in
a state of servitude, uncheered by domestic com-
fort; at that period they generally wander in
search of employment toward the coast, where
money is in greater plenty. They are for the most
part an honest and harmless race, though equally
as liable, from the circumstances of their condition,
to acquire habits of gambling and intoxication,
as the higher classes of the people, numbers
of whom fall victims to those seductive vices.
Such is their excessive propensity to gambling,
that they frequently carry cards in their pocket,
and, when an opportunity occurs, form parties,
and retire to a convenient place, where one of them
spreads his pancho or mantle on the ground,! in
lieu of a table. When the loser has parted with
his money, he will stake his clothes, so that the
game generally continues until one of them goes
away almost naked. ‘This bad practice often leads
to serious consequences. On one occasion, a party
playing in the neighbourhood of a chapel after
mass had been said, the clergyman came and
kicked away the cards in order to put an end to
the game. On this one of the Peons rose up, and
retiring a few paces, thus accosted the intruder :
‘¢ Father, 1 will obey you as a pricst ; but (draw-
ing his knife) you must beware how you molest
our diversion.” ‘The clergyman knew the despe-
rate character of these men too well to remonstrate,
and retired very hastily, nota little chagrined. It]
, alll 2 — a a ee eee eee ee ee ee eee
1 of eight
is borne
Is, and at
yin green
sca-ports,
it is pre-
t by the
siderable
y mixture
‘annot be
rable for
d in short
temperate
$ raritics,
ld thrive
» though
of it, the
iny other
bsistence,
bare ne-
ty among
lly attach
stomed to
‘aguay in
anhootd in
sstic com-
vander in
st, whire
r the most
h equally
condition,
»xication,
numbers
ive vices,
anbling,
' pocket,
hn parties,
ce of them
round,! in
arted with
ko that the
hem goes
bfien leads
n, a party
apel after
came and
an end to
up, and
intruder:
but (draws
ou molest
he despe-
nonstrate,
ined. It]
MONTE VIDEO. 325
[is usual fora Peon who has been fortunate at play,
to go to Monte Video and clothe himself anew in
the shop of a slop-seller, While the man is look-
ing out the articles he calls for, he deliberately
places his dollars on the counter, in separate piles,
assigning each to its destined purpose. He then
retires toa corner, and attires himself; an unfor-
tunate comrade invariably attends him, who exa-
mines his cast clothes, and, if better than his own,
puts them on.. Alter passing a few days in idle-
ness,- he sets out on his return home, where he ap-
pears in his new dress, The various evils resulting
from the above vices are multiplied by the lax admi-
nistration of the laws; even in case of murder the
criminal has little to fear if he can escape to a dis-
tance of 20 or 30 leagues ; he there lives in obscn-
rity, probably forthe remainder of his life, with-
out ever being brought to justice. It is to be
feared that this want of vigilance in the magistracy
is a temptation for the numerous refugees who seek
shelter here, such as European Spaniards, who
have deserted from the service, or have been ba-
nished for their crimes. ‘These wretches, loaded
with guilt, flee into the interior, where they scl-
dom fail to find some one or other of their country-
men who is willing to give them employment,
though frequently at the peril of his life. By the
corrupt example of these refugees, the innocent
Creolian is soon initiated in vice, and becomes 2
prey to all those violent passions which are en.
gendered and fostered by habitual intoxication.
The common dress ofthe people is such as mig at
be expected from their iudolence and poveriy.
They generally go without shoes and stockings ;
indeed, as they rarely go on foot they have seldom
occasion for shoes. Some of them, particularly
the Peons, make a kind of boots from the raw
skins-of young horses, which they frequently kill
for this sole purpose. When the animal is dead,
they cut the skin round the thigh, about 18 inches
above the gambrel; having stripped it, they
stretch and dress it until it loses the hair and be-
comes quite white. ‘The lower part, which co-
vered the joint, forms the heel, and the extremity
is tied up in a bunch to cover the toes. ‘These
boots, when newl,: finished, are of a delicate co-
lour, and very generally admired. The rest of
their apparel consists of a jacket, which is univer-
sally worn by all ranks, and a shirt and drawers
made of a coarse cotton cloth brought from the
Braais. Children run-about with no dress but
their shirts until their fifth or sixth year. Their
education is very little attended to, and is confined
to mere rudiments; a man who is able to read and
write is considered to have all the learning he can
desire.
Among the many natural advantages which this
district possesses, are the frequent falls in the rivu-
lets and larger streams, which might be converted
to various mechanical purposes, if the population
were more numerous and better instructed. Some
of these streams, as was before stated, join the va-
rious branches ¢ the Godoy, and flow into the
lake Meni ; those on the other side the mountains
in an. direction empty themselves principally
through the Riachuelo and the St. Lucia, into
the Plata.
The want of cultivation in this vast territory
may be inferred from the numbers and varieties of
wild animals which breed upon it. ‘Tigers,
ounces, and lions are common, ‘The former are
heavy sluggish animals; their chief prey is the
young cattle, which they find in such abundance
that they rarely attacka man. Hence little danger
is to be apprehended from them by any person tras
velling on horseback, unless when inadvertently
approaching the haunt of a female with young.
The ounce has the same character, and the lion is
considered less vicious than either. Among the
many daring and active feats performed by the
Peons, we cannot forbear commemorating one of
the most extraordinary of late years, being the
capture of a tiger by a female of that tribe. She
was a mulatto woman, brought up in the vicinity
of Barriga Negra, She was accustomed at an early
age to ride horses, and prided herself in doing of-
fices which belonged to the stronger sex, such as
catching cattle with the noose, killing them, &c.
Her form was masculine, and she became so inured
to men’s work that she was hired as a Peon, and
fulfilled that oftice much to the satisfaction of her
employers. She was noted for selecting spirited
horses, and for riding them at full speed. One
day on her return from labour, as she was passing
a rivulet, she observed a large tiger at no great
distance. Surprised that the animal did not steal
away, as is generally the case when he sees a per-
son mounted, she drew nearer, still keeping her
horse’s head from him, so as to be ready to gallop
off if he should make a spring. He was still in-
attentive and motionless; the woman observing
this, and thinking he ailed something, after some
minutes’ pause, backed her horse until she came
within 20 yards of him, loosening at the same
time her noose from the saddle, which she threw
most dexterously over his neck, and immediately
garroped away with him toa considerable distance.
V hether ill or not before, she knew he must now]
326 MON
(be dead; she therctorealighted, flayed him, and
carried home the skin as atrophy, The animal was
above the ordinary size, and not smaller than a
calf of six weeks old. ‘This exploit was long the
talk of the neighbourhood, and Mawe, the travel-
ler, asserts that he heard the woman herself relate
it. Besides the animals above mentioned there is
one of the pig kind, called the pig of the woods,
which has an aperture on its back, whence it emits
a most intolerable stench when closely pursued,
If on killing the animal the part be instantancously
cut out, the flesh affords good eating, but should
that operation be neglected, even for a short pe-
riod, the taint contaminates the whole carcase.
The domestic pigs are by no means good, for
they feed so much upon beef that their flesh is very
hard and coarse. ‘There is an animal of the opos-
sum kind, about the size of a rabbit, called a zu.
rilla, the skin of which is streaked black and white,
and is considered of some value. When attacked,
it ejects a fetid liquor, which is of so pungent a
nature that if it falls on any part of the dress of its
pursuers, there is no possibility of getting rid of the
stench but by continual exposure to the weather for
some months, The zurilla is very fond of eggs
and powtry, and sometimes enters a house in
quest of its prey; the inhabitants immediately
hasten out and leave their unwelcome visitant in
quiet possession as long as she chooses to stay ;
well aware that the slightest attempt todrive her
out would expose them to an ejectment from the
ae forever. Eagles, both of the grey and
lue species, as well as other birds of prey, are
found here in great numbers. Here are also par-
roquets in immense flocks, pigeons, great red-leg-
ged partridges, small partridges, wild ducks, and
wild turkeys. Ostriches of a large species are
very numerous ; they are so fleet and active that
even, when well mounted, it is impossible to get
near them but by surprise; the stroke of their
wing is said to be inconceivably strong.
Here are considerable herds of small deer, which
in this fine country would afford the sportsman ex-
cellent diversion, but unfortunately the dogs are
good for nothing, as there is no attention paid to
the preservation of the breed. The rivers pro-
duce tortoises and other amphibious animals, but
they are chiefly noted for a variety of singularly
ugly fish, which afford tolerable, but by no means
good te
Monte Vipeo, a mountain of the same pro-
vince and government, on the coast of the river
La Plata, from whence the former city takes its
name.
MON
MONTEGA, a bay on then. coast of the island
of Jamaica,
|MONTEGO Bay is on the m. side of the
island of Jamaica, 12 miles e, of Lucca harbour,
and 19 w, of Falmouth harbour. ‘This was for.
merly a flourishing and opulent town ; it consisted
of 225 houses, 33 of which were capital stores,
and contained about 600 white inhabitants. ‘The
number of topsail vessels which cleared annually
at this port were about 150, of which 70 were ca.
pital ships ; but in this account are included part
of those which entered at Kingston. This fine
town was almost totally destroyed by an accidental
fire, in July 1795; the damage was estimated at
200,000/. sterling. |
MONTERET, a city and capital of the Nuevo
Reyno de Leon in N. America; founded in 1599
by order of the Count de Monterei, viceroy of
Nueva Espaiia, who gave it his name. It has two
parishes, one for Spaniards, and another, which is
a convent of San Francisco, for the Indians, In
its ecclesiastical concerns it belongs to the bishop-
ric of Guadalaxara, and in its civil to the audience
of Mexico, (‘Three hundred and_ninety-seven
miles 2. of the latter, and 198 x. n. e. of Zacate.
cas, in lat. 25°59’ n. Long. 100° 7! w. |
Montene}, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Coquimbo in the kingdom of
Chile, where there is a fort and garrison to restrain
the incursions of the Araucanos Indians, who
border on that part. It is situate on the shore and
at the source of the river Limari. In 1612, a
flourishing mission was established here by the
Father Luis de Valdivia, of the extinguished com.
pany, he having been sent by the King Philip II.
to make a treaty of peace with the Indians, the
which he effected. He was accompanied by a
brother of the same order, Orazio Vecchi; and
he was the first who moistened these territories
with the blood of a martyr, having suffered under
the hands of the Cazique Ungunamon, in the place
of Elicura, that same year.
[MONTEREY, a town of the intendancy of
San Luis Potosi, the seat of a bishop, in the small
kingdom of Leon. ]
MONT®#®RO, a diamond-work of the province
and captainship of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil ; a few
miles up the river Jigitonhonha, and very near to
Tejuco, the capital of Minas Novas. It was vi-
sited by Mawe, the traveller, in 1809; for an ac-
count of whose journey thither, see Vitua Rica. ]
MONTES, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Paraguay in Peru.
MONTES-CLAROS, Jesus nr, a city, also
the island
de of the
a harbour,
s was for.
t consisted
ital stores,
nts. ‘The
A annually
0 were cae
luded part
This fine
accidental
stimated at
the Nuevo
ed in 1599
viceroy of
It has two
r, which is
dians. In
the bishop-
ie audience
inety-seven
of Zacate.
ovince and
ingdom of
1 to restrain
ians, who
shore and
n 1612, a
ere by the
ished come
Philip I.
hdians, the
nied by a
echi; and
territories
ered under
nthe place
ndancy of
the small
be province
azil; afew
ry near to
it was vi-
for an ac-
LA Rica.]
ind govern-
city, also
MON
called Valle Grande, of the province and govern.
ment of Santa Cruz de La Sierra in Peru ; bounded
by the province of 'Tomina, It contains 3500
souls, the greater part people of colour. It was
founded by the viceroy of Peru, the Marquis
Montes Claros, who gave it his name. It is small!
and poor, and is 12 leagues s. of the settlement of
Samapaita,
Monrtes-Ciaros, a town of the province and
government of Cinaloa in N. America.
[Monrtes-Cranos, a town of the intendancy of
Sonora; the same as Villa del Fuerte. |
MONTESILLO, S. Cunistovan be, a small
settlement or ward of the alcaldia mayor of San
Luis del Potosi. It contains 30 families of In-
dians, and eight of AZustees, all of whom are
weavers, shoe-makers, and hat-makers, It is
very close to its capital between x. and s,
MONTGOMERY, a new county in the up-
per district of Georgia. |
MontGomeEry, a county of New York, at
first called Tryon, but its name was changed to
Montgomery in 1784, by act of the legislature. It
consisted of 11 townships, which contained 28,848
inhabitants, according to the census of 1791.
Since that period the counties of Herkemer and
Otsego have been erected out of it. It is now
bounded x. and w. by Herkemer, e. by Saratoga,
s. by Schoharie, ands. w. by Otsego county. By
the state census of 1796, it is divided into eight
townships ; and of the inhabitants of these 3379
are qualificd electors. Chief town, Johnston. |
{MonteGomery, a township in Ulster county,
New York, bounded e. by New Windsor and
Newburgh, and contains 3563 inhabitants, include
ing 236 slaves. By the state census of 1796, 497
of the inhabitants were qualified electors, |
[Montcomery, a fort in New York state ;
situated in the high lands, on the w. bank of Hud-
son’s river, on the ”. side of Popelop’s creck, on
which are some iron works, opposite to St. An-
thony’s Nose, six miles s. of W. point, and 52
from New York city. The fort is now in ruins.
It was reduced by the British in October 1777.
See AntHony’s Nose. |
{(Montcomery, a township in Franklin coun-
ty, Vermont. |
{Montcomeny, a township in Hampshire
county, Massachusetts, 100 miles from Boston.
It was incorporated in 1780, and contains 449 in-
habitants. |
hs ig oe ec, a county in Pennsylvania, 33
miles in length and 17 in breadth, 2. w. of Phila-
delphia county. It is divided into 26 townships,
and contains 22,929 inhabitants, including 114
MON 327
slaves, In this county are 96 grist mills, 61 saw
mills, four forges, six fulling mills, and 10 paper
mills. Chief town, Norritown.
[Monrcomery, a township in the above
county, ‘There is also a township of this name in
Franklin county. }
MontGomery, acounty in Salisbury district,
N. Carolina, containing 4725 inhabitants, includ-
ing 854 slaves. |
Titowrenusny, a county of Virginia, s. of
Botetourt county. Itis about 100 miles in length,
A4 in breadth, and contains some lead mines.
Chief town, Christiansburg. |
[Montacomery Court-house, in Virginia, is
28 miles from Wythe court-house, and 81 trom
Salisbury, in N. Carolina, It is on the post-road
from Richmond to Kentucky, A post-office is
kept here. |
Montcomery, a county of Maryland, on
Patowmac river. It contained 18,003 inhabi-
tants, including 6030 slaves. |
{[Monracomery Court-house, in the above
county, is 22 miles s.e. by s. of Frederickstown,
12 n. by w. of George-town on the Patowmac, and
23 s. w. of Baltimore. |
[Moxtcomery, a new county in Tennessee
state, Mero district. This and Robertson county
are the territory formerly called ‘Tennessee county,
the name of which ceases since the state has taken
that name. ]
[ Montcomery, a court-house in N, Carolina,
28 miles from Salisbury and 18 from Anson courte
house. It is now known by the name of Stokes
Court-house.
MON'TIJO, a settlement of the province and
eovotnment of Veragua in the kingdom of ‘Tierra
virme,
(MONTMORENCY, Fall of. The fall of
Montmorency, which is situated about eight miles
to the x. e. of Quebec, derives its elegant and ma-
jestic appearance more from its height than from
the body of water that flows over the precipice.
According to the most accurate computation, it is
250 feet high and 80 feet wide. Its breadth is,
however, increased or diminished according to
the quantity of water supplied by the river, which
is a narrow stream, and in many parts extremely
shallow. In spring and autumn, when the melting
of the snow, or much rain, swells the current, the
fall is increased, and seen at those periods to great
advantage. In winter but a small portion of the
fall is visible, in consequence of the cones of ice
which are formed by the rising spray, and inter-
cept the view nearly half way up.
The river Mentmorency falls between a large
3:28 MON
cleft in the mountain, which appears to have been
formed by the shock of an earthquake. The
waters thus precipitate themselves into a kind of
basin, upwards of 300 yards wide, many paris of
which are fordable towards the entrance at low
water; but under the fall there is an immense
chasm. ‘The mountain consists of the black lime
slate, which as it becomes exposed to the air con-
tinually moulders away. Near the summit of the
falls, the banks of the cleft are ornamented with a
variety of shrubs, fir-trees, and other evergreens,
whose dark folinge form an agreeable contrast to
the snowy whiteness of the fall, and give to the
tout ensemble a pleasing and romantic appearance,
The fall of Montmorency has, however, more of the
elegant and beautiful in it than of the “ awfully
grand, or wonderfully sublime!”
If, turning your attention altogether from the
‘fall of Montmorency, you direct it up the river,
the scenery is not to be surpassed any where.
After viewing the fall, if you turn your attention
towards the St. Lawrence and the island of Or-
leans, and, following the course of the river, di-
rect your view towards the lower end of the island,
by Chateau Riché, till you reach the mountain
called Cap Tourment, it must be allowed that it
is difficult to imagine an assemblage of objects
more interesting, or better calculated to inflame
the fancy of the poet, or give life to the canvas f
the painter.
Both the Montmorency and the Chaudiere
be viewed either from the top or bottom of the ......
The latter, it is generally. thought, is seen to
greatest advantage from below. ‘The Montmo-
rency, too, viewed from below, is truly sublime, as
it is thought to be so much the more famous than
the Chaudiere, in as much as it is seen at a dis-
tance by all who sail up the St. Lawrence. |
([MONTMORIN, anew town on the x», bank
of Ohio river, 18 miles below Pittsburgh ; situated
on a beautiful plain, very fertile, and abounding
with coal. |
MON'TOOK, Ponta ne, an extremity or e.
head of Long island, in the province and colony
of New York, running many leagues into the sea,
[MON'TPELIER, a township in Caledonia
county, Vermont, onthe 2. e. side of Onion river,
It has 118 inhabitants, and is 27 miles from lake
Me eon
MONTREAL, a large island of the river St.
Lawrence in New France or Canada ; situate at the
conflux of the two rivers Utawas:and Cataxakui.
It is 27 miles long and 12 wide, takes the name of
a very lofty mountain, situate in the middle of the
island, appearing to command the island, and so
MON
called by the French, Mont-Real. The river St,
Lawrence is here a league wide, and its shores are
covered with trees and settlements, and many small
islands, some cultivated, others uncultivated, and
altogether affording a very pleasing prospect,
From the city of Quebec to this island the French
have many establishments upon very level roads,
as also several towns and settlements of different
lordships ; but the river is navigable only as far as
Montreal from the number of cascades and rocks
which there impede its course. ‘The territory pro-
duces much maize, and all the European fruits
thrive here; although the French have fixed on
none of these asa principal branch of commerce,
being employed ina traflic with the Indians for
skins of castors, foxes, racoons, deer, and other
articles of the same class, by which they make a
good profit, and live very agreeably in this de-
lightful country, The Indians barter the skins for
brandy, tobacco, muskets, powder and ball, and
the French have certain traders whom they call
Runners of the Woods, who, traversing immense
lakes and rivers in their canoes made of the barks
of trees with an incredible patience and ingenuity,
carry their effects to the most remote parts of Ame-
rica, amongst nations to us entirely unknown; and
these, on the other hand, establish a fair at Mont-
real, at which people assemble from 100 miles
distance. ‘This fait is celebrated in the month of
June, and sometimes is kept up for three months
with great solemnity : guards are stationed at dif-
ferent parts, and the governor himself assists to
restrain any incursion that so numerous a nation of
savages might make: but these precautions are
more particularly to guard against the violent be-
haviour, which generally partakes of something
like madness, common to the Indians when they
are inebriated. Notwithstanding this, the fair has
been carried on at Montreal for many years ina
very flourishing manner; and although many of
the tribes of Indians who assemble here must ne-
cessarily pass the English establishments of New
York, Albany, &c. where they might provide
themselves with what they want much more readily
and at half the price for which they can obtain
them at Montreal, owing to the great expences of
a long land-carriage, yet do they prefer buying
them there at the increased rate, and at the second
hand, This is curious, and the French have
lately found it more to their advantage to buy the
goods and merchandize for sale at New York than
in their own country, which only proves that the
French have a greater skill in conciliating and
pleasing these barbarians than have the English.
The capital of this island is of the same name.
e river St,
shores are
nany small
vated, and
prospect,
the French
evel roads,
of different
ly as far as
and rocks
‘ritory pro.
pean fruits
re fixed on
commerce,
Indians for
and other
ey make a
in this de-
he skins for
| ball, and
n they call
if immense
the barks
ingenuity,
rts of Ame-
nowns: and
ir at Mont-
100 miles
1e month of
ree months
oned at dif-
f assists to
a nation of
autions are
violent be-
something
when they
the fair has
y years ina
hh many of
e must ne-
nts of New
ht provide
nore readily
can obtain
bxpences of
Pter buying
the second
ench have
to buy the
York than
ves that the
iliating and
» English.
same name.
MONTREAL. 329
It is of an oblong form, having long and straight
streets, and buildings of a good construction, It
is surrounded by a strong wall and flanked by 11
redoubts serving as bastions, ‘The ditch which
surrounds the whole wall, except the part which
is opposite the river, is about cight feet deep and
of a proportionate width : besides this it has a ci-
Suites fortress, the batteries of which command
the streets of the city on either side; and upon
the river called San Pedro there is a bridge. The
shore of the river St. Lawrence, upon the which
the city stands, has a gradual slope from the
water's edge to the further end of the city. This
is divided into two parts, the superior and infe-
rior, although the pass from the one to the other
is scarcely perceptible. ‘The merchant: commonly
dwell in the inferior part, and here is the place of
arms, the hospital, and the king’s storehouses ;
but the chief buildings are in the superior part,
together with the convent of the reformed Iran-
ciscans, the parish church, the public school, the
college which belonged to the Jesuits, the gover-
nor’s palace, and the grvater part of the houses of
the officers of the garrison, The convent, of
wh.ch we have spoken, of the religious order of
St. Francis, is very large, and has a numerous
community. The parish church is large and of
beautiful architecture, entirely of cut stone, and
the public school, which is contiguous to it, is
very convenient. ‘The church, which belonged
to the Jesuits, is small, but richly adorned. The
governor's palace is a magnificent building, as are
also many other edifices with which the city is
adorned ; but, amongst the rest, we must not for-
get to mention the hospital, assisted by the reli-
gious lay-sisters from the city of Fleche, in the
county of Anjou. Outside of the city and on the
other side of the river St. Pedro, are some pretty
country houses, especially one belonging to Mr,
de Calliere, and the public hospital called Char-
ron Bretheren, from having been founded by a per-
son of this name, who, in conjunction with other
pious and devout persons, undertook this work of
charity, as also the providing with masters the
school for the instruction of Indian children, hay-
ing had the satisfaction before his death, which
occurred in 1719, to sce the hospital established,
although his companions had abandoned him in
the undertaking. This city belongs to the semi-
nary of the St. Sulpice, of Paris. The English
took possession of it in 1760, after they took Que-
bec, and remained in .the enjoyment of it, loge-
ther with the greater part of the country. [It is
116 miles s. w. of Quebec, in let. 46° 33! x.
Long. 73° 18! 30! w.]
VOL. Il.
[INDEX to ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Re-
speotinG MONTREAL, AND FURTHER DE-
SCRIPTION OF THE ISLAND AND TOWN,
Inhabitants,-- Mechanics,«*- Markets.-«- Water car-
riage.---Government stores.«-«Indians of Cache-
nonaga,--- Boundary line between Canada and
the United States,-«-Commerce.
Montara is justly considered at the pre-
sent day the second city in rank in Lower Canada,
While the French had possession of Canada,
both the city and island of Montreal belonged to
private proprietors, who had improved them so
well that the whole island had become a delightful
spot, and produced every thing that could admi-
nister to the convenience of life, The city, around
which is a very good wall, built by Louis XIV.
of France, forms an oblong square, divided by
regular and well formed streets ; and when taken
by the British, the houses were built in a very
handsome manner; and every house might be
scen at one view from the harbour, or from the
southernmost side of the river, as the hill on the
side on which the town stands falls gradually to
the water. Montreal contains at present about
1200 houses, few of them elegant ; but since it fell
into the hands of the British in 1760, it has suf-
fered much from fire. A regiment of men are sta.
tioned here, and the government of the place bor-
ders on the military. It is about half a league
from the s, shore of the river, 120 miles s. w. of
Quebec, Trois Rivicres being about half way, 98
n. of Crown point, 220 n. by w. of Boston, and
286 n.e.of Niagara, The lat. and long. are men-
tioned above. See St. Lawrence. The river St,
Lawrence is about three miles wide at Montreal.
Near Bout de V’Isle, or the end of the island
of Montreal, the river is intersected by a num-
ber of small isles and islets. One, named
Kagle island, is the property of Captain Cart.
wright of the Canadian fencibles, and was celes
brated for some excellent horses which he reared
upon it. It contains only his own house, in which
he resided for several years with his family. ‘I'he
surrounding scenery is beautiful, and must afford a
delightful retreat to those who are fond of rural feli-
city. Within view of this island is the ferry
which crosses from the post-road at Repentigny
to the end of the island of Montreal. A bridge
was formerly built over the river in the vicinity of
this place by Mr. Porteous, of ‘Terrebonne, but
was carried away two or three years ago by the
ice. The provincial parliament have recently
passed an act permitting him to build another from
tepentigny to isle Bourdon,
The shores of the island of Montreal are elevated]
UU
330
[several feet above the level of the river. The soil
Js uncommonly rich and fertile, and yields more
abundant harvests than any other part of Lower
Canada, The price of land averages from 20 to
$0 dollars per acre. The island is 50 miles in
length and about seven in breadth,
The opposite island of St. Helen belongs to the
Baroness de Longueil: this lady married a gentle-
man of the name of Grant, and brought him very
extensive and valuable landed property. Since
his death it has been divided between her and the
children. The eldest son goes by the familiar ap-
pellation of Baron Grant.
The town of Montreal has a singular appear-
ance when viewed from the waicr, in consequence
of the light-grey stone of the new buildings, and
the tinecovered roots of the houses, which emit a
strong glare when the sun shines. ‘The shipping
lie close to the shore, which is very steep, and
forms a kind of natural wharf, upon which the ves-
sels discharge their cargces. About 20 yards
back the land rises to the height of 15 or 20 feet;
and an artificial wharf has been constructed and
faced with plank; the goods are, however, all
shipped from, and landed upon, the beach below.
A great many English vessels arrive annually at
Montreal, but it is a voyage that few captains are
willing to make a second time, if they can possi-
bly avoid it, the navigation up the river above
Quebec being very hazardous, and the pilots un-
skilful and inattentive.
The interior of Montreal is extremely heavy and
gloomy. ‘The buildings are ponderous masses of
stone, crected with very little taste and less judg
ment. ‘They are seidom more than two stories
above the ground floor, including garrets. ‘The
doors and window-shutters are covered with large
sheets of tin, painted of a red or lead colour, cor-
responding with the gloomy darkness of the stone
of which most of the old houses are built. There
isa heavy sameness of appearance which pervades
all the streets, whether new or old, nor are they
remarkable for width, though they are for the
most part laid out in a regular manner. ‘The only
open place or square in the town, except the two
markets, is the Place d’Armes, and which, under
the French government, was the place where the
garrison troops paraded. ‘The French Catholic
church occupies the whole of the e. side of the
square, and on the s. side, ee some private
houses, isa very good tavern, called the Montreal
Hotel, kept by Mr. Dillon.
‘The town walls and fortifications which were
erected to protect the inhabitants against the irrup-
tions of the Iroquois and other hostile Indians,
MONTREAL
are now falling to decay, A great part have been
levelled with the ground, and an act has lately
passed the provincial parliament to remove the
remainder.
At the back of the town, just behind the new
court-house, is the parade, where the troops are
exercised. The ground is considerably elevated
along this part, and forms a steep bank for several
hundred yards in length. Here the inhabitants
walk of an evening, and enjoy a beautiful view of
the suburbs of St. Lawrence and St. Antoine, and
the numerous gardens, orchards, and plantations
of the gentry, adorned with neat and handsome
dwelling-houses. Large green fields are inter.
spersed amidst this rich variety of objects, which
are concentrated in an extensive valley, gradually
rising towards a lofty mountain, that stands about
two miles and a half distant, at the back of the
town: from this mountain the island has taken its
name of Montreal, or Royal Mount. It is said
by some recent authors, but most erroneously, to
be elevated 700 miles above the level of the river ;
it is upwards of two miles in length from n. tos,
It is covered with trees And shrubs, except towards
its base, where some parts have been cleared anc
cultivated. A large Fandbonie stone building, be-
longing to the widow of the late Mr. M‘Tavish, of
the N. W. company stands at the foot of the moun-
tain, in a very conspicuous situation. Gardens
and orchards have been laid out, and considerable
improvements made, which add much to the beauty
of the spot. Mr. M*Tavish is buried in a tomb a
short distance from his house on the side of the
mountain, in the midst of a thick shrubbery. A
monumental pillar is erected over the vault, and
may be seen a long way off. ,
The town, including all its suburbs, occupics
a considerable extent of ground, and the number
of inhabitants is computed at 12,000. ‘The prin-
cipal public buildings are, the general hospital ;
the Hotel Dieu; the convent of Notre Dame ; the
French cathedral; the English church, an unfi-
nished building ; the old monastery of Franciscan
friars, converted into barracks; the seminary ; the
court-house ; government-house, &c.
The general hospital was founded by Madame
Youville, a widow lady, in 1753, and contains a
superior and 19 nuns; it is situated on the banks
of the river, near a small rivulet, which divides
it from the town. There is also a college for the
education of young men, founded in 1719 by the
Sieur Charron. :
The Hotel Dieu was established in 1644, by
Madame de Bouillon, for the purpose of adminis-
tering relief tothe sick poor ; it contains a superior]
2
have beer
las lately
move the
lthe new
roops are
y elevated
for several
nhabitants
ul view of
tuine, and
lantations
handsome
are inter.
ts, which
gradually
inds about
ick of the
s taken its
It is said
eously, to
the river ;
mn, tos.
pt towards
eared anc
ilding, be-
Lavish, of
the moun-
Gardens
nsiderable
the beauty
a tomba
de of the
ybery. A
ault, and
occupics
e number
The prin-
hospital ;
Dame ; the
> an unfi-
‘ranciscan
nary; the
Madame
ontains a
the banks
h divides
ie tor the
19 by the
1644, by
adminis-
superior }
MONTREAL. 331
{ene 39 nuns, who attend and nurse the patients,
n apartment in the. upper part of the house is
appropriated to the females, and a large room be-
low for the men. The establishment is now chiefly
supported by a slender income, arising from
landed property: the funds, upon which it for-
merly relied, being vested in Paris, were lost du-
ring the revolution.
The convent of Notre Dame contains a superior
and upwards of 40 nuns. It was founded about
the year 1650, by Mademoiselle Marguerite Bour-
geois, for the instruction of female children. The
sisters of this situation are not confined in so strict
a manner as at the other convents, but have the li-
berty of going out. ‘They attend mass at the
French church on Sunday siorning and afternoon,
They are dressed in black gowns and hoods, and
are chiefly elderly women.
There are two of the old Franciscan friars still
living in one corner of their monastery, the re-
mainder of which has been converted into barracks
for the troops quartered in the-city. Upon the
arrival of several additional regiments at Quebec,
the 49th and 100th were sent up to Montreal to do
duty in that town, and to garrison the out-posts
near the American line.
The French cathedral in the Place D’Armes is
a large substantial stone building, built with little
taste. The interior is, however, plentifully deco-
rated in the Catholic style, with all the appropriate
decorations of that religion; and the size of the
building renders it a very commodious place of wor-
ship, and well adapted for the accommodation of its
numerous congregation. In summera great many
peel kneel outside the church in preference to
cing within, The service of the English church
is performed at present in a small chapel, which is
also used by the Presbyterians. A handsome new
church is partly built, but for want of funds re-
mains in an unfinished state.
The court-house is a neat and spacious building,
and an ornament to the town; a gaol is building
on one side of it, upon the site of the old college
of the Jesuits. The city (as before observed) is
divided into Upper and Lower Towns, though
there is very little difference in their elevation,
The principal strect of the 'al.r extends from n, tos,
the whole length of the city, nearest the water-side,
and is called Paul-street. Here are situated the
wholesale and retail stores of the merchants and
traders ; the lower market-place ;_ the post-oflice ;
the Hotel Dieu ; and a large tavern, formerly kept
by Hamilton, but now in the possession of Mr,
Holes. There are several smaller taverns in this
street and in the market-place, but they are fre-
quented principally by the American traders whe
visit Montreal. Paul-strect, though narrow, pre-
sents a scene of greater bustle than any other part
of the town, and is the chief mart of the trade and
commerce carried on in Montreal.
Several short streets proceed w, from Paul-street,
and communicate with that of Notre Dame, which
runs ina parallel line, extending the whole length
of the city. ‘This street forms what is called the
Upper Town, and contains the Recollet monastery,
the French seminary, the Catholic church, the
Place d’Armes; the new English church, the
convent of Notre Dame, the court-house and gaol,
and the old building called the government-house,
which latter has no claim to particular notice.
The dwelling-houses of the principal merchants
are mostly situated in Notre Dame street, and
other parts of the Upper Town, their stores being
stationed near the water-side. These two parallel
streets are considerably lengthened tothe 2. by the
suburb of Quebec; andtothe s. by the suburbs of
St. Antoine and Recollet. In the centre of Notre
Dame street, a long strect branches off to the w.
and forms the suburb of St. Lawrence. It is also
the high road to the interior of the island, and
crossing the intermediate valley, passes over the
foot of the mountain. In one of the short streets
leading to the Upper Town, and situated opposite
the court-house, a new market-place, and rows of
convenient stalls, have been recently constructed :
it will be a great accommodation to the town, ag
the old market in Paul-street is too much confined
for the increased population of the place. ‘The
streets of Montreal are, for the most part, well
paved, and the improvements which are going on
throughout the town, will render it more commo-
dious and agreeable than it is at present. The
town itself will always be gloomy, but the envi-
rons are beautiful.
All the principal N. W. merchants reside at
Montreal, which is the emporium oftheir trade, and
the grand mart of the commerce carried on bee ,
tween Canada and the United States. ‘They, and
other respectable merchants, have country-houses
a few miles from the city, which, with their nume-
rous orchards and gardens, well stocked with
every variety of fruit-trees, shrubs, and flowers,
render the surrounding country extremely beauti-
ful and picturesque. ‘The succession of rich and
variegated objects that are presented to the eye of
the spectator, from the base of the neighbouring
mountain, cannot be surpassed in any part of
Canada, with the exception, perhaps, of the view
fren cape Diamond, at Quebec, They are, how-
ever, both of a different nature, and may be des- |
uu
$32
ote like Homer and Virgil; the one grand,
old, and romantic, the other serene, beautiful,
and elegant. Quebec has more of the majesty of
nature, Montreal more of the softness of art.
A large store has been converted into a theatre,
in which Mr. Prigmore’s company occasionally
perform. Society is reckoned more friendly and
agreeable in Montreal than in any other town in
Lower Canada. The N.W. merchants live in a
superior style to the rest of the inhabitants, and
keep very expensive tables. They are triendly
and hospitable to strangers who are introduced to
them, and whom they entertain in a sumptuous
manner. The envious, however, consider their
apparent generosity as flowing more from pride
and ostentation than from real hospitality, and
they have often been the subjects of newspaper
criticism.
A public assembly is held at Tolmes’s tavern
during the winter ; and these, with private dances,
2a, and card partics, and cariole excursions out of
town form the whole amusements of that season.
In summer pleasure gives way to business, which
at that period of bustle affords full employment
toall. A few excursions, and dinner parties in
the country, occur sometimes to relieve the weight
of mercantile affairs. Concerts are very rare, and
never take place unless the regimental bands are
in town. The inhabitants, like those of Quebec
and Three Rivers, possess very little knowledge of
the polite and liberal accomplishments necessary
to form the complete lady or gentleman. They
however labour under the disadvantage of the
want of proper masters, and institutions to instruct
and complete them in the higher branches of edu-
cation ; yet it is, perhaps, their fault that they
have them not, for without proper reward and en-
couragement they never can have them.
Ship-building is successfully carried on by Mr.
Munn, who generally launches two or three ves-
sels from 200 to 500 tons every year. They have
of late taken French Canadians as apprentices,
who are highly praised for their capacity. This
is a very good plan, for European ship-builders
have very high wages, and are besides a very
drunken dissolute set. The Canadian workmen,
on the contrary, are sober, steady men, and at-
tend regularly to their work from break of day to
sun-set. There is an island near the middle of the
river opposite the city, at the lower end of which
isa mill with eight pair of stones, all kept in mo-
tion, at the same time, by one wheel. ‘The works
are said to have cost 11,000/. sterling. A large
mound of stone, &c, built out into the river, stops
a sufficiency of water to keep the mill in continual
MONTREAL.
motion. And what is very curious, at the end of
this mound or dam, vessels pass against the stream,
while the mill is in motion. Perhaps there is not
another mill of the kind in the world.
One of the greatest errors committed by persons
who go to Canada to settle, is the taking of Euro.
pean servants with them ; for experience has fully
proved, in innumerable instances, that no obliga-
tions whatever are sufficient to ensure a master the
labour of his European servants, more especially
if he is in advance to them for any part of their
wages. The inducements to leave him, in such
cases, become so great, that the servant must be
more than commonly virtuous, or have strong mo-
tives for staying, if he does not break his engave-
ment. This complaint is so general at Quebec,
that little or nothing is done to remedy the griey-
ance, which seems to set the laws at defiance:
yet the magistrates have suflicient power to pu-
nish both masters and servants ; but they seldom
or never give a_ satisfactory decision in cases
where the latter are to blame.
One very great mischief in this town is occa-
sioned by the low price of spirits, particularly
rum, which may be obtained for less than 5s. a
gallon. Hence few of the lower order of Euro-
peans who arrive at Quebec, but become drunk-
ards in a very short time, and drunkenness never
fails to precipitate them into worse vices. If they
have a little money, it is soon squandered, either
in liquor with their dissolute companions, or in
going to law with their masters, in which case it
seldom fails to find its way into the pocket of the
before mentioned advocate, and the account is ge-
nerally wound up by some crimp for the shipping,
or recruiting serjeant for the army.
The scarcity of hands for labour is certainly
considerable, yet by no means so great as is gene.
rally represented ; it is therefore more to the in-
terest of gentlemen settling in Canada, to engage
the native artisans, than to take out men who will
never remain in their service. The French me-
chanics and farmers may be, and indeed are,
greatly inferior in abilities to Muropeans ; but they
are superior to them in sobriety, industry, and c+
vility. ‘The French Canadians, however, have
great ingenuity, and it only requires cultivation
to render them excellent artists. Some clever Ame-
rican mechanics are also frequently to be met with
in Canada, particularly mill-wrights ; these peo-
ple are sometimes steady workmen, buat they will
often give their employers the slip in the middle
of their work, if they happen to meet with a more
lucrative offer from another person. The practice
of enticing away each other’s servants, is but too |
he end of*
the stream,
here is not
by persons
r of Euro.
e has fully
no obliga-
master the
especially
art of their
Mm, in such
int must be
strong mo-
lis engayve-
at Quebec,
the griev-
defiance ;
ver to pu-
rey seldom
n in cases
nm iS occas
articularly
than 5s. a
ar of Euro-
me drunk-
ness never
s. Ifthey
ered, either
ions, or in
ich case it
ket of the
ount is ge-
shipping,
s certainly
as is gene.
to the ine
to engage
Pn who will
rrench me-
ndeed are,
; but they
y, and cl-
ver, have
cultivation
lever Ame-
e met with
these peo-
t they will
the middle
ith a more
he practice
is but too |
MONTREAL, 333
[ ‘ch the custom in Canada, and it is. owing as
1... to this want of good faith, that strangers on
the:. arrival find it so difficult to retain their ser-
vants, as to any other cause,
The markets of Montreal are plentifully sup-
plied with all kinds of provisions, which are sold
much cheaper than at Quebec or Three Rivers :
large supplies are brought in every winter from the
States, particularly cod-fish, which is packed in
ice and conveyed in sleighs from Boston, Hey
and wood are sold in the Place d’Armes, ‘Two
newspapers are printed weekly at Montreal, the
Gazette, and Canadian Courant, both on Monday
afternoon.
From Montreal to La Chine is a turnpike road,
abvut seven or eight miles in length. This is the
only turnpike in Lower Canada, and the road
is not very well kept up for the toll that is de-
manded ; fourpence is charged for a horse, and
eightpence for a horse and chaise ; but for a sub-
scription of one or two dollars per annum, an in-
habitant of the island may be exempted from the
daily toll, A great trattic is maintained on this
eats by the carters who carry all the goods for the
upper country, from Montreal to La Chine, where
they are put on board batteaux.
For the first mile or two out of town, the road
passes partly over a common, which is beginning
to be inclosed and cultivated. After passing
through the turnpike, the road proceeds up a
steep ascent, and continues along a lofty height
for nearly four miles, when it descends rather ab-
ruptly, and passes again over a low, flat country,
until it reaches La Chine, which is situated along
the shore of the river St. Lawrence. ‘The road is
lined with the houses and farms of the habitans,
and along the height, the eye wanders with plea-
sure over an extensive cultivated valley, bordered
by the St. Lawrence, which disappears amidst the
thick foliage of the trees, while a small serpentine
stream meanders prettily through the fields. ‘This
low country was, ages ago, probably a part of the
river, and the high land, along which the turnpike
road now runs, was most likely the boundary
within which it was confined. Its flat and marshy
soil affords some foundation for this conjecture.
There is another road to La Chine which winds
along the shore of the St. Lawrence, and passes
the rapids of St. Louis; situated about halt way.
It is about a league longer than the turnpike road.
A few years ago, before the road was made, it was
nearly a day’s journey for carts to go from Mont-
real to Lia Chine. ‘The road is certainly now in
a better condition, but there is still room for im-
provement,
La Chine is delightfully situated upon the
banks of the river. It is of considerable extent,
in consequence of the. houses being built in the
same straggiing manner as the other small set-
tlements in Canada, where the dwellings are re-
gulated by the situations of the farms, and are
seldom formed into an assemblage of houses laid
out in strects. All the goods and merchandise
sent to Upper Canada are embarked at this vil-
lage, to which they are carted from Montreal, as
the rapids of St. Louis prevent vessels from pass
ing up the river from that city. ‘The goods are
put on board large batteaux, or flat-bottomed.
boats, each of which is worked by four men and
a guide, who make use of paddles and long poles,
as the depth or rapidity of the current requires,
A gentleman of the name of Grant, who resides
at La Chine, is the owner of the batteaux, and
shipper of the goods for the merchants, who pay
him freight for the transportation of their merchan-
dise. Upwards of 50 batteaux are employed in
the voyage to and from Kingston, on lake On-
tario, in the course of the year. Mr. Grant also
ships off the goods for the N.W. merchants in
large” bark canoes belonging to the company ;.
these goods, which consist of provisions, cloth,
blankets, fowling-pieces, powder and shot, and
other articles for the Indian trade, are exchanged
for furs.
Between 40 and 50 canoes, deeply laden with
the above articles, and navigated by Canadian
and Indian voyagers, are dispatched in the
course of the spring from La Chine, and proceed
up the Outaouais, or Grand river, through rae
pids, and over portages or carrying places, into
lake Nipissing. From thence they pass through
Riviere des Frangois into lake Huron, and arrive
at the company’s post in lake Superior, from
whence the goods are afterwards transported to
the Lake of the Woods, and distributed to the
several trading posts, far in the interior of the
continent.
The government stores belonging to the Indian
department are kept at La Chine, under the
care of Mr. Hawdon the store-keeper general.
About 30 batteaux, laden with Indian presents,
are dispatched every spring to Kingston, York,
Niagara, and other posts belonging to the king
in Upper Canada, as far as lake St. Joseph’s,
near Michillimakinak ; where store-keepers and
clerks reside, for the delivery of the presents in
their respective districts, The presents are de-
livered out of the stores at La Chine, by an order
from Sir John Johnson, who is the superintendant-
general of the Indian department. They consist]
5 Naa a i is al en a
334 MONTREAL,
chiefly of the following articles: — Scarlet and
lue cloth, strouds, molton, blankets of various
sizes, Irish linen, flannel, Russia and English
sheeting, hats, laced coats, ri‘les and fowling-
pieces, powder, shot and flints, swords, spears,
harpoons, hooks and fishing-lines, copper and tin
kettles, vermilion, looking-glasses, pins, needles,
tapes, thread, scissars, knives, nests of trunks,
boxes, &c.
In the stores are sometimes also included many
pieces of fine French cambric, a quantity of tea,
Jew’s harps, razors, &c.; but it is thought that
articles of this description seldom or never reach
the Indians, being much oftener used by the store-
keepers and agents of the Indian department for
their own families. The great abuses which for-
merly existed in that branch of the public service
were shameful, but are now greatly abolished.
The former enormous requisitions are also re-
duced to little more than 10,000/. for Upper
and Lower Canada; and together with the sa-
larics of the officers and agents of the Indian de-
partment, the expences do not amount to half the
sum siated by Mr. Weld in 1796, which he com-
puted at 100,000/.
Opposite to La Chine stands the Indian village
of Cachenonaga. Its inhabitants, who amount in
all to 1200, are descended from the Agniers, one
of the Iroquois nations, who, though bitter ene-
mies to the French, were, by the indefatigable
zeal and abilities of the Jesuits, partly civilised,
and converted to the Christian faith. They were
originally settled at La Prairie, but the land
producing very indifferent maize, they removed
to Sault St. Louis, and from thence to the situation
they now occupy. Idleness reigns in every part of
their village, nor is there man, woman, or child to
be found ever employed at any sort of work.
Their habitations are dirty, miserable, and desti-
tute of furniture; and the whole village, which is
divided into two or three streets, presents a most
forlorn and wretched appearance.
These Indians are under the care of Mr. Vanfel-
son the curé of the village. He livesin a tolerable
house adjoining a small chapel, in which service is
regularly performed by him on Sundays and fese
tivals. ‘The Indians, who happen to be at home,
attend with their wives and children, and behave
in a very respectful and becoming manner. The
women, particularly, are solemn and devout in
their deportment, and are strongly attached to the
Holy Virgin; for whom they seem to have a re-
markable veneration. They have good voices,
and sing their Indian hymns in an agreeable man-
ner.
Mr. Vanfelson is a most respectable young
priest, and attends, with much diligence, to the
improvement of the Indians. His brother at Que.
bec is an advocate of some eminence.
The Indians of Cachenonaga cultivate a little
corn, and breed hogs and poultry ; but the prin.
cipal part of them subsist upon hunting and fish.
ing. A chief resides among them, called Captain
Thomas: his house is but little better furnished
than the rest ; and he is a very drunken character,
The boundary line between Canada and the
United States is about 18 miles from St. John’s,
and passes across the Richlieu river, within a few
miles of lake Champlain. Hence the Canadians
are completely shut out from the lake in case of
war, and even from the water communication with
their own territory in Missisqui bay. ‘Lhe greatest
part of this bay lies in Canada, and is thus cut off
by the line of demarcation allowed by the English
negotiators in the treaty of peace with the Ame-
rican states in 1783. In case of war, the Ameri-
cans have every advantage over the Canadians, by
confining them to the narrow channel of Richlieu
river ; and the ill effects of it have been already
experienced since the embargo, as the rafts of tim-
ber were not permitted to come out of Missisqui
bay, for the purpose of passing down the Richlicu
river. 'Thelaws however were broken in several
instances; but the parties were liable to fine and
imprisonment. If the line had been drawn across
the wide part of lake Champlain, the Americans
could never have stationed their gun-boats with
such effect, as they have of late years, in the Rich-
lieu river, by which means they interrupted the
communication between the two countries by water,
and seized great quantities of goods.
From St. John’s to the entrance of the lake,
there are scarcely any settlements. Both shores
are lined with woods, consisting chiefly of pines,
which grow toa great height. A few straggling
log-huts are seen at intervals, but otherwise it is
completely in a state of nature. The Isle au
Noix is situated near the line. Upon it are the
remains of a small fortification, which had been
successively occupied by the French, English,
and American armies, during the several wars
which have occurred in that country. The name
of the island used sometimes to be given out for
the parole upon those occasions; and it is related
of an English officer during the American war,
that upon being challenged by the sentinel, he gave
the word, * Isle au Noix,” in the true pronun-
elation, but the sentinel refused to let him pass,
‘Lhe officer persisted he was right, and the soldier
maintained he was wrong; till at length the for- |
le young
ice, tothe
er at Que.
ite a little
t the prin.
y and fishe
*d Captain
furnished
character,
a and the
St. John’s,
thin a few
Canadians
in case of
cation with
lhe greatest
hus cut off
he English
1 the Ame-
the Ameri-
tadians, by
of Richlieu
een already
‘afts of tim.
f Missisqui
he Richlicu
1in several
to fine and
rawn across
Americans
-boats with
n the Rich-
rupted the
es by water,
f the lake,
oth shores
ly of pines,
straggling
lerwise it is
he Isle au
it are the
h had been
n, English,
pveral wars
The name
ven out for
it is related
srican war,
rel, he gave
ue pronun-
t him pass.
the soldier
th the for-]
MON
{mer recollecting himself, cried out, ‘Isle of Nox.”’
—‘¢ Pass,” said the soldier ; ** you have hit it at
last 1”
For account of the commerce of Montreal, see
the section of this title under article Canapa. |
MontneEAt, a river which runs n.e. into lake
Superior, on the s. side of the lake.
Montreatr Bay lies towards the e. end of lake
Superior, having an island at the x. w. side of its
entrance, and n. e. of Caribou island. }
MONTRONIS, a river of the island of St. Do-
mingo, in the part possessed by the French. It
rises in the w. head, near the mountains of 'Tapion,
runs to that rhumb, and enters the sea in the port
of Trou Forban.
MONTROUIS, a bay of the w. coast of the
island of St. Domingo. :
(Monrrouis, a town in the w. part of the
island of St. Domingo, at the head of the Bight of
Leogane, 14 miles s.e. of St. Marcos, and 33 n.w.
of Port au Prince.
MON'TSERRAT, an island of the N. sea, one
of the Caribes, of the Atlantic ocean, discovered
by Christopher Columbus in 1493. It is of an
oval figure, and is nine miles long, and five and an
half wide, and from 18 to 20 in circumference.
The mountains are covered with cedar, caoba, and
other trees, and the valleys are fertile and pleasant,
and similar to those of the other islands; the cli-
mate is also the same. ‘The principal productions
are cotton, although of an interior quality, indigo,
tobacco, and a great quantity of sugar and spirit,
made of the sugar-cane, which is very general. It
is surrounded by shoals and rocks, which render
its navigation in tempestuous weather very.dan-
gerous; for, indeed, it cannot be said to have any
yort whatever. Its population consists of 5000
Buropsdns, and of about 10 to 20,000 Negro
slaves, In 1733 it experienced an hurricane, the
MON 335
damage done by which, without counting that
which affected the vessels, amounted to 50,000/.
sterling.
The first who established themselves on this
island were Irish, [in the year 1632,] whose de-
scendants, and some persons from other countries,
are its present inhabitants ; but the common lan-
guage is Irish, even amongst the Negroes, In the
war of 1700 it was sacked ten days successively by
the French, but in the 11th article of the treaty of
Utrecht, it was stipulated, that they should render
satisfaction to the English, although it does not
appear that such was the case, [It was again in-
vaded, and with most of the other islands captured
by the French in the late war, and restored with
the rest.] Its government is composed of a fien-
tenant-governor, and a council or assembly of cight
representatives, two for each of the four districts
into which it is divided.
It has only three open roads for vessels; and
these are called Plymouth, Old-harbour, and
Kers, where, both in the embarking and disembark-
ing, the same iprepanuon is necessary to be observed
as in the road of San Christoval, and as we have
noticed under that article. In 1770 the produc-
tions which were sent to Ergland and Ireland
amounted to 90,000/. sterling, and those to N.
America to 12,000/.
fIn the report of the privy council on the slave
trade, in 1788, the British property vested here is
estimated at 38,400 taxed acres of patented estates,
and the Negroes are computed at 9500, to the
value of 50/. each Negro. The cultivation of
sugar cecu ples 6000 acres; cotton, provision, and
pasturage have 2000 acres allotted foreach. No
other tropical staples are raised. ‘The produce
tions were, on an average, from 1784 to 1788,
2737 hhds, of sugar, of 16 cwt. each, 1107 pun-
cheons of rum, and 275 bales of cotton. ]
4 »
The following is an account of the number of vessels, &c. that have cleared outwards from the islands
of Montserrat and Nevis, between the 5th January 1787, and the 5th January 1788 ; together with
an account of their cargocs, and the value thereof.
Whither bound, | surpere. Sugar.
» |Men.| Cwt, qrs.
Great Britain —] 25] 5371] 541 /108,395 —
Ainerican States 20
Brit. Col.in Amer} 7
Foreign W. Indies| 71
Africa — —] 1
1A Aad chal } 129}10,797 | 904|110,284 — 21
|
Rum bron
| Galls. | Galls. | lbs.
4,406] 1313 140 | 91,972) S52 7 6, 1162 3
(Miscellaneous
Indigo,JCotton.|Dying Woods,| Articles, in | TOTAL,
in Value. Value.
lbs. | £2 8& di £. 8 dy ft. 8 d.
3
0
—-_—--— 41 6 3 2,053 14 5
4— | 12,596 19 —
eta! — “
‘4
ij
336 MON
By return to house of commons 1806, the hogs-
heads of sugar of 13 cwt. exported, were as follows,
150
In 1789,
1799, 2505
1805, 2000
MOO
The official value of the imports and exports of
Montserrat were, in
Imports. Exports,
1809, £35,407 210,460
1810, £62,462 £16,816.
And the quantities of the principal articles imported into Great Britain were, in
f. Sets iGofteey
Brit. Plant. | For. Plant.
Cwt. Cwt Cwt.
1809, — _ 21,915
1810, — _ 41,112
Sugar,
Brit. Plant. |
For. Plant,
51,132
By report of the privy council in 1788, and by a
subsequent estimate, the population of Montser-
rat amounted to
———— ae
Years. | Whites. weyele $f | Slaves.
In 1787 1300 260 10,000
1805 1000 950 9,500
to
Montserrat is 26 miles s. w. of Antigua, about
the same distance s. e. of Nieves, and lies in lat.
16° 45! n. and long. 62° 17’ w.
Montserrat, another island, of the gulf of
California or Mar Roxo de Cortés; situate near
the coast, between those of Carmen and La Cata-
lina.
Montserrat, a settlement of the island and
government of ‘Trinidad; situate near the w.
coast.
Montserrat, another, of the province and
caplainship of San Vicente in Brazil; situate on
the shore at the source of the river Tiete or
Aiiembi.
MONTSINERI, a river of the province of
Gnayana, in the part possessed by the French.
(MONTSIOUGE, a river or bay in Lincoln
county, district of Maine, which communicates
with the rivers Sheepscut and Kennebeck. |
{| MON'TVILLE, a township in New London
county, Connecticut, about nine miles 2. of New
London city. It has 2053 inhabitants, |
MONTUOSA, a real of gold mines of the dis-
trict of the city of Pamplona, in the jurisdiction of
the alcaldia mayor of mines of the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada, established at Bocaneme. It is of a very
cold temperature, and produces some vegetable
productions, but with scarcity, since the principal
labour is confined to the gold mines; and from
these much riches have been extracted ; some
silver mines have also been discovered in its terri-
tory.
Moweteet: a small island of the S. sea, near
the coast of the province and government of Ve.
ragua, inthe kingdom of Tierra firme,
[MONUMENT Bay, on the e. coust of Massa-
chusetts, is formed by the bending of cape Cod.
It is spacious and convenient for the protection of
shipping.
MON? ON, asettlement of the province and
corregimiento of Guamalies in Peru; annexed to
the curacy of Chavin de Pariarca.
[MOORE, a county of N. Carolina, in Fayette
district. It contains 3770 inhabitants, including
371 slaves. Chief town, Alfordston. ]
[Moore Court-house, in the above county,
where a post-office is kept, is 38 miles from
Randolph court-house, and 40 from Fayette-
ed
[Moore Fort, a place so called in S. Carolina,
is a stupendous bluff, or high perpendicular bank
of earth on the Carolina shore of Savannah river,
perhaps 90 or 100 feet above the common surface
of the water, exhibiting the singular and pleasing
spectacle to a stranger, of prodigious walls of
party-colcured earths, chiefly clays and marl, as
red, brown, ycllow, blue, purple, white, &c. in
horizontal strata, one over the other. A fort for-
merly stood here, before the erection of one at
Augusta, from which it stood a little to the n. e.
The water now occupies the spot on which the fort
stood. |
[Moore’s Creek is 16 miles from Wilmington,
in N. Carolina. Ucre General M‘Donald with
about 2000 royalists were deicated (after a retreat
of 80 miles, and a desperate engagement) by Ge-
exports of
rts,
160
316.
e principal
and from
ted; some
in its terri-
3..sea, near
nent of Ve-
t of Massa-
cape Cod.
rotection of
ovince and
annexed to
, in Fayette
, including
ve county,
miles from
Fayette-
S. Carolina,
icular bank
nnah river,
10n surface
nd pleasing
s walls of
nd marl, as
ite, &c. in
A fort for-
1 of one at
to the n. e.
hich the fort
Vilmington,
Donald with
fier a retreat
ent) by Ge-
MOO
neral Moore, at the head of 800 continentals.
fe M‘Donald and the flower of his men were
cl .
[MOORFIELD, in New Jersey, 11 miles e. of
Philadelphia. ]
tie JORFIELDS, a post-town, and the capital
of Hardy county, Virginia; situated on the e. side
of the s. branch of Patowmac river. It contains a
court-house, a goal, and between 60 and 70 houses.
It is 16 miles from Romney, 28 from Winchester,
and 116 from Richmond.
MOOSE, Factory of the River, an establishment
of the English, in the province of New S. Wales in
N. America, founded in 1740 near the mouth or
entrance of the river of its name, in lat. 51° 15’, on
the shore of another navigable river, which, at 12
miles from the fort which has been built for the de-
fence of the founders, divides itself into two arms,
the one running from the s. the other from the s. w.
On the shore of this s. arm are produced all kinds
of vegetable productions, which are carried to the
factory, such as barley, beans, and common pease,
notwithstanding the cold winds blowing over the
ice in the bay. On the same shore, and above the
cascade, grows wild a certain corn resembling rice,
and in the woods of the interior of Moose and Al-
bany bay, as well as upon the shore of the river
Rupert, are large trees of every kind, such as oaks,
cedars, firs, &c. also an excellent grass for making
hay ; and throughout the whole territory may be
raised the different European grains and fruits.
The ice breaks at the factory about the beginning
of March, but higher up, in the middle of the
month, The river is navigable for canoes as far
as the cascades ; and 50 leagues up there is one of
a fall of 50 feet, but after this the river runs deep and
navigable through a fine healthy country.
[ Moose River, a short stream in Gratton coun-
ty, New Hampshire, which runs 7. e. from the
W hite mountains into Amariscoggin river. |
{Moose Island, on the coast of the district of
Maine, at the mouth of Schoodick river, contains
about 30 families. On the s. end of this island is
an excellent harbour suitable for the construction
of dry docks. Common tides rise here 25 feet. |
[(MOOSEHEAD Lake, or Moose Pond, in
Lincoln county, district of Maine, is an irregular
shaped body of water, which gives rise to the e.
branch of Kennebec river, which unites with the
other above Norridgewock, about 17 miles s. of
the lake. There are very high mountains to the 2.
and w. of the lake ; and from these the waters run
by many channels into the St. Lawrence. ]
. [MOOSEHILLOCK, the highest of ‘the chain
of mountains in New Hampshire, the White moun-
VOL, It,
MOQ 33?
tains excepted. Ii takes its name from its having
been formerly a remarkable range for moose, and
lies w. of the White mountains. From its 2. 7.
side proceeds Baker’s river, a branch of Pemige-
wasset, which is the principal branch of Merri-
mack. On this mountain, snow has been seen from
the town of Newbury, Vermont, on the 30th of
June and 3ist of August ; and on the mountains
intervening, snow, it is said, lies the whoie year. }
MOPORA, a settlement of the jurisdiction of
Muzo, and corregimiento of Cunja, in the Nuevo
Reyno de Granada. It is much reduced; of a
warm temperature, and produces sugar-canes, cot-
ton, yucas, maize, and plantains, on which the
natives, who are very poor, subsist.
MOPORO, a settlement of the province and
government of Maracaibo, in the same kingdom as
the former ; situate within the great lake of Mara-
caibo. It is small, and there is this singular cir-
cumstance att"ched to it, namely, thatall the posts
and rafters on which it is built, and which are of a
kind of wood called vcra, become petrified after
having been a certain time in the water.
MOPOSPAN, SantiaGo pe, a settlement of
the head settlement of the district and a/caldia
mayor of Cholula in Nueva Espaiia. It contains
39 tamilies of Indians, and is a quarter of a league
n. of its capital.
MOQUEHUA, a province and corregimiento of
the kingdom of Peru, bounded 7. by the province of
Lampa, 2. e. by that of Paucarcolla or Puno, e. by
that of Chucuico, s. and s.e. by that of Arica, and
w. by that of Arequipa. It is 42 leagues long,
and its temperature is for the most part cold, from
its being situate on the heights and sides of the
cordillera, the tops of which are always covered
with snow. ‘Towards the lower part, where it is
bounded by the province of Arica, and in some de-
gree by that of Arequipa, the temperature is mo-
derate, as also in some of the valleys formed by the
windings of the cordillera, and in one of which the
capital stands. In the aforesaid cordillera are
many volcanoes, which are almost continually vo-
miting fire, and, in 1600, one called Omate exploded
with such violence as to scatter its ashes over nearly
the whole province, rendering useless many estates
which were before fertile and productive, and
carrying its destruction as far as the city of Are-
quipa and some of its settlements, which suffered
dreadful damages. There are in this province
some silver mines, which are worked, but to little
profit. Its vegetable productions are quantities of
maize, which is carried to the neighbouring pro-
vinces, and wines, which are tor the most part con-
verted into brandy, to send to the provinces of the
x x
338 MOQ
sierra; and in the valley of its name alone they
usually make about 60,000 arrobas. It also pro-
duces some sugar, wheat, and other seeds, a good
number of large and small cattle, and other fruits
peculiar to the serrania. It is watered by several
streams which flow down from the cordillera, from
the greater part of which are formed two rivers ;
the larger running into the sea by the valley of
Tambo, of the {HBNGHCD of Arequipa ; but its
waters being bad, since near its source it is impreg-
nated by some hot streams of a fetid quality ; the
other, which is less, being principally formed of
three streams which pass by the capital and its
vicinity, and which, after watering the greater and
better territories, fall into the ap of Ilo, belonging
to the province of Arica. It was conquered by
famine by the Emperor Maita Capac. Its corre-
gidor used to have a repartimiento of 110,650 dol-
lars, and its population consists of 10 settlements.
Torata, Quinistacas,
Carumas, Ubinas,
Puquina, Pocsi,
Coalaque, Mollebaya,
Omate, Socay.
The capital is the town of the same name, at
least so called from the time of its foundation by
the aforesaid Emperor Maita Capac; but the
Spaniards call it Santa Catarina de Guadalcazar,
from its having been rebuilt by the Marquis of this
title, the viceroy of Peru in 1626. It is situate at
the foot of the cordillera, in a pleasant and fertile
valley, abounding in vegetable productions, and
especially in vines, upwards of 60,000 arrodas
of wine being made yearly. It has a very good
arish church, three convents, namely, of the re-
figions orders of San Francisco, San Domingo,
Betletmitas, and an hospital, and a college for-
merly of the Jesuits. It suffered severely by an
earthquake in 1715. Its climate is mild and
healthy, and it contains more than 6000 souls,
amongst whomare some rich and noble families. In
lat. 17° 13! s. and long. 70° 48! w.
MOQUI Arayve, a province and country of
barbarian Indians in N. America; bounded s, by
the river Gila as far as La Primeria, e. by Nuevo
Mexico, 2. and w. by the extensive regions as yet
unknown, save by the confused advices of certain
Indians, who said that they. journeyed w. for six
moons, and from whose further informations it
might be conjectured that they reach as far as the
confines of 'Tartary by the strait of Uriz. This
province is inhabited by various barbarous nations
of infidel Indians, from whom, in 1743, a deputa-
tion to the number of 44 came to Nuevo Mexico
to entreat the governor, who was then the Lieute-
MOR
nant-colonel Don Gaspar Domingo, that he would
send amongst them some missionarics who might
reduce them to the catholic faith. This he ac.
ceded to, defraying out of his private purse the
expences of cattle, seeds, and instruments, which
he gave them to cultivate their land, at the same
time establishing the settlements of
Hualpi, Quianna,
Tanos, Aguatubi,
Moxonavi, And the Rio Grande
Xongopavi, de Espeleta.
In 1748 the commissary of the missions of San
Francisco entered by Nuevo Mexico to continue
these reductions, as also those of the province of
Navajoos, to the 2. of that of Moqui and x. w. of
Santa Fé.
MORAGA, a small settlement of the district
and jurisdiction of Anserma in the Nuevo Reynode
Granada ; situate on an eminence on the shore of
the river Cauca ; and in its vicinity are some gold
mines celebrated for the abundance of this metal.
Seven leagues from its capital.
MORAL, a point on the s. coast, and in the
French possessions of the island of St. Domingo,
between cape Jaquemel and the river Benet.
MORALES, a settlement of the province and
government of Santa Marta in the Nuevo Reyno
de Granada ; situate on the.e. shore of the Rio
Grande de la ay sagan On thee. a small river
runs near to it, but immediately enters the afore-
said river. Its climate is warm and moist, and
consequently unhealthy. In lat. 8° 15! n.
[MORANT Keys, off the island of Jamaica,
in the W. Indies. Lat. 17°26 x. Long. 75°
57’ w.]
{[Monant Point, the most e. promontory of
the island of Jamaica. On the s. w. side of the
oint is a harbour of the same name. From point
orant it is usual for ships to take their departure
that are bound through the Windward passage, or
to any part of the w. end of the island of St. Do-
mingo. Lat. 17°57'n. Long. 76°7' w.]
[Morant Harsour, Port, is about 10 miles w.
of point Morant, on the s. coast of the island of
Jamaica. Before the mouth of it is a small island,
called Good island, and a fort on each poiat of the
entrance. ]
[Moranrt River is about six miles w. of the
w. point of point Morant. ‘The land here forms a
bay, with an anchorage along the shore. |
MORAVIAYS, a settlement of the province and
colony of New York in N. America; situate on
the shore and at the source of the river Delaware.
ORA YO, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Chichas and Tarija in Peru, ot
he would
ho might
is he ace
purse the
its, which
the same
io Grande
cla.
ms of San
» continue
rovince of
id 2. w. of
he district
» Reynode
he shore of
some gold
his metal.
and in the
Domingo,
enct.
vince and
vo Reyno
of the Rio
small river
s the afore-
noist, and
n.
Jamaica,
Long. 75°
ontory of
side of the
From point
r departure
passage, or
of St. Do-
w.
10 miles w.
e island of
nall island,
poiat of the
Bw, of the
ere forms a
rovince and
situate on
Delaware.
ovince and
in Peru, ot
MOR
the district of the former ; annexed to the curacy
of Talina.
MORCHIQUEJO, a settlement of the pro-
vince and government of Cartagena, in the divis
sion and district of Mompox ; situate on the shore
of the Rio Grande de la Magdalena,
MORCOT, a settlement of the island of Barba-
does, in the district of the parish of San Jorge.
MORCOTE, a settlement of the province and
government of San Juan de los Llanos in the
Nuevo Reyno de Granada. It is of a moderately
hot temperature ; situate at the foot of the moun-
tains of Bogota, very fertile, pleasant, and salu.
tary, abounding in vegetable productions, and par-
ticularly in cotton, which the natives spin with
much nicety, making excellent linen, white and
striped mantles, delicate napkins, pavilions, and
other articles of curious manufacture, vying with
those of ‘arma, which are esteemed the best in the
kingdom, It also produces aguecates, and a spe-
cics of small plantains, which may be eaten at one
mouthful, and are called cambures, the like not
being found elsewhere, and highly esteemed. The
dates also are very fine, being as good as those
of Africa and Palestine. It contains 100 house-
keepers, and more than 400 Indians, who are the
most docile, laborious, and well inclined of any in
the province. This settlement lies in the road
leading to ‘unja, upon an extensive and beautiful
lofty plain.
[MORE, a_ township in Northumberland
county, Pennsylvania. }
[MORELAND, the name of two townships of
Pennsylvania; the one in Philadelphia county,
the other in that of Montgomery. ]
[MORENA, a cape on the coast of Chile,
S. America, is in lat. 23°20’ s. and long. 70°
$2’ w. It is 15 miles x. by e. of cape George.
The bay between these capes seems very desirable
to strangers to go in; but in a x. w. wind is very
dangerous, because the wind blows right on the
shore, and makes a very heavy sea in the road.
Here is a very conyenient harbour, but exceed-
ingly narrow, where a good ship might be ca-
a i
MORENO, a port of the Morro, on the coast of
the S. sea, of the province and corregimiento of
Atacama in Peru.
MORETI, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Darien, and kingdom of Tierra Firme. It
rises in the mountains of the interior, runs w. and
enters the Grande de Chucunaqui.
MORETOWN, a settlement of the province
and colony of Georgia in N. America; situate
MOR 339
on a small island formed by an arm of the river
Pompon.
MORGAN, a settlement of the island of Barba-
does, in the district of the parish of St. Philip,
distinct from two others which are there; one of
the district of the parish of St. Thomas, the other
on the w. coast,
Morgan, a river of the province and govern.
ment of Cuimand, running w. and entering the San
Jacome.
{Morcan District, in N. Carolina, is bounded
w. by the state of ‘Tennessee, and s. by the state
of S. Carolina. It is divided into the counties of
Burke, Wilkes, Rutherford, Lincoln, and Bun
comb ; and contains 33,292 inhabitants, including
2693 slaves. |
Foe a settlement in Kentucky, 38
miles e. of Lexington, and 18 n. e. of Boons-
borough.
[MORGANTOWN, a post-town and the chief
town of the above district, is situated in Burke
county near Catabaw river, Here are about 30
houses, a court-house and gaol. It is 30 miles
from Wilkes, 31 from Lincolntown, 74 from
re and 408 from Philadelphia. Lat, 35°
n.
[Morcantown, a post-town of Virginia, and
shire-town of Monongulia county, is pleasantly si-
tuated on the e. side of Monongahela river, about
six miles s, of the mouth of Cheat river; and con-
tains a court-house, a stone-gaol, and about 40
houses. It is 57 miles from Romney, 17 from
Union-town in Pennsylvania, 55 from Cumberland
fort in Maryland, and 219 from Philadelphia. ]
MORGANZA, a _ town now laying out in
Washington county, Pennsylvania; situated in,
and almost surrounded by the e. and w. branches
of Charter’s river, including the point of their con-
fluence; 13 miles s.w. of Pittsburg, and on the
post-road from thence to Washington, the county
town distant 10 miles. Boats carrying from 200
to 300 barrels of flour, have been built at Mor
ganza, laden at the mill tail there, and sent down
the Chartiers into the Ohio, and so to New Or-
leans. By an act of the legislature of Pennsyl-
vania, the Chartiers, from the Ohio upwards as far
as Morganza, is declared to be a high-way. ‘This
town is surrounded by a rich country, where num-
bers of grist and saw mills are already built, and
the lands in its environs well adapted to agricul-
ture and grazing ; and is spoken of as a country
that is, or will be, the richest in Pennsylvania,
Morganza, from its situation and other natural ad-
vantages, must become the centre of a great manus
xx 2
——
Se See
340 MOR
facturing country ; especially as considerable bo-
dies of iron ore, of a superior quality, have been
already discovered in the neighbourhood, and have
heen assayed, ‘The bigh waving hills in this coun.
try are, from the quality of the soil, convertible
into the most luxuriant grazing lands, and are al-
ready much improved in this way, These hills
will be peculiarly adapted to raise live stock, and
more particularly the fine long-woolled breed of
sheep; such as that of the Cotswold hills in Eng-
land, whose flecces sell for 2s, sterling per pound ;
when others fetch only 1s, or Is.3d. The wheat
of this country is said to weigh, generally, from
62 to G64b. the bushel of eight gallons, From
hence considerable exports are already made to
New Orleans, of flour, acon, butter, cheese, cider,
rye, and apple spirits. ‘The black cattle raised
here are sok! to the new settlers, and to cattle mer-
chants, for the Philadelphia and Baltimore mar-
kets ; many have also been driven to Niagara and
Detroit, where there are frequent demands for live
stock, which suffer much in those x, countries,
from hard winters, failures in crops, and other
causes. |
MORGNE, or Tverro, a settlement of the
parish of the French, in the part they possess in
the island of St. Domingo ; situate on the n. coast,
on the shore of the river of its name.
[MORGUE Fort, or Fortaneza pe Monavue,
on the s. shore of the entrance to Valdivia bay, on
the coast of Chile, on the S. Pacific ocean. The
channel has from nine to six fathoms. ]
[MORIENNE, a bay on the e. coast of the
island of Cape Breton, near Miray bay, from which
it is separated only by cape Brule. It is a tolera-
bly deep bay. }
MOKIN, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of 'Truxillo in Peru, to the w. of the
mountian of Pelagatos, -
Monin, another settlement, in the island of St.
Domingo, and part possessed by the French ; si-
tuate on the zn. coast, between the settlement of
Limonade, and tht of La Petite Ance. It is in
the plain of cape Frances, and one of the 12 pa-
rishes of the name of Santa Rosa.
MORINECA, a settlement of the province and
government of Darien, and kingdom of Tierra
Firme ; situate by the s. and on the shore of the
Rio Grande de Tuira, near the real of Santa
Maria.
MORINI, or Marowrne, a river of the pro-
vince and government of La Guayana, which
serves as a limit of division between the territories
of the Dutch and French. It runs 2. e. then turns
MOR
m. and empties itself into the Atlantic, in lat, 5°
55' A" n,
MORIS, a settlement and reduccion of Indians,
of the missions that were held by the regulars of
the Jesuits in the province and government of Ci-
naloa in N. America,
MORLAND, West, a county of the province
and colony of Virginia in N. America,
MORNE, Gros, a very lofty mountain of the
island of Martinique, covered with points, similar
to those of the mountains of Montserrat in Cataluna,
It is near the coast which looks s.e. opposite the
bay or Ance du Gallion,
Morne, Gros, another mountain, ona point of
land of the island of San Christoval, one of the
Lesser Antilles; situate on the 2. e. coast, between
the river Cabrito and the bay of Caret,
Morne, Giros, some other mountains, of the
island of Guadalupe, with a very lofty mountain
at their extremity, and on the coast which looks
to n.w. between the port of Mouillage and La
Graud Ance, or Great bay.
Moene, Gros, a settlement and parish of the
French, in the part which they possess in the island
of St. Domingo; situate on the 2. coast.
MORO, a settlement ot ihe province and corre.
gimiento of Santa in Peru,
[Monro, Castle, is on the point or head-land
on the e, side of the channel of the Havannah, in
the n.w. part of the island 27 Cuba, and is the
first of two strong castles for the defence of the
channel against the approach of an enemy’s ships.
It is a kind of triangle, fortified with bastions, on
which are mounted about 60 pieces of cannon, 24
pounders, From the castle there also runs a wall
or line, mounted with 12 long brass cannon, 36
pounders ; called, by way of eminence, * fhe
Twelve Apostles :” and at the point, between the
castle and the sea, there is a tower where a man
stands and gives signals of what vessels approach,
See HAVANNAH. |
{Moro Quemano, Fazenpa vo, a farm about
60 miles to the 2. e. of Rio de Janeiro, visited by
Mawe ia 1809. He passed through it in his way
to Canta Gallo ; and the tollowing is a description
of his route, which we extract nearly verbatim, in
order to give our readers, as far as we are able, an
accurate idea of the qualities of the soil and nature
of the territory in these parts,
‘Some time (observes this traveller) after my
return from Santa Cruz (to Rio de Janeiro), a cir-
cumstance of a singular nature took place, which
occasioned me to undertake a journey to a district
called Canta Gallo, distant about 40 leagues from
in lat. 5°
Indians,
tlars of
nt of Ci.
province
in of the
8, similar
Catalune,
yosite the
A point of
ne of the
» between
is, of the
mountain
‘ich looks
e and La
tish of the
the island
and corre-
head-land
yvannah, in
and is the
ice of the
hy’s ships.
astions, on
rannon, 24
uns a wall
prannon, 36
ce, *¢ Lhe
etween the
here a man
approach,
farm about
visited by
nhis way
escription
rbatim, in
re able, an
and nature
after my
iro), a cir-
lace, which
D a district
Agues from
MORO QUEMADO, 34]
[the capital, and one of the latest discovered in this
art of Brazil. ‘I'wo men reported that they had
here found a mine of silver, and brought to the
mint a guantity of eurthy matter reduced to
powder, trom which was smelted a small ingot
of that metal, This report being officially laid be.
fore his Excellency Don Rodrigo, I was solicited
to go to Canta Gallo and investigate the business
on the spot, the two men being ordered to meet
me there. Betore I proceed to relate the result
of my inquiry, [ shall briefly describe whatever
I observed worthy of note in the course of the
journey.
‘ Being provided with a passport, and also a
sketch of the route, taken from a MS, map in
the archives, 1 departed from Rio on the 10th of
April 1809, accompanied by Dr. Gardner, lecturer
on chemistry at the college of St. Joaquim. Hav-
ing to pass to the boitom of the harbour, towards
the 2. we embarked in a small vessel, and being
fayoured with a strong sea-breeze, ran down to
the entrance of the fine river Maccacu, which we
reached after a five hours’ sail. The wind then
dying, our boatmen took to their oars, and pro-
ceeding up the river we reached a house called
Villa Nova, where numbers of market-boats for
Rio were waiting for the land-wind and the turn
of the tide. After taking some refreshment here,
we rowed onward until the river became so nar-
row that the vessel frequently touched the bank on
each side, and the men were obliged to push her
along with poles, At day-break we reached Porto
dos Caxhes, a place of great resort from the inte-
rior, being the station where the mules discharge
their loads of produce from the many plantations
in the neighbourhood. ‘The town consists of seve-
ral poor houses, and of stores where goods are de-
posited for embarkation. The stratum hereabouts
is primitive granite, covered with fine strong clay.
Leaving this place, we proceeded for some dis-
tance and came to a large swamp, which we navi-
gated in a canoe, with very little difficulty, and
shortly afterwards arrived at the village of Mac-
cacu. It stands on a small eminence in the midst
of a fine plain, watered by a considerable stream,
over whish there are two good bridges. Though
almost at the base of the chain of mountains that
forms a barrier along the coast, the neighbour-
hood affords some fine situations ; the land in ge-
neral consists of a strong clay, but appears much
worn out. ‘The commander, Colonel José, to
whom I introduced myself, gave me a very polite
reception, as did also the brethren of the convent,
to whom I paid a visit.
* Onthe following day, being accommodated by
the colonel with a horse and guide, I proceeded
along the winding banks of the river, which in
many places present most beautiful views. Here
was more cultivated land than I expected to see ;
but the sugar plantations, and, in general, the low
pasture grounds, are quite neglected. We passed
several farms belonging to convents, which, from
their apparent condition, and the accounts we res
ceived, do little more than maintain the Negroes
and incumbents upon them, ‘There was rarely a
milch cow to be met with: pigs and poultry were
equally scarce, ‘The population of these fine val-
leys is deplorably thin and poor ; theve was a ge«
neral sickliness in the looks of the women. and
children we met with, which may be imputed to
their miserable diet and inactive lite. I ought to
state that the manners of the people here are mild
and gentle ; we were every. where treated with ci-
vility, and all our inquiries were answered with
the most friendly marks of respect and attention.
The air, as we drew nearer the mountains, was
fresh, and indeed cold, ‘lowards evening we are
rived at a farm belonging to a convent of nuns in
Rio de Janeiro, where we were kindly accommos
dated for the night. This place is most agreeably
situated, and might, under skilful and industrious
management, be rendered a paradise. It has exe
cellent clay, fine timber, a good fall of water,
which forms a beautiful rivulet, and runs into a
navigable river within 100 yards of the house; a
fine extent of arable land, and a still finer of pas-
ture, which peculiarly qualifies it for dairy farm.
ing. It is distant only one day’s journey from
port Caxhes, whence there is a navigable commu-
nication with the metropolis. What a scene for
an enterprising agriculturist! At present all is
neglected: the house, the out-buildings, and other
conveniences, are in a state of decay, and the
people who manage the land appear, in common
with the animals that feed upon it, to be half fae
mished,
©The next morning we proceeded e. and crossing
the stream, which was at least GO yards broad and
full three feet deep, rode along the farther margin,
which is rather more elevated, and presents a view of
some fine plains, stretching from thence to the base
of the mountains. Journeying in that direction
we reached the fine plantation of Captain Ferrera,
who received us very politely, and shewed us
every attention. This place, bounded by the al-
pine ridge behind it, is the extreme point to which
the river Maccacu is navigable, It is six or seven
leagues from the village of that name. ‘The estate
maintains about 100 Negroes, who are chiefly em-
ployed in raising sugar, cotton, and coffee ; but]
342
yi me the situation appeared much better calcu-
ated for growing grain and feeding cattle, as the
weather is at times cold, the evenings are fre-
uently attended with heavy dews, and owing to
the proximity of the mountains, here are frequent
rains, accompanied by thunder and lightning.
Numbers of fine springs burst forth from various
parts of the hills, and form rivulets with falls,
which, as here is plenty of fine timber, afford
every means for working machinery. ‘The owner
lives in opulence, and is so humane and liberal to
his people, that they seem to revere him as a fae
ther. We were much pleased with the air of do-
mestic comfort and covtented industry, which we
observed among them on visiting their dwellings
in the evening. Some of the Negro children were
at play ; others of more advanced age were assist-
ing the women to pick cotton; and the men were
scraping and preparing mandioca, ‘Their cheer-
fulness was not at all interrupted by our approach,
nor did they betray any uneasy feeling of con-
straint in the presence of their superiors, In lieu
of candles, which are seldom to be met with but in
the capital, they burn oil, extracted from the bean
of the palm, or from a small species of ground-nut
here called meni.
* About noon, on the following day, horses being
provided, and a soldier appointed for our guide,
we left the fazenda, accompanied by its hospitable
owner, Captain Ferrera, who conducted us half a
league on our way. ‘The river, along which we
passed in an e. direction, bursts through vast
masses of rock with great force, and in some parts
forms considerable falls. The captain, ere we
parted, led me to a water-course, in which were
found pieces of granite covered with manganese in
a botryoidal form, After crossing the river twice,
we arrived at what is called the first register, or
searching-house, distant about two miles from the
fazenda, ‘This station is guarded by a corporal
and a private soldier, who are charged with the
receipt of various tolls, and are ciupowered to
search passengers, in order to prevent the smug-
gling of gold dust. After shewing my passport,
I took leave of Captain Ferrera, who made me
promise to pay him a longer visit on my return.
‘We had been warned of the badness of the
roads, and were by no means agreeably deceived
in them, for we were nearly four hours in going
the next six miles. At the close of day, after a
laborious and dangerous passage through abrupt
ravines, and along the sides of steep hills, our
guide announced that we were in sight of the
second register, where it was proposed that we
should pass the night. On arriving we found it a
MORO QUEMADO.
most miserable place, inhabited by five or six
soldiers under ihe command of a serjeant. ‘This
good man gave us a hearty welcome, and with
the assistance of his comrades, cooked us a supper
of fowls, and vegaled us with whatever else their
scanty store afforded, We were not without mu-
sic to our repast, for the house is built on the edge
of a roaring torrent, which, bursting through a
ravine, has washed away every thing except some
huge masses of rock, A bit of ground, about 10
yards square, is all the garden these poor people
ave, and even this is much neglected, for the
guards here are so often changed, that no one
thinks of adding to the comforts and conveniences
of an abode, which others are to enjoy.
© At day-break, we found that our mules had
strayed into a wood adjoining, but as the road
was stopped, we were under no apprehension of
losing them, for the thickets on each side were
impervious, ‘This occurrence gave me an oppor
tunity of seeing more of these remote regions, and
certainly the imagination of Salvator Rosa himself
never pictured so rude a solitude. On one side
rose the great barrier of mountains, which we had
yet to cross, covered to their summits with trees
and underwood, without the smallest trace of cul-
tivation ; on the other lay the broken country, be-
tween this ridge and the plain, presenting the same
wild features of silvan scenery. The miserable
hut, at which we lodged, partook of the sae
vage character of the neighourhood, and seemed
formed for the abode of men cut off from all inter-
course with their fellows, On our return we were
provided with a breakfast of coffee and eggs; as
to milk, there was no possibility of procuring any ;
a cow would have been considered here as an ine
cumbrance, nor would any one of the six idle sol-
diers have given himself the trouble of milking
her, though they all had been dying of hunger,
‘On resuming our journey, we enteredon a road
still more steep and rugged than that which we
had passed. We were often obliged to dismount
and lead our mules up almost perpendicular passes,
and along fearful declivities. In some places, the
thick foliage of the trees and that of the under
wood, which grew higher than our heads, shel-
tered us from the sun, and indeed scarcely admit-
ted the light. Not a bird did we see, nor the
trace of any living thing, except some wild hogs,
We passed several bare granite rocks of a gneiss-
like formation.
¢ In journeying to the next station, we observed
nothing worthy of note excepting a small saw mill,
worked by an overshot wheel, of very clumsy con-
struction. ‘The frame, which contains a single]
9
~
¢ or six
it. ‘This
and with
a supper
else their
hout mus
| the edge
hrough a
cept some
about 10
or people
1, for the
t no one
veniences
nules had
the road
hension of
side were
an Oppor-
gions, and
sa himself
n one side
sh we had
with trees
ce of cul-
untry, bee
g the same
miserable
of the sae
nd seemed
all inter
n we were
eggs; as
bring any 5
as an ine
x idle sol-
bf milking
hunger,
on a road
which we
dismount
lar passes,
places, the
he undere
rads, shel-
ly admit-
» hor the
ild hogs.
a gneisse
» observed
I saw mill,
umsy con-
a single |
MORO QUEMADQO. 343
el of very thick iron, moves in a perpendicular
direction ; at every stroke a boy brings the timber
up, by pulling a cord attached to a crank that
moves the cylinder on which it rests, How
readily, thought I, would the meanest Russian
peasant improve this machine !
* We proceeded on our way up an ascent so pre-
cipitous that we were obliged to walk more than
ride; after two hours toiling along the side of a
granite mountain, in which we observed some beds
of fine clay, we reached the summit, from whence
we saw the bay of Rio de Janeiro, the sugar-loaf
mountain, and the city itseli, to all appearance
not more than four or five leagues distant from us,
though, in reality, more than 20, At this eleva-
tion, which we may state to be at 4 or 5000
fect above the level of the sea, the air was shar
and keen; the thermometer stood at 58°, Conti-
nuing in a ne. direction, we passed two poor
farms, and entered upon a range of grand scenery,
composed of bare abrupt conical mountains, with
immense water-falls in every direction,
At the close of day we arrived at a farm-
house, called Fazenda do Moro Quemado, the
manager of which received us hospitably, and
accommodated us for the night, ‘The weather
was so cold, that a double supply of bed-clothes
scarcely produced sufficient warmth; in the
morning the thermometer was at 48° Fahrenheit.
After the heavy dew civared away we took a view
of the grounds, in company with the manager ;
they appeared well-suited for a grazing farm, but
the temperature of the atmosphere is too severe for
growing the common produce of the country ;
particularly cotton, coffee, and bananas, which are
frequently blasted. I was informed that some
wheat has been grown here, though the people are
quite unacquainted with the European method of
farming. Indian corn, for the feed of hogs, is the
staple article. This plantation is infested by
ounces, which at times prey upon young cattle ;
the manager, who is a great hunter, keeps dogs,
though of a poor race, for the express purpose of
destroying them, which is thus practised :— When
the carcase of a worried animal has been found,
or when an ounce has been seen prowling about,
the news is suon proclaimed among the neighbours,
two or three of whom take fire arms loaded with
heavy slugs, and go out with the dogs in quest of
the animal, who generally lurks in some thicket
near the carcase he has killed, and leaves so
strong a scent that the dogs soon find. When dis-
turbed he retreats to his den, if he has one, the
dogs never attempting to fasten on him, or even to
face him, but, on the contrary, endeavouring to
get out of his way, which is not difficult, as the
ounce is heavy and slow of motion. If he caves,
the sport is at an end, and the hunters make up the
entrance ; but he more commonly has recourse to
a large tree, which he climbs with great facility ;
here his fate is generally decided, for the hunters
et near cnough to take a steady aim, and seldom
fail to bring him down, one of them reserving his
fire to dispatch him, if required, after he has fal-
len, It generally happens that one or two of the
dogs are killed in coming too near, for even in his
dying struggles, a single stroke of his paw proves
mortal, ‘The skin is carried home as a trophy,
and the neighbours meet and congratulate each
other on the occasion,
‘This farm, in the hands of an experienced and
skilful agriculturist, might be managed so as to
produce amazing returns, Its soil is wet, adapted
to the growth, not only of Indian corn, but of
wheat, barley, potatoes, &c. and it is so well irri-
gated, by numerous mountain streams, that the
pasti res are always luxuriant. Here are fine falls
of water, and abundance of excellent timber, so
that corn-mills might be erected at little more ex-
pence than what would arise from the purchase of
mill-stones. Connected with the nun’s farm below,
this establishment might be rendered one of the
most complete and advantageous in Brazil.
* Leaving Moro Quemado at noon, and descend-
ing on the other side of the ridge of mountains,
we passed through an unequal tract, formed of
hills and ravines. Onward the land appeared
finer, and the timber of a superior growth, but
there were few cultivated spots, and not many
houses. The first extensive fazenda we reached
was that of Manuel José Pereira, a native of the
Azores, who managed his agricultural concerns
much better than the other farmers whom we
visited. We were shewn a large field of Indian
corn ready for cutting ; the quantity that had been
sown was about 11 fanegas, or bushels, and the
produce was estimated at 1500 bushels, about 150
for one. ‘This was an ordinary crop; in good
years the harvest yields 200 for one. The corn,
as before stated, is chiefly consumed in the fatten.
ing of pigs; the quantity requisite for this pur-
pose is six or seven bushels each, and the time 10
or 12 weeks. The curing of bacon is performed
by cutting all the lean from the flitches, and
sprinkling them with a very little salt. This food
has the peculiar effect of giving great solidity to
the fat, which of itself is not liable to putrefac-
tion.” Sce Mawe’s Travels.)
5 Re I
SEE: ge 3 Ege les Ses
ee ee
— eee —im —_
344 MOR
MOROCA, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Guayana. It rises in the serrania of
Imataca, and enters the sea on the e. coast.
MOROCOLLA, a settlement of the province
and corregimiento of Lucanas in Peru ; annexed
to the curacy of [uacatia.
MOROI, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Chichas and ‘Tarija in Peru.
[MOROKINNEE, or Monrorinnesr, in the
island of Mowee, one of the Sandwich islands. It
is in the N. Pacitic ocean, and lies in lat. 20°
29' n.
MOROMORO, a sctilement of the province
and corregimiento of Cayanta or Charcas in the
kingdom of Peru.
MORON, a river of the province and corregi-
miento of Cuenca in the kingdom of Quito. — It
takes its origin in some mountains to the e. of that
city, and runs s, e. to enter the Maraion in the
province of Mainas.
[Moroy, a parish of the province and govern-
ment of Buenos Ayres; situate on a small river
emptying itself into the La Plata about 20 miles
s. w. of Buenos Ayres. Lat 34° 40’ 10". Long.
59° 54 45".
MORONA, a large river of the kingdom of
Quito tothe s. It rises in the province of Alausi
to the e. and, after collecting the waters of the
Zuiia, Jubal, Puentehonda, Bolcan, and Avenico,
and taking ilself the name of Upango, runs s.
then receives the Apatenoma, Guachiyuca, and
Amaga on its 7. w. side, and on its 2. e. the Arra-
bima, Atassari, Yanassa, Hechizero, Chipanga,
Apiaga, and Puschaga, and then, with the name
of Morona, becomes navigable and laves the lands
of the mountains of the country of Los Xibaros,
where many barbarians of this nation dwell: it
passes very near the city of Macas, the capital of
this province, and enters with a large body into the
Maraiion or Amazon, 41 miles s. by e. of San
Borja, between the rivers Pastaza to the e. and
Santiago to the w. in lat. 4° 38! 30° s.
[MOROSQUILLO Bay is to thes. of Cartha-
ena, on the coast of the Spanish main, and in the
bight of the coast coming out of Darien gulf, on
the e. shore. It is large, but very open. |
MOROTOCOS, a barbarous nation of In-
dians, of the province and government of Para-
guay, discovered by the Father Juan Baptista
Zea, of the abolished order of Jesuits, in 1711.
They are very different in their customs from the
other Indians, are taller and of a redder complex-
ion. ‘They make their darts and lances of a wood
extremely hard, and they manage these with the
MOR
greatest dexterity, as also their bows and arrows,
Amongst these Indians the women had_ the entire
authority, and the husbands were not only obe-
dient to them, but managed all the household af-
fairs, The women never kept more than two chil-
dren, one of cach sex, and the rest they put to
death as soon as born, avoiding thereby the trouble
of rearing them,
Although this nation, in common with the others,
had its caciques or captains, they preserved no
form of government whatever, and their authority
was only limited to affairs of war. The country,
which is in lat. 20° 30's. is dry, barren, and sur-
rounded by mountains, on the which are thick
woods of palms, in the trunks of which is a kind
of spongy marrow, from which they squeeze out a
juice which serves them for drink. Notwithstand-
ing that it freezes much in the winter, they all,
men and women, go naked ; from whence it has
been said of them that they had a very hard skin
and two fingers thick. ‘The Boxos Indians, who
were reduced to the faith, took two children from
the Morotocos, and presented them to the Father
Suarez, a missionary in the reduccion of the Chiqui-
tos, and making use of these as interpreters, entered
the country of the Morotocos to preach ; and such
were the fruits of his labours, that by the end of
the year 1711, he had converted the whole of
them, when they established themselves in the
aforesaid settlement of San Joseph.
([MOROTOI, or Mornoko), one of the Sand-
wich islands in the Pacific ocean, is about 2!
leagues w. n. w. of Mowee island, and has several
bays on its s. and w. sides. Its w. point is in lat.
21° 20’ n, and long. 157° 14’ w. and is computed
to contain 36,000 inhabitants. It is seven leagues
s. e. of Woahoo island,
MORRILLO, Punra vEL, a cape or extre-
mity of the island of Inagua; thus called froma
sinall mountain in its vicinity of this name.
(MORRIS, a county on the x. line of New Jer-
sey, w. of Bergen county. It is about 25 miles
long, and 20 broad, is divided into five townships,
and contains about 156,809 acres of improved, and
30,429 acre: of unimproved land. The e. part of
the county is level, and affords fine meadows, and
good land for Indian corn, The w, part is more
mountainous, and produces crops of wheat, Here
are seven rich iron mines, and two springs famous
for curing rheumatic and chronic disorders. There
are also two furnaces, two slitting and rolling mills,
35 forges and fire works, 37 saw mills, and 43
rist mills. ‘There are in the county 16,216 inha-
Bitants, of whom 636 are slaves. |
d arrows.
the entire
only obe-
schold af-
two chil-
ey put to
le trouble
the others,
served no
authority
r country,
» and sur-
are thick
is a kind
1eeze out a
withstand.
r, they all,
nce it has
hard skin
lians, who
dren from
the Father
the Chiqui-
ers, entered
; and such
the end of
» whole of
ves in the
the Sand-
s about 2t
has several
nt is in lat.
computed
yen leagues
or extre-
Hed from a
ame.
bf New Jer-
ut 25 miles
townships,
roved, and
¢ e. part of
ladows, and
irt is more
ieat. Here
ngs famous
ers. There
piling mills,
Ils, and 43
3,216 inha-
MOR
Morris, a setilement of the island of Barbadoes,
in the parish and district of St. Joseph ; situated to
the s. on the e. coast.
Morais, another, in the same island, in the dis-
trict of the parish of Todos Santos,
{[Monnis Bay, on thew. coast of the island of
Antigua, in the W. Indies. It cannot be recom-
mended to chips to pass this way, as there is in one
place s. from the Five islands only two fathoms
water, Vessels drawing more than nine feet water
must not attempt it. |
[MORRISSINA, a village in W. Chester
county, New York, contiguous to [ell-gate, in
the sound. In 1790 it contained 133 inhabitants,
of whom 30 were slaves. In 1791 it was annexed
to the township of W. Chester. ]
(MORRISTOWN, a post-town and capital of
the =dove county, is a handsome town, and con-
tains a Presbyterian and Baptist church, a court-
house, an academy, and about 50 compact
houses; 18 miles w. by 7. of Newark, and about
66 n.e. of Philadelphia. ‘The head-quarter of
the American army, during the revolution war,
was frequently in and about this town. ]
{MORRISVILLE, a village in Pennsylvania ;
situated in Berk’s county, on the w. bank of De-
Jaware river, one mile from ‘Trenton, nine from
Bristol, and 24 from Philadelphia. A post-oflice
is kept here.
MORRITOS, some mountains of the coast of
the Nuevo Reyno de Granada, in the province
and government of the Rio del Hacha; they may
be discovered at a great distance, and are close to
cape Chichibacoa on the w.
MORRO, a settlement of the government and
jurisdiction of Merida, in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada. * It is of a cold but healthy temperature,
produces much wheat on its hilly sides, maize, and
other vegetable productions of a cold climate; a
tolerable number of neat cattle, goats, and sheep ;
and contains 40 “ousekeepers and 80 Indians,
Morro, anoti..r settlement, of the district of
La Punta of Santa Elena, in the province and
government of Guayaquil and kingdom of Quito,
Morro, another, of the province and corregi«
miento of Chachapoyas in Peru.
Morro, a river of the kingdom of Chile,
which rises in the mountains of the cordillera, and
enters the sea in the bay of Concepcion.
Morro, another, of the province and corregi+
miento of Chachapoyas in Peru. It rises in the
sierra, and incorporates itself with another river
to enter the Mocobamba.
Morro, a mountain, with the surname of Her-
moso, on the coast of the province and goyern-
VOL. IM.
MOR 345
ment of Cartagena, ona point of land which runs
into the sea between the point of Zamba and the
island Verde,
Morro, another mountain, with the same
additional title as the former, on the coast of Ca-
lifornia in N. America. :
Morro, another, with the surname of Que-
mado, on the coast of the province and corregi-
miento of Nasca in Peru.
Morno, another, on the coast of the province
and corregimiento of Arica in Peru.
Morro, another, with the surname of Her-
moso as well as ihe former, on the coast of the
province and government of Costa Rica and king-
dom of Guatemala, by the 8, sea, between the
port of Las Velas and cape Guiones.
Morro Cuico, a mountain of the coast of the
province and government of Honduras and king-
dom of Guatemala, between the river Seco and
that of Callera.
Morro Vitso. See St, Gattan.]
1ORROA, asettlement of the province and
government of Cartagena in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada ; situate on the shore of the stream Pi-
chelin, near the settlement of San Christoval.
MORRON, a settlement of the province and
government of Cartagena in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada; situate on the n. of the town of San
Benito Abad.
Mornon, another settlement, in the province
and government of Venezuela; situate on the sea-
shore and to the w. of the port Cabello. ‘This set-
(lement has also a port, which, although small,
is sheltered from the winds.
MORROPE, a large settlement of the province
and corregimiento of Sata and bishopric of Trux-
illo in Peru, It is of the best climate of any set-
tlement on that coast; near it runs the river Po-
zuclos, which fertilizes the territory and renders
it extremely delightful. The natives employ
themselves in digging lime out of a quarry in the
desert of Sechura and Lito, the which is used for
making soap; this privilege having been granted
by the government, and extended to the settlement
of Pacora, which is annexed to this settlement,
MORROPON, a river of the province and cor-
regimiento of Piura in Peru, to thee. It runs s. w.
and enters the Piura between the rivers Frias and
Sauri, by its w. shore, in lat, 5° 24's. «
Mornroron, a settlement of this province and
kingdom, so called trom the former river.
MORROS, some farallones or isles of the N.
sea, lying opposite the coast of Santa Marta, and
about the distance of a cannon-shot from it.
MORROSQUILLO, a gulf on the coast of the
YY
346 MOR
province and government of Cartagena and Nuevo
Reyno de Granada, between the river Sind and
the islands of San Bernardo.
MORT, a port or bay on the s. coast of the
island of Newfoundland, within the great bay of
Plaisance.
Mort, another bay, on the s. coast of the
straits of Magellan, between that of San Martin
and the creek of Sweet Water.
MORTAGUA, a river of the province and go-
vernment of Honduras and kingdom of Guatemala.
It runs n. and enters the sea between the cape of
Las Puntas and the bay of Omoa.
MORTALLA, an island of the bay of Nassau
in Florida. See Nassau.
([MORTIER’S Rocks, on the s. coast of New-
foundland island. Lat. 47° 2’ n. Long. 54°
52’ w.
MORTIGURA,a settlement of the province and
cantainship of Para in Brazil ; situate on the island
Samauna.
MORTO Island, on the coast of Pern, so call-
ed by the Spaniards, from its striking resemblance
to a dead corpse extended at full length. It is
also called St. Clara. It is aboul 13 miles 2. w.
from the mouth of the river Tumbez; and is two
miles in length, and 72 miles from Guayaquil. }
[MORTON Bay, on the 2. w. coast of the
island of Nevis in the W. Indies, is near the nar-
rows or channel between that island and St. Chris-
topher’s, tothe 2. w. of which there is from three
to eight fathoms, according to the distance from
shore.
MORUAS, a barbarous nation of Indians but
little known, who inhabit the woods near the river
Yetau to the w. of Paraguay. They go naked,
without fixed abode, and maintain themselves by
the chase.
([MORUES Bay, on the s. shore of the river St.
Lawrence, s. of Gaspee bay, and w. of Bonaven-
tura and Miscan islands. |
MORUGA, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Cumana. It rises in the sierra of Imataca,
and enters the sea near the river Poumaron, in the
district possessed by the Dutch.
{MORUGO, a small river to the w. and n. w.
of the gulf of Essequibo, on the coast of Surinam
in S. America.
MORU4, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Venezuela in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada, situate in the peninsula of Paraguana,
nearly in the centre of the same.
MORUNGABA, a settlement of the province
and captainship of San Vicente in Brazil; situate
between those of Samambay and Rio Verde.
MOS
MOSCARI, Sant1aGo ne, a settlement of the
province and corregimiento of Chayanta or Char-
cas in the same kingdom as the former.
MOSCAS, Mozcas, or Mutscas, an ancient
nation of Indians, and very numerous, of the
Nuevo Reyno de Granada, who dwell to e. of the
mountains and /lanuras of Bogoté. They were
the most civilized of all the nations of this king.
dom; were clothed with a sort of cotton shirt,
and over that a square mantle of the same fabric,
and upon their heads, with the skins of animals
they had killed, adorned with beautiful plumes,
and in the front of the same an half moon of gold
or silver, with the points upwards; also on their
arnfs they wore bracelets of stone or bone, in their
nostrils rings of gold, which they called chaqualas ;
and the height of their gala or luxury was to paint
their faces and body with vija, a kind of paint,
and with the juice of jaqua, a fruit which pro-
duces a black tint. The women made use of the
square mantle, which they calied chircarte,. and
wiich was fastened round their waist by a clasp,
which in their language was called chumbe or
maure, and upon their shoulders another mantle
which was smaller, named diquira, and which was
fastened to their breast by a large gold buckle.
The men wore their hair long upon their shoulders
and parted in the Nazarene form, and the women
carried it loose, availing themselves of the use of
certain herbs, which, by the help of the fire, might
render it of a deeper black; and the greatest af-
front that could be offered them was to cut it.
‘These Indians, as well men as women, are of an
ingenuous countenance, of a good disposition.
Their arms were slings, swords of macara, a wood
as hard and as shining as steel ; also a certain kind
of darts of light wood. They believed that there
was a general Creator of all, but they nevertheless
adored the sun and moon, calling the former Zupé
and the latter Chia ; neither did they doubt of the
immortality of the soul, but they imagined that it
passed to other countries, and thus they buried
their dead with certain portions of victuals, gold,
emeralds, &c. They were in cortinual warfare
with the Muzos and Colimas nations, and were
feared and respected by all.
The Moscan tongue, formerly called Chibcha,
was the general language of the whole kingdom;
and this was governed by a king or sipa, who was
elective. ‘This language is now almost entirely
lost. Nearly all the settlements of the Nuevo
Reyno de Groande are of Mozcan Indians, re-
duced to the Catholic faith. ‘They are of a gene-
rous nature, bold, faithful, and robust, but much
inclined to drunkenness. Some authors believed
at of the
re Char
| ancient
of the
e. of the
ey were
ohiige
mm shirt,
/¢ fabric,
animals
plumes,
of gold
yon their
_ in their
aqualas ;
3 to paint
of paint,
lich pro-
se of the
arte, and
a clasp,
umbe or
2 mantle
phich was
1 buckle.
shoulders
he women
the use of
ire, might
eatest af-
t it.
are of an
sposition.
la, a wood
rtain kind
that there
vertheless
mer Zupé
bt of the
ed that it
ey buried
Is, gold,
| warfare
and were
Chibcha,
kingdom;
» Who was
bt entirely
he Nuevo
ians, re-
bf a gene-
but much
s believed
MOS
that the name of Mozcas had been given them by
the Spaniards to signify their numbers; but it is
certain that this was their own name, as may be
seen in the history of the Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada, which has been written with infinite ability
by the most illustrious Sefior Don Lucas Fernan-
dez de Picdrahita, bishop of Santa Marta and of
Panama, and where may also be seen further par-
ticulars concerning these Indians.
Moscas, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Tarma in Peru; annexed to the cu-
racy of Parianchaera.
MOSCHKOS. Sce Kixarvus.]
MOSE, or Viuua det Mose, a town on the
bank of the river ‘l'abasco, in the bottom of Cam-
pechy gulf, to which small barges may go up.
Great quantities of cocoa are shipped here for
Spain; which brings a great many sloups and
small vessels to the coast. }
[MOSES Point, a head or cape of land, on the
e. side of the entrance into Bonavista bay, on the
e.coast of Newfoundland island. It is to the s. of
the rocks called Sweers, and five miles s. w. of cape
Bonavista, |
MOSINA, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Cumana ; situate on the w. coast of
the capital.
MOSLEVIN, a settlement of the province and
government of ‘Tucumin in Peru, at present
ruined by the infidel Indians; to the 7. 2. e. of San
Joseph de Vilelas.
Be og a place on Roanoke river, nine
miles below St. 'Tammany’s, and three above
Eaton’s. The produce ot the upper country is
brought to these places, and sent from thence by
waggons to Petersburg in Vipaiay
MOSNACHO, a settlement of the government
and jurisdiction of Maracaibo. It is very reduced
and poor y annexed to the curacy of Chachopo,
It produces some seeds and fruits peculiar to its
climate, which is temperate.
MOSQUITO, a bay on the 2. coast, and
in the part possessed by the French, of the island
of St. Domingo, between the port of Paz and
Agua,
MOSQUITOS, a country of N. America, be-
tween Truxillo and Honduras, of the kingdom of
Guatemala, in lat. 13° and 15° n. and between
long. 85° and 88° w. bounded n. and e, by the N. sea,
s. by the province of Nicaragua, and w. by that of
Honduras, ‘The Spaniards consider it as part of
the latier province, but they have no establishment
or settlement whatever in it; since the enmity
which the natives possess towards the Spaniards,
inclines them easily to enter into alliance with any
MOS 347
other nation, and particularly the English, who
most frequently are upon their coasts, in order to
make extortions upon them.
These Indians are excellent fishermen, and are
much given to the fishery of the marine cow, and
they moreover frequently make a voyage in Eng-
lish vessels to Jamaica. ‘The Duke of Albemarle,
being governor of this province, admitted the Mos-
quitos Indians under the protection of England,
and their prince received a special commission.
After his death his successor proceeded to Jamaica
to restore the treaty, but his vassals were not willing
to acknowledge it. The English have at various
times projected the establishment of a colony here.
The pirate William Dampiere, speaking of these
Indians, says that they have so acute a sight that
they can see vessels at a much greater distance than
can Europeans. Their dexterity also is such, that
with a little bar of iron like the zamroad of a gun
they can stop every hit that is made at them; so
that they are quite secure except that in case the
said bar should break.
Mosquitos, some islands near the coast and go-
vernment of Honduras, inhabited by the Mos-
quitos Indians. ‘They are many and small, and
close to those of Los Manglares.
Mosquitos, another island, which is one of the
Little Virgin isles ; situate near the n. coast of La
Virgen Gorda, on which it is dependent.
Mosautitos, another island, near the e. coast of
Florida, just without the Bahama channel.
Mosquitos, a bay on the 2. coast of the island
of Cuba, between the port of the Havana and the
bay of Mariel.
Mosaquitos, a point of the coast inthe province
and government of Darien, and kingdom of ‘Tierra
Firme, between the island of Pinos and the rancho
of Harpones.
Mosquitos, a bay, called Rincon de Mosquitos,
on the coast of the province and government of
Nicaragua, and kingdom of Guatemala, close to
the cape of Gracias a Dios, and opposite the shoal
of ‘Tiburones.
Mosquitos, a river of the province and govern.
ment of Venezuela in the Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada, It rises from two lakes at the foot of the
sierra of Carrizal, by the s. side, and enters the
Orinoco.
MOSTARDAS, a settlement of the province
and captainship of Rey in Brazil; situate opposite
the great lake of Los Patos.
MOSTAZAL, a river of the province and cor-
regimiento of Coquimbo in the kingdom of Chile ;
which runs w. and enters the Limari,
MOSTAZAS, a settlement of the province and
¥ Y
348 MOT
government of Venezucla in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada; founded, in 1740, in the serrania, after
the Real Compaiia de Guipuzcoa,
MOTA, a settlement of the jurisdiction and al-
caldia mayor of Pilon in the Nucvo Reyno de
Leon.
Mora, another scttlement, on the s. coast of the
island of Cuba, witha good port.
MOTATAN, a large river of the province and
government of Venezuela in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada. It rises from the mountains of Merida,
runs towards the settlement of Bocono, and receiv-
ing in its course the waters of the Nequitao, fer-
tilizes the fields of Truxillo, which place it laves
on the e. side, and then with a stream increased by
several other rivers from the mountains of Merida,
empties itself into the lake of Maracaibo by the e.
side, in Jat. 9° 45! n.
MOTAUITA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of ‘Tunja in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada. It is of a very cold temperature, and
produces wheat, maize, papas and barley, con-
tains 50 housekeepers and as many Indians, and is
a little less than a league’s distance from its ca-
vital.
; MOTE, San Joseru pe, a settlement of the
province and government. of Quixos and Macas in
the kingdom of Quito. It is much reduced, of a
cold temperature, and produces only maize, papas,
and potatoes, which are there called camotes. It
is situate at the foot ofa very lofty mountain called
Sumaco.
More, ariver of the province of Guayana, in the
Dutch possessions.
Morr, a small island of the lake of the Iroquees
Indians in N. America, near the 2. coast.
MOTEPORE, a settlement and real of silver
mines of the province and government of Sonora in
N. America.
[MOTHER Creek, in Kent county, Delaware.
Sce Freperica.]
MO'TILONES, a barbarous and ferocious na-
tion of Indians, of the province and government of
Venezuela in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada, _ It is
equally formidable from its numbers as from its in-
trepidity. These Indians wander over a vast tract
of country, which is bounded n. by the province of
Maracaibo, e. by the city of Merida, s. by those of
Cucuta and Salazar, of Las Palmas, and w. by
those of Ocaiia and ‘Tamalameque, of the province
of Santa Marta.
These barbarians continually infest the public
roads leading to the above-named settlements by
their incursions, stopping all the traders, and more
especially on me mountains which lie between
MOT
Pamplona and Merida, and also in the navigation
of the celebrated river Sullia. ‘
In 1737 Machen Barrena proposed to the vice.
roy of Santa Fé to make an expedition against
these Indians, so as to facilitate the commerce and
security of those provinces, and although he went
upon the expedition with three bodies of troops
from three different places, namely, San Faustino,
Salazar de las Palmas, and Merida, yet he failed
on account of a fourth body not coming from
Ocaiia, which was kept back for want of ammu-
nition, since the governor of Santa Marta refused
to allow them any; and thus the Motilones, al-
though surrounded by the three other bodies, cf-
fected their escape.
MOTINES, a jurisdiction and alcaldia mayor
of the kingdom of Nueva Espaiia, in the province
and bishopric of Mechoacan, It produces a great
quantity of large and small cattle, copale, wax,
cocos, and other seeds. It consists of five principal
settlements or head settlements of districts, on the
S.sea, and has upon the coast a signal-house to
give intelligence of vessels, and particularly of the
arrival of the bark from California. On its coast
is a ak before you come to that of Acapulco,
called Santelmo. ‘The aforesaid settlements of its
district are,
Zixamnitlan, Guacoman,
Xolotlan, Maquili.
Chiamila,
The capital is the settlement of the same name,
and which the Indians call Pomaro. It is of an
hot temperature, inhabited by 10 families of In-
dians, and about 15 of Spaniards, A/ustees, and
Mulattoes. It lies 10 leagues from the coast; al-
though its proximity to the same is conducive to
the fishery of robalos, in which nearly all the na-
tives are engaged, selling their stock in the neigh-
bouring provinces and jurisdictions of the bishop-
ric. ‘The territory of this alcaldia mayor is very
rough and uneven, and the climate is hot. ‘The
natives used abominable sacrifices ; but these were
exterminated by the labour and exertions of Fr.
Pedro de las Garrovillas of the order of San Fran-
cisco, native of the town of this name in Estrema-
dura, ‘and who was the person who entered to
preach the doctrine to these infidels, with such
zeal and effect, that in one day he burnt upwards
of 100 of their idols. This jurisdiction is about
240 miles to the w. one quarter tothe s, of Mexico,
and between the settlements of Zacatula and Puri-
ficacion.
MOTOBAR, a small river of the province and
government of Venezuela in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada. It runs ton. n. w. and enters the lake
renee
ication
Ihe vices
1 against
erce and
he went
of troops
Faustino,
he failed
ing from
of ammu-
a refused
lones, al-
odies, cf:
ia mayor
province
es a great
ile, wax,
principal
sy on the
-house to
rly of the
its coast
\capulco,
ents of its
me name,
t is of an
ies of In-
slees, and
coast; al-
ducive to
ll the na-
he neigh-
e bishop-
or is very
hot. ‘The
hese were
bns of Fr.
San Fran-
Istrema-
ntered to
vith such
upwards
is about
f Mexico,
and Puri-
vince and
Reyno de
s the lake
MOU
of Maracaibo, between the settlement of Las Bar-
bacoas and the city of Gibraltar,
MOTOZINTA, a settlement of the province
and alcaldia mayor of Gueguetenango in the king-
dom of Guatemala ; annexed to the curacy of the
settlement of Santa Ana Cuilco,
MOTTE Isle, a small island in lake Cham-
plain, about eight miles in length and two in
breadth, distant two miles w. of N. Hero island.
It constitutes a township of its own name in Frank-
lin county, Vermont, and contains 47 inhabi-
tants.
MOTUPE, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Piura in Peru. It has this name
from a province in which it was in the time of the
Indians, between the provinces of Piura and
Truxillo, and in the valleys of which Pizarro re-
freshed his troops when going to the conquest of
Peru. At present its territory is incorporated with
the two provinces aforesaid.
Morupg, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Piura in Peru.
‘TMOUCHA, La, a bay on the coast of Chile,
on the w. coast of S. America. |
MOUILLAGE, a settlement of the island
Martinique, one of the Antilles ; situate on the w.
coast, with a good port. It is a curacy of the re-
ligious order of St. Domingo, between the bay of
Touche and the river of the fort of S. Pierre.
Mou iLuaGe, a small river of the island of Gua-
dalupe, on the n. w. coast, between the point of
Gros Morne and the river of Lancesan des Hayes.
MOULE, a large bay or port of the island
Guadalupe, on the coast which looks to the n. e.
between the rock of La Corona and the port of Las
Chalupas.
MOULINET, a great fall of the river Cata-
rakui, between lake St. Francois and fort Augusta
in N. America.
(MOULTONBOROUGH,a post-town in Straf-
ford county, New Hampshire ; situated at the 2. w.
corner of lake Winnipiseogee, 15 miles e. of Ply-
mouth, and 50 n. w. by 2. of Portsmouth, This
township was incorporated in 1777, and contains
565 inhabitants.
MOULTRIE Fort. See Sunitivan’s Island. ]
MOUNT Island, onthe above coast. Lat. 50° 5!
n. Long. 61° 35! w. |
[Mounr Berner, Upper and Lower, two
townships in the county of Northampton, Pennsyl-
vania.
Mouee Desert, an island on the coast of
Hancock county, district of Maine, about 15 miles
long and 10 broad. _ It is a valuable tract of land,
intersected in the middle by the waters flowing into
M OU 349
the s. side from the sea. There are two consider-
able islands on the s. e. side of Mount Desert island,
called Cranberry is.ands, which assist in forming a
harbour in the gulf which sets up on the s. side of
the island, In 1790, it contained 744 inhabitants.
The n. part of the island was formed into a town-
ship, called Eden, in 1796. ‘The s. easternmost
part of the island lies in about lat. 44° 18’n, On
the mainland, opposite the x. part of the island,
are the towns of Trenton and Sullivan, It is 178
miles 7. e. of vc
Mount Desert Rock, a rock in the N. Atlan-
tic ocean, near the coast of Maire, about 27 miles
s. of Mount Desert island, in lat. 43° 48/n. and
long. 68° 3! 30" w.
Mount Hontry, a village in Burlington
county, New Jersey ; situated oa the i. bank of
Anocus creek, about seven or cight miles s. c. of
Burlington. }
[Mount Hope Bay, in the n. e. part of Nar-
raganset bay. |
{Mounr Hope, a small river of Connecticut, a
head branch of the Shetucket, rising in Aad ae
(Mount Jou, on the 2. coast of the gulf of St.
Lawrence, in Labrador. |
Mount Joy, a dependence ef the county of
Newcastle, in the province and colony of Pennsyl-
vania, from whence the firstMalcareous stone was
brought trom America to Europe. ‘This country
is notorious for its excellent sand.
(Mount Joy, the name of two townships in
Pennsylvania, the one in Lancaster, ihe other in
York county. |
{Mount Joy, a Moravian settlement in Pennsyl-
vania, 16 miles from Litiz. }
{Mount Misery, a barren mountain of the
island of St. Christopher, evidently a decayed
volcano. Its perpendicular height is 3711 feet,
and it has an immense crater on the top, the bot-
tom of which is nearly level, and supposed to con-
tain 50 acres, of which seven are covered with.
water; the rest are clothed with high grass and
trees, among which the mountain cabbage is very
conspicuous. From the crannies or fissures of this
crater still {low streams of hot water, which are
strongly impregnated with sulphur, alum, and vi-
triolic acid.
[Mount Peasant, a township in W. Chester
county, New York; situated on the e. side of
Hadson river; bounded s,by Greensburg, and
n. and e. by Philipsburg. It contains 1924 inha-
bitants, of whom 275 are qualified electors, and 84
slaves. Also the name of a township in York
county, Pennsylvania. ]
[Mount Preasant, a village of Maryland;
350 MOU
Situated partly in each of the counties of Queen
Ann and Caroline, about 11 miles e. of the town of
Church-hill,
[Mount Tom, a noted mountain on the w. bank
of Connecticut river, near Northampton, Also
the name of a mountain between Litchfield and
Washington in Connecticut. }
Mount Vernon, the seat of George Washing-
ton, late president of the United States. It is plea-
santly situated on the Virginia bank of Patowmac
river, in Fairfax county, Virginia, where the river
is nearly two miles wide; eight miles below Alex-
andria; four above the beautiful scat of the late
Colonel Fairfax, called Bellevoir ; 52 from point
Look-out, at the mouth of the river. The area of
the mount is 200 feet above the surface of the river ;
and after furnishing a lawn of five acres in front,
and about the same in rear of the buildings, falls off
rather abruptly in those two quarters, On the n.
end it subsides gradually into extensive pasture
grounds; while on the s. it slopes more stecply, in
a short distance, and terminates with the coach-
house, stables, vineyard, and nurseries, On either
wing is a thick grove of different flowering forest
trees. Parallel with them, on the land side, are
two spacious gardens, into which one is led by two
serpentine gravel walks, planted with weeping wil-
Jows and shady shrut&, ‘The mansion house itself
(though much embellished by, yet not perfectly
satisfactory to the chaste taste of the present pos-
sessor) appears venerable and convenient. The
superb banqueting room was finished just after he
returned home from thearmy. A lofty portico 96
feet in length, supported by eight pillars, has a
pleasing effect when viewed from the water; the
whole assemblage of the green-house, school-house,
offices, and servants’ halls, when seen from the
land side, bears a resemblance to a rural village;
especially as the lands on that side are laid out
somewhat in the form of English gardens, in mea-
dows and grass grounds, ornamented with little
copses, Circular clumps, and single trees. A small
park on the margin of the river, where the English
tallow deer and the American wild deer are scen
through the thickets, alternately with the vessels
as they are sailing along, add-a romantic and pic-
turesque appearance to the whole scenery. On
the opposite side of a small creek to the 2, an exten-
sive plain, exhibiting corn-fields and cattle graz-
ing, affords in summer a luxuriant landscape ;
while the blended verdure of wood-lands and cul-
tivated declivities, on the Maryland shore, varie-
gates the prospect in a charming manner. Such
are the philosophic shades to which the come
mander in chief of the American army retired in
MOU
1783, at the close of a victorious war; which he
again left in 1789, to dignify with his unequalled
talents the highest office in the gift of his fel-
low-citizens; and to which he again retreated
(1797) loaded with honours, and the benedictions
of his country, to spend the remainder of his days
as a private citizen, in peace and tranquillity. ]
ount Vernon, a plantation in Lincoln
county, district of Maine, in the neighbourhood of
Sidney and Winslow. |
(Mount Wasuinaton, in the upper part of
the island of New York.] :
[Mount Wasninaton, one of the highest
hens of the White mountains, in New Hamp-
shire. ;
ee Wasnincton, the s. westernmost
township of Massachusetts, in Berkshire county,
about 104 miles w. by s. of Boston. It was incor-
porated in 1779, and contains 67 inhabitants. }
MOUNTAINS. The number of mountains in
Spanish America are infinite, which in different
cordilleras traverse the whole country through
various parts. ‘The principal of these are,
Abides,
Abipi,
Abitanis,
Acacuiia,
Acochala,
Altar,
Ajiapuras,
Andes,
Antisana,
Antojo,
Asuay,
Avitahua,
Buritaca,
Caruairasu,
Caxamima,
Cayambe,
Cequin,
Chima,
Chimborasu,
Chocayas,
Chuapa,
Chumbilla,
Collanes,
Corazon,
Cotacache,
Cotopacsi,
Cucunuco,
Cumbal,
Elenisa,
Fosca,
Gachaneque,
Guanas,
Guanta,
Guanacas,
Huanacauri,
Huantajaya,
Huatzapa,
Lampangui,
Ligua,
Llanganate,
Llaon,
Mohanda,
Notuco,
Omate,
Opon,
Osorno,
Paragoana,
Peteroa,
Pichinche,
Picuri,
Pintac,
Porco,
Potosi,
Purasé,
Quechucavi,
Quelendana,
Quindio,
Sahuancuca,
Sanguay,
San Pedro,
Santa Juana,
San Antonio,
Saporovis,
Sierra Nevada,
which he
unequalled
of his fel.
1 retreated
mnedictions
of his days
illity.]
n Lincoln
purhood of
Jer part of
ie highcst
ew Hamp-
esternmost
e county,
was incor-
tants. |
untains in
n different
y through
M O Xx,
Sincholagua, Ucuntaya,
Sinu, Uritusinga,
Sunchuli, Vacarima,
Tampaya, Villagran,
Tiscan, Imbabura,
‘Tioloma, Itoco,
Tunguragua,
For the other mountains of America, See NontH
AMERICA.
MOURE, a fort, of the English in the province
and colony of Georgia; situate on the shore of the
river Savannab, opposite the city and fort of
Augusta.
MOURISCA, a settlement of the province and
captainship of Paraiba in Brazil; situate on the
shore of the river Paraiba.
MOUSA, a lake of the province and govern-
ment of Moxos in Peru, on the shore of the river
San Xavier, where this unites with the Travesia.
[MOUSE Harbour, at the e. side of the island
of St. John’s, and at the s. w. angle of the gulf of
St. Lawrence, is between FE. point and Three
Rivers, and gocs in with a small creek that is mo-
derately spacious within.
[MOUSOM, a small river of York county, dis-
trict of Maine, which falls into the ocean between
Wells and Arundel. ]
MOUSTIQUE, a small river of the island of
Guadalupe, which rises in the mountains of the e.
coast, runs e. and enters the sea in the bay and port
of Cul de Sac Grand.
MOUTON, Le, ashoal of rocks of the N. sea,
near the island 8. Christoval, one of the Antilles,
and off its n. e. coast, opposite that of Morne.
Mouton, Le, a port of Nova Scotia or Canada
in N. America. It is little and only fit for small
vessels, and this only in case of distress. On the
e. coast, near the port of the Heve, in lat. 44°.
Long. 64° 30! w.
([MOWEE, one of the Sandwich isles, next in
size to, and n.w.ofOwhyhee. Ithasa large bay of
a semicircular form, opposite to which are the
islands Tahoorowa and Morokinnee. It is about
162 miles in circumference, and is thought to con-
tain nearly 70,000 inhabitants. }
MOXANDA, a very lofty mountain, always
covered with snow, in the province and corregt-
miento of Otavalo and kingdom of Quito. Its
summit is divided into two tops, the one of which
looks to the e. the other to the w: and from each
of them runs a cordillera. In this mountain the
rivers Batan and Emacyacu have their source.
In lat. 12! 2.
MOXI, a river of the province and captainship
]
MOX 351
of Pucrto Seguro in Brazil, which runs 2.2. w.
and enters the Supacay-guazu.
MOXICONES, a bay of the coast of the king-
doin of Chile, in the district of the province and
corregimiento of Atacama in Peru.
MOXIMO, a river of the province of Cinaloa
in the kingdom of Quito. It runs to s.s.e. and
enters the river Belleno, in lat. 1° 32! s,
MOXO, a settlement of the province and corres
gimiento of Paucarcolla in Peru.
Moxo, another settlement, of the province and
corregimiento of Chichas and Tarija in the same
kingdom, of the district of the jurisdiction of the
ormer ; annexed to the curacy of Talina,
MOXOCAYA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of 'Tomina in Peru.
MOXON, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Xauja in Peru; annexed to the
curacy of its capital.
MOXONAUI, a settlement of the province of
Moqui, in the kingdom of Nuevo Mexico in N,
America.
MOXOS, an extensive province and country of
the kingdom of Peru ; bounded s. by the province
of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, n. e. by the river Itenes
or Huapore, s.e. by the intervention of many
woods, by the Chiquitos Indians, s. w. by the cor-
dillera, at the back of whith is the province of
Cochabamba, w. by the missions of Apolabamba,
the river Beni running between, and n. by the ri-
vers Iruiame and Exaltatio. It is about 420 miles
long from ¢. to w. and about 300 wide from n. to
s.3 although to travel them it would add considers
ably to the above distances, owing to the difficul-
ties of the roads. It is watered by four large ri-
vers, besides innumerable rivers of less note: the
first is the Marmoré, which rises in the sterras of
Altissimas ; the second the Itenes, which is also
called Huapore; the third the Beni, towards the
w. part; and the fourth Branco, or S. Miguel.
The temperature of this province is hot and
moist, owing to the number of woods and rivers,
and these form innumerable lakes and swamps,
especially in the rainy season, which begins in
October and lasts till May, when the inundations
are so great, that in many parts nothing but the
tops of trees are to be seen, and all communication
between one settlement and another must be made
by rafts, when yon may swim about for two or
three days without finding a dry place to tread on.
At this season the cattle become sick and languid
from want of pasture, and many of them die,
whilst the great moisture combined with the parch-
ing heat which through want of a generous air is
352
experienced, excites such a degree of putrefaction
in the stagnant waters, that there is never a year
that passes but which generally brings with it some
fatal epidemic fever or disorder, which at times
destroys whole settlements at once, as was the case
with those of San Luis Gonzaga, San Pablo, and
San Miguel, which no longer exist; and, indeed,
were it not for the natural fecundity of the women
and the exertions of the missionaries in drawing
together these barbarian Indians tod well in societies,
there would scarcely be any population whatever.
The territory is as unkind in the production of
bread and wine, as it is favourable to those plants
which require great heat and moisture, such as
maize, sugar canes, yucas or mandioca, rice, ca-
motes, plantains, green ajies, mani, &c. In some
of the settlements they gather very good crops of
cacao, and every where of cotton ; the grain of the
former is so large, tender and rich, that the choco-
late made of it is of the most delicate flavour and
strong nourishment; but it has the defect of be-
coming rancid if kept long, which is the case
with every kind that ts very oily. In the woods
are found many trees, the wood and fruits of which
are much esteemed, such as guayucunes, cinna-
mon, marias, from whence is extracted the oil of
this name, the guinaquina, the seed of which is
very fragrant vilien burnt, cedars, palms, tajibos,
almonds different from those of Europe, copa/bos,
bainillas, dragon plants, and others. In the trunks
of the trees various kinds of bees lay their wax :
some of these insects are white, others yellow,
and others, which live under ground and are less
esteemed, of a grey colour. Here are many wild
animals, tigers, antas, deer, rabbits, wild boars,
and ant-eaters, thus called because they have a
very long snout with which they devour thousands
of the above little insects. These animals have no
other defence than their claws, which are like dag-
gers, and when they fight with the tiger, the con-
flict generally proves mortal to both ; for the bear
grapples with the tiger, and darts its claws into his
heart and bowels, whilst the latter tears to pieces
with his jaws the head and face of its adversary.
Here are also very large snakes, called bobas, rattle-
snakes, vipers, small and large spiders, scorpions,
mosquitoes, large and fierce ants, gegenes, bats of
an extraordinary size, and various other venomous
insects, many rare birds of fine song and beautiful
plumage, and others well known in Europe. In
the rivers and lakes are abundance of fish, alliga-
tors, thornbacks, palometas, and toninas or dol-
phins, the which the Indians kill with arrows,
This province is divided into three districts,
MOXOS.
*
which are, Moxos, Baures, and Pampas, The
former consists of six settlements on either side of
the river Marmore, with the names of
Loreto, S. Pedro,
Trinidad, La ExAltacon,
S. Xavier, Santa Ana,
The second, of six other settlements on the w. shore
of the same river, called
Magdalena,
Concepcion, S. Simon,
S. Joaquin, S. Nicolas.
And the third of three, which are,
S. Ignacio, Los Santos Reyes.
S. Francisco de Borja,
Tn all of which there are 22,000 Indians of the fol-
lowing nations,
S. Martin,
Moxos, Sapis,
Ta parrots Cayubabas,
Bolepas Canacures
epas,
Coriciaras Ocoronos
> s ’
Baures, Chumanos,
Itonamas, Mayacamas,
Heriboconos, Tibois,
Meques, Nairas,
Boyomas, Norris,
Huarayos Pacarabas
JOS, ?
Rotoroiios, Pacanabos,
Mures, Sinabus,
Krirumas, Cuizaras,
Canicianas, Cabinas.
Pechucos,
These Indians rather resembled wild beasts than
human creatures, lived without any appearance of
religion or worship, and adored nothing but the
devil and tigers. Some of them called themselves
priests and sorcerers, also physicians, without
more knowledge of disorders or remedies than to
suck the sore part. ‘They made others believe a
thousand stories of visions that they had had with
the devil, in order to induce them to multiply their
offerings ; their altars were nothing but some mise-
rable hutss adorned with dautemas, spears, feathers,
bows, arrows, and darts, and the chief act of ado-
ration consisted in making themselves drunk with
chicha, a drink of maize and yuca, for many days
together, when some fatal and melancholy results
would close the solemnities. Whenever they were
angry they took up their arms and inflicted instant
death ; and as they had no ideas of civil life, there
was nothing thought of amongst them concerning a
common good; but each man was master of his own
family, and here he lorded it as his whim directed.
Thus in their political affairs they had no head
whatever, and though in time of war they would
as, The
er side of
acfon,
he
ew. shore
'y
;
Ss,
os Reyes.
of the ful-
beasts than
earance of
he but the
themselves
> without
ies than to
s believe a
t had with
Itiply their
some mises
s, feathers,
ct of ado-
trunk with
nany days
oly results
they were
ted instant
l life, there
bncerning a
of his own
nm directed.
id no head
hey would
MOXOS. 353
go into the field under a commander, who was
selected as being the most savage and furious
amongst them, yet, as soon as the fight was begun,
would they every one of them, individually, take
the command upon themselves. Their advance
was as rapid as their retreat, and if by the violence
of the former they gained the victory, they made
so cruel and barbarous a use of it, that they not
only eat their prisoners, but took pains to put them
to the severest tortures in killing them.
Even the matrimonial tie was broke upon the
slightest pretence; polygamy was carried to a
great extent, but no part of their conduct was
more disorderly than that of the education of the
children. The father, in respect to these, was
merely a slave, and when the infirmities of age re.
quired the attentions of the son, and had a claim
upon his venerationand respect, the latter would with
the greatest insolence put his hoary sire to death,
alleging that he would now be no longer useful :
in the same way would he kill his younger bro-
thers and sisters, saying, that he thus liberated
them from the disgrace and the misery of or-
phans. ;
In short, it is. scarcely possible to imagine any
abomination of drunkenness, lasciviousness, super-
stition, and cruclty of the most barbarous nature,
which was not practised by these savages previous
to the time that the light of the gospel began to
shed its influence amongst them. ‘There were cer-
tain distinctions of manners in the aforesaid nations,
which will be found explained under their proper
articles,
About the middle of the 16th century the mis-
sionaries of the Jesuits began to attempt by bribes,
ersuasions, and promises, to reduce to the Catho-
ic faith this savage multitude, and after great la-
hours and fatigues, and not without the loss of
several lives, did they at last succeed in domesti-
cating them and diffusing amongst them a rational
and christian-like spirit, forming large and regular
settlements, and selecting for these purposes those
parts of the country which were least exposed to
inundations. They also built magnificent temples,
which were richly ornamented, and where on fes-
tival days they would cause to be performed fine
concerts of music, vocal and instrumental, with or-
gans, harps, violins, flutes, trumpets, &c.
The spiritual government is the same as that of
the Chiquitos Indians, They hear mass every
day early in the morning, and are afterwards in-
structed in their religion: again they all meet at
night-fall to say the rosary and hear sermons. ‘The
political government consists of a governor, no-
minated by the curate on the first day of the year,
VOL. MI.
Sree Peele. er eae ae Aig 0 Dine . ae
with two alcaldes, aguasils, and capitulars, whose
care it is to guard against public disorders. They
visit the chacras or huts of the Indians, to sce
that they are industrious and take care of their fa-
milies ; and these are supplicd with abundance of
flesh meat from the herds of neat cattle which are
kept in the neighbourhood. ‘The delinquent, after
he has been made to know the measure of his
crime, is punished by a flogging, or other way
that may be thought necessary, and the obstinate
or incorrigible Indian is banished from the settle.
ment. Every Indian, after his marriage, is ob-
liged to form a chacra, or small estate, where,
amongst oiifer things, he must cultivate cotton suf-
ficient for the clothing of his family. ‘The curate’s
chacra is large, and is kept in order by the com-
munity. Its productions are devoted to his use,
and to that of the mechanics and other servants
living immediately under him. Here they manu-
facture sugar, refine the wax collected in the
woods, make chocolate, very fine cotton stuffs for
table-cloths, handkerchiefs, towels, and napkins ;
and many of these articles are carried for sale, by
order of the curate, to the neighbouring provinces,
and with their product other necessaries are pur-
eked especially salt, of which there is none
here,
(n this province the Indians go better clothed
than in any other: many are seen with waistcoats
and breeches of leather and even of silk, especially
such as are of higher rank, being masters of liberal
or mechanic arts, which are very celebrated. In
some of the settlements there are not only musi-
cians but compositors ; and some are so dexterous
that they imitate whatever they see, though they
are rare who know how to write ; notwithstanding
a breviary has been seen which was done by them
so nicely that it is impossible to discover it from
print.
The common arms of these Indians are the bow
and arrow, and at the entrance of the Spaniards in
1762 and 1766, to dislodge the Portuguese from
the station they had taken upon the other side of
the river Itenes, near the settlement of Santa Rosa,
they accustomed themselves to the use of fire-arms,
and were extremely useful to the Spaniards against
the Portuguese, of whom numbers were taken pri-
soners, and doomed to work in the mines of Cuyaba
and Matogroso, they being now known by the
name of Certanistas. This province was conquered
and united to the empire of Peru by the Inca
Yupanqui, eleventh emperor.
Moxos, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Chichas and ‘Tarija in Peru; si-
tuate on the lofty part of a mountain much cx-
La
he ee
354 MOY
posed to the winds, It has at ils entrance a river
which passes through the settlement by an aque-
duct erected at great cost. ‘Twenty-eight leagues
from the city of Santiago de Cotagaita,
Moxos, another, with the dedicatory title of
S. Juan de Sahagun, in the missions that were
held by the religious order of San Francisco in
the province of Apolabamba.
OXO-TORO, a settlement of the province
and corregimiento of Yamparaes, and archbishop-
ric of Charcas, in Peru.
MOY A, a settlement of the province and corre-
gimiento of Angaraes in Peru ; annexed to the cu-
ry of Conaica,
Joya, another, a small settlement or ward of
the head settlement of the district and alcaldia
mayor of Lagos in the kingdom and bishopric of
Nueva Galicia; situate to the e. of its capital.
Moya, a small river of the province and go-
vernment of Jaen de Bracamoros in the kingdom
of Quito, which enters the Maraiion.
MOYAGUA, asettlement of the head settlement
of the district and a/ca/dia mayor of Juchipila in
Nueva Espaia. Six leagues to the s. of the said
bead settlement.
MOYALEC, Leuvvu, or Cotorapo, also
called Desaguadero de Mendoza, a river of the
rovince and government of 'Tucuman in Peru.
t rises in the territory of the Aucaes Indians, runs
in a large stream to s.s.¢. for many leagues, and
then turns its course to s. ‘
[MOYAMENSING, a township in Philadcl-
phia county, Pennsylvania. ]
MOY EN a large sand-bank on the coast of the
island of Newfoundland, one of those which
serve for the cod-fishery. It is to the w. of Green
bank.
MOYOBAMBA, or SantiaGco pe ios VALe
Lrs, acity, the capital of the district of this name
in the province and corregimiento of Chachapoyas
and kingdom of Peru. iis of an hot tempera-
ture, moist, and unhealthy, but abounding in ve-
getuble productions, in cattle, cotton, sugar, to-
lacco, of which alone there were gathered 200
load annually, before it was monopolized by the
crown, and of such excellent quality is it as to be
preferred to all of the other provinces; it likewise
produces many kinds of fruit. _1t has, besides the
yarish church, a chapel of Nuestra Sefora de
Belen, [It is 192 miles e. by x. of Truxillo, on
the shore of the river of its name, and 310 miles
non.e. of Lima. In lat. 7° s, and long. 75°
5 w.)
MoyobAMBA. The aforesaid river, in the same
province and corregimiento, rises 6. of the capital,
MUC
close to the settlement of Naranjos, rans ¢. and
enters with a large stream into the Guallaga.
Moyonamba, a valley of the same province,
of a triangular figure, shut in by the cordidlera of
the Andes and the rivers Moyobamba and Negro,
MOYOC-MARCA, a name eee by the In-
dians of Peru, in the time of their gentilism, to
one of the great towers of the fortress of Cuzco.
MOYOTEPLC, a settlement of the head settle.
ment of the district of San Luis de la Costa ; con.
taining 16 families of Indians, and a little more
than a league’s distance from Quauzoquitengo,
MOYUTA, San Juan Baptista be, a setile.
ment of the alcaldia mayor of Jutiapa, and king-
dom of Guatemala; annexed to the curacy of
Conguaco.
MUBERRY, a small river of the province and
colony of 8. Carolina, which runs e. and enters
that of Thirty Miles.
MUCABUSA, a settlement of the province and
country of Las Amazonas, in the part possessed
by the Portuguese. It is situate on the shore of
the river Madera, opposite the river Uvirabasi,
MUCARAS, some isles or rocky shoals, lying
between the Lucayas islands, and n. of that of
Cuba. They are many, and are between cape
Lobos and the island San Andres.
MUCARI, a bay on the s. coast of the island
Jamaica,
MUCCIA. See Mocue.
MUCHIMILCO, a settlement of the province
of Huejotzinco in Nueva Espaiia, in the time of
ie Indian gentilism ; situate near the Sierra Ne-
vada.
MUCHI?AI, a small and poor settlement of the
jurisdiction of the city of La Palma, and cor-
regimiento of Tunja, in the Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada. It produces some vegetable productions,
such as maize, cotton, yucas, and plantains, all of
a warm climate ; this being its temperature.
MUCH UCHIIIS, or Mucucutes, a settlement of
the government and jurisdiction of Merida in the
Nuevo Reyno de Granada, near the source of the
river Cama. It is of a fine temperature, rather
warm than cold, ofa very fertile soil, and abound-
ing in excellent cacao, wheat, maize, and other
vegetable productions ; contains 50 housekeepers
and 200 Indians. In lat. 8° 7.
MUCIIUM], a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Safa in Peru.
MUCUNO, a settlement of the government and
jurisdiction ot Merida in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada ; situate in the valley of Azequias: of a
cold temperature, producing much wheat, maize,
turmas, beans, lentils, &c. It has also abundance
se. and
Bide
province,
dillera of
| Negro,
r the In-
tilism, to
suzco.
ad settle.
sla; con.
ittle more
tengo.
, a setile.
nd king-
puracy of
vince and
ind enters
vince and
possessed
» shore of
irabast.
oals, lying
of that of
ween cape
‘the island
e province
he time of
Sierra Ne-
nent of the
Land cor
10 de Grae
oductions,
ains, all of
ure,
ttlement of
ida in the
urce of the
ire, rather
id abound.
and. other
busekeepers
ovince and
nment and
Reyno de
tias: of a
at, maize,
abundance
M U |!
of cattle, and contains 40 housekeepers and 100
Indians.
MUCURES, a settlement of the province of
Barcelona and government of Cumana, one of
those which are under the charge of the religious
observers of San Francisco, the missionaries of Pi-
ritu. It is situate on the shore of the river Pao, in
the bend it makes before its entrance into the Ori-
noco.
MUCURUBA, a settlement of the government
of Merida in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada, It
is of a mild but healthy temperature, producing
much maize and other vegetable productions pe-
culiar to its climate. It contains 50 Indians, and
as many other inhabitants ; and is annexed to the
curacy of the settlement of Muchuchis. The re-
gulars of the company had in the district of this
settlement some rich cattle farms.
MUCURURL, a settlement of the province and
government of Guayana or Nueva Andalucia ; si-
tuate on the s. shore of the river Caroni, near its
mouth or entrance into the Orinoco.
Mal D Island, in Delaware river, is six or seven
miles below the city of Philadelphia ; whereon is
a citadel, and a fort not yet completed. On a sand-
bar, a large pier has been erected, as the founda-
tion for a battery, to make a cross fire. ]
Mun Lake, in the state of New York, is small,
and lies between Seneca and Crooked lakes. It
gives rise to an. branch of Tioga river. |
MUDURA, a small river of the province and
government of Guayana, one of those which enter
by the s. side into the Usupania.
MUELLAMUES, a settlement of the province
and government of Popayan in the Nuevo Reyno
de Granada.
MUERTES, Rio ve tas, a river in the pro-
vince and captainship of the Rio Janeiro in Brazil.
It rises to the w. of the town of Jubaraba, runs
s,s. w. and enters the Parana.
MUERTOS, Caxos pe Los, a small island of
the N. sea, close to the s, coast of the island Puerto
Rico.
MUGERES, a small island of the N. sea, near
the coast of Yucatan ; situate about 18 miles s. e.
of cape Cotoche; discovered by Francisco Her-
nandez Giron in 1517, who gave it this name,
trom having found in it several Indian idols well
clothed, and which appeared to resemble mugeres,
or women, ‘This island bas always been the com-
mon refuge of the Zambos and Mosquitos pirates
for careening their vessels. It is in lat. 21° 18’ n.
and long. 86° 40’ w.
M UISNE, a river of the province and govern-
MUL S3dh
ment of [’ismeraldas in the kingdom of Quito. It
runs. and, just before it enters the sea, turns its
course s, On its shores are a great number of very
lofty palms; and its entrance into the sea is be-
tween the river San Francisco to the n. and the
Potete to the s. In lat. 37° 30! n.
MUITACON, a settlement of the province and
government of Guayana or Nueva Andalucia ; si-
tuate on the shore of the river Orinoco, and to the
n. of the city of Real Corona,
MUITO, a small river of the province and
government of Paraguay, which enters the Pi-
ratini,
MUJA, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Antioquia in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada,
MUJU, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Bard in Brazil. It runs n, and enters the
Marajion by the s. side in the bay of Pard, near
the fort Capi. In lat. 1° 33's.
MULAHALO, a settlement of the province and
corregimicnto of Latacunga in the kingdom of
Quito, in the district of which is the mountain or
volcano of Cotopaxi, notorious for the mischief it
has done in that province. From it rises the river
San Felipe, which traverses the province, as also
another river called Guapante, which with the
Ambato forms the large stream of the Patate. Ip
the vicinity of this settlement many veins of silver
ore have been discovered, though none have been
worked. On the w, at no great distance, is a very
large estate, called El Callo.
MULAS, a poiat on the n. coast of the island of
Cuba, between port Sama and the river of Los
Platanos.
MULATAS, some islands of the N. sea, and
of the province and government of Darien in the
kingdom of Tierra Firme; situate close to the
point of San Blas and tothe e¢. They are many,
small, and one of them larger than the rest, are
very dangerous in the sailing from Portovelo to
Cartagena, and on them several vessels have been
wrecked,
(MULATRE Point, in the island of Dominica
in the W. Indies. Lat. 15° J6' n. Long. 61°
21 w.
MULATTO, a cast of people of America, pro-
duced by a black mother and white father, or bya
black father and white mother, but the latter very
rarely, although the former very commonly, so
that America abounds with Mulattoes: they are
thus the oflspring ofa libidinous intercourse between
Europeans and the female slaves, which the au-
thority of the one and the sensuality of the other
zz2
356 M U L
tend to make very general, The colour of the
children thus produced participate of both white
and black, or are rather of a dingy brown colour.
Their hair is less crisp than that of the Negro and
of a clear chesnut tint. ‘The Mulatto is regularly
well made, of fine stature, vigorous, strong, induse
trious, intrepid, ferocious, but given to pleasure,
deceitful, and capable of committing the greatest
crimes without compunction.
It is a certain fact, that througiiout the vast do-
minions of the king of Spain in America there are
no better soldiers than the Mulattoes, nor more in-
famous men, When the mother is a slave the
offspring is also, by the principle of the law that
partus sequitur ventrem,; but inasmuch as that
they are in general the offspring of the master
of the mother they are made free, and from their
earliest infancy are brought up in all kinds of vice.
As the Mulatto, as well as the Negro, is at the
time of its birth nearly white, not taking its real
colour till nearly 10 days after; the difference is
distinguished by the private parts, for these in the
Negro child, together with the extremities of its
toes and fingers, are already of a dark colour,
which is not the case with the Mulatto, The
French, in order to keep down the numbers of this
cast in their colonies, established a law that the
father of a Mulatto should pay a fine of 2000 Ibs.
of sugar, and further, that if he were master of the
slave, that he should forfeit her as well as the child,
the money arising from the fine to be paid into the
funds of the hospital of La Charité.
There have been many Europeans, Spaniards,
French, English, and other nations of America,
who have married Negro women ; and the sons of
these alone are admitted by law to the offices of
the state, and although there is a general prohibi-
tion against all Mulattoes whatever, yet has this
been in several cases dispensed with. Notwith-
standing the bad qualities of the Mulatto, some of
them have been found, who from their extraordi-
nary virtues and qualifications have deserved great
marks of «, .robation and distinction from the
viceroys, bishops, and other persons of eminence.
Such were Miguel Angel de Goenaga, captain of
militia in the city of Portovelo, whose merits had
gained him a universal title to respect at home and
in the English, French, and Dutch colonies ; also
in Puerto Rico another person, named Miguel
Enrriques, who, although in the humble employ-
ment of a shoemaker, had done such services to
the king, that he was honoured with a royal
medal, and allowed to put to his name the title of
Don. ‘These examples we conceive to be sufficient
MUN
to shew how little influence the colour of a man
has over the endowments of his soul.
{Mutarro Point, on the w. coast of 8. Ame-
rica, is the s, cape of the port of Ancon, 16 or 18
miles n, of Cadavaytio river. }
MULDEN, a city of the province and colony
of New England in N. America,
MULEGE, a river of the province of Califor.
nia in N, America, It rises in the centre of the
province, and enters the sea in the bay of Con-
cepcion.
ULEQUES, Istas ne os, three smull
islands, situate in the river La Plata, near the x,
coast, close to the islands of Los Ingleses and those
of Anton Lopez.
[MULGRAVE Port. See Anmiratty Bay.
Lat. 67° 45'n. Long. 165° 9 w.]
[MULHEGAN River, in Vermont, rises in
Lewis, and empties into Connecticut river at
Brunswick.
a CUS River, in New Jersey, is small
and has many mills and iron-works upon it, an
empties into Little Egg harbour bay, four miles ¢.
of the town of Leeds. It is navigable 20 miles
for vessels of 60 tons.
MULLONES, an ancient settlement of the
nation of Indians of this name now extinguished,
or at least of whom nothing remains but this set-
tlement, in the province of Pasto, and kingdom of
Quito. It is close to the mountain of Cumbal,
which it has tothe s. and to the x. the settle-
ment of Mullama, Its territory is laved by
the river Telembi by the w. and it is in lat, 57°
in.
MULMUL, a paramo or mountain covered
with snow, of the province and corregimiento of
Riobamba in the kingdom of Quito, and one of
those which were used by the academicians of the
sciences at Paris, to fix their instruments for their
mathematical observations. On its skirt are some
cow-herds huts or Indian cottages, where they
watch the cattle which graze in those parts.
MULOT, a shoal of rock always covered by
the water near the coast of Nova Scotia or Acadia,
three quarters of a league to the s. of the point of
Fourché,
MUMU, a name which the Indians of the pro-
vince of Veragua in the kingdom of ‘Tierra Firme
gave to the village or small settlement.
MUNAMESA, a small river of the province
and government of Mainas in the kingdom of
Quito, rising between the Chambire and the Tigre.
It runs s. s. e. and enters the Maraijion.
MUNANI, asettlement of the province and
fa man
8S. Ame-
16 or 18
d colony
’ Califor.
re of the
ry of Con-
ec smull
ear the n,
and those
uTY Bay.
rises in
river at
, is small
nit, an
ur miles ¢.
> 20 miles
nt of the
inguished,
t this set-
ingdom of
umbal,
the settle-
laved b
n lat. 57°
n covered
imiento of
nd one of
ans of the
s for their
t are some
here they
ts
overed by
or Acadia,
he point of
f the pro-
srra Firme
b province
ngdom of
the Tigre.
vince and
MUR
corregimiento of Asangnro in Peru; annexed to
the curacy of its capital,
[MUNCY, a creck which empties into the Sus-
quehannah from the n, ¢, about 20 miles x. of the
town of Northumberland, }
MUNICHES, a settlement of the missions
which were held by the Jesuits in the province and
government of Mainas, of the kingdom of Quito ;
annexed to the curacy and settlement of Nuestra
Seiiora de Loreto de Paranapuras ; situate on the
shore of the river of this name.
MUNIGITURA, a settlement of the province
and captainship of Pard in Brazil ; situate on the
sea-const to the e. of the city of Cacte.
(MUNSIES, Devawanes, and Saroones,
three Indian tribes, who inhabit at Diagho and
other villages up the n, branch of Susquchannah
river, About 20 years ago the two first could
furnish 150 warriors each, and the Sapoones 30
warriors,
MUQUIYAUIO, a settlement of the province
and corregimiento of Jauxa in Peru; annexed to
the curacy of Huaripampa,
MURA, Cano pe&, an arm of the river Barima,
which communicates with the Guarini, in the
province and government of Cumand, It runs e.
MURA, Ranpat be, a very dangerous whirl-
1 of the river Caura,
MURAPARAXIA, an island of the river Ma-
dera in the province and country of Las Amazonas,
very near its shore of the w. side.
MURA'TAS, a barbarous nation of Indians who
dwell in the woods of the river Pastaza to the s. w.
and lying to the n. 2. e. of the river Morona, near
the source of the Guassaga, The abolished order
of the Jesuits, the missionaries of Mainas, disco-
vered these Indians in 1757, and formed of them
a scitlement of 250 persons, to which they gave
the name of Nuestra Sefiora de los Dolores de
Muratas. These Indians are of a docile and quiet
disposition, notwithstanding that they are at cone
tinual war with the barbarous and ferocious na-
tion of the Xibaros Indians, their neighbours.
MURCO, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento oi Collahuas in Peru; annexcd to the
curacy of Llauta.
‘ ([MURDERERS’ Creek, in the state of New
‘ork.
MURES, a barbarous nation of Indians of Peru,
bounded by that of Los Moxos. They are ferocious
and treacherous, and it is said that some of them
have been reduced to the Catholic faith by the
Jesuits.
[MURFRESBOROUGH, a post-town of N,
MU 8 357
Carolina, and capital of Gates county, It is
situated on Meherrin river, near the Virginia line
contains a few houses, a court-house, gaol, an
tobacco warchouse. {it carries on a small trade
with Edenton, and the other sea-port towns. It
is three miles from Princeton, seven from Winton,
29 n. by w. of Edenton, and 234 s, s. w. of Phila-
del hy
MURGA-MORGA River, on the coast of
Chile, in S. America, is s, of the s. point of Quin-
tero bay, and not far from the entrance into Chile
river. It is not navigable, but is very good to
water in,
MURIBIRA, a settlement of the province and
captainship ot Fard in Brazil; situate on the shore
of the arm of the river of Las Amazonas, which
forms the island of Marajo and the bay Del Sol.
MURICHAL, a river of the province and go-
vernment of Guayana. It rises in the table-land
of Guanipa on the e, runs n. and enters the Gua-
rapiche,
MURITATI, a settlement of the province of
Tepeguana and kingdom of Nueva Vizcaya in
N. Aimerica.
MURRI, San Josevn pe, a settlement of the
province and government of Darien in the king-
dom of Tierra Firme ; situate on the shore of the
river ov its name.
Murry. This river rises in the mountains of
Chocd, runs w, and enters the Atrato.
MURUACI, a small river of the province and
colony of Surinam, or part of Guayana possessed
by the Dutch, It joins various others and enters
the Cuyuri by the s. side.
MURUCURI, a settlement of the province
of Guayana and government of Cumana, one of
the missions held there by the Catalanian Capuchin
fathers. It is situated on the shore of the river
Caroni, near the mouth where this runs into the
Orinoco,
MURUCUTACH], a dry part of the serrania
in the province and government of Sonora in N,
America.
MURUMURU, an ancient province of Peru,
in the time of the Indians, in the district of Cole
lasuyu ; conquered and united to the empire by
the Inca Capac Yupanqui.
MUSCADOBOIT, a bay on the s. coast of
Nova Scotia or Acadia, between that of Che-
boucto and cape Charles.
MUSCLE, a small island ; situate near the coast
of the province of Sagadahock, between the river
George and the bay of Pénobscot.
(Muscte Bank, at the entrance into Trinity
358 MU §
bay or harbour, in the direction of s, w. on the e.
coast of Newfoundland island. ] :
(Musee Bay, in the straits of whe rag ok in S.
Auerica, is half way between Elizabeth's bay and
York road; in which there is good anchorage
with a w. wind. |
[Muscve Bay, or Messtrones, on the coast of
Chile or Peru, in S. America, five leagues s, by w.
of aperen :
Muscue Shoals, in ‘Tennessee river, about 250
rile from its mouth, by the course of the river,
but only 145 in a direct line, about 20 miles in
length; and derive their name from the number of
shell-fish found there. At this place the river
spreads to the breadth of three miles, and forms a
number of islands; and the passage is difficult,
except when there is a swell in the river, From
this place up to the whirl, or suck, where tne river
breaks through the Great ridge, or Cumbczland
mountain, is 250 miles, including the turnings, the
navigation all the way serge
[MUSCON ECUNK, a small river of New
Jersey, which empties intothe Delaware six miles
below Easton. ]
MUSCONGUS, a small river of the same pro-
vince as that of the former island. It runs s. be-
tween rivers George and Sheepscut, and enters
the sea. ;
MUSINAM, a settlement of the prsrtioa and
corregimiento of Copia po in the kingdom of Chile.
[MUSKINGUM, that is, Elk’s Kye, a navi-
gable river of the N. W. Territory. It is 250
yards wide at its confluence with the Ohio, 172
iniles below Pittsburgh, including the windings of
the Ohio, though in a direct line it is but 105
miles. At its mouth stands fort Harmar and Ma-
rietta, Its banks are so high as to prevent its over-
flowing, and it is navigable by large batteaux and
barges to the Three Legs, 120 miles from its mouth,
and by small boats to the lake at its head, 45 miles
farther, including windings. From thence, by a
portage of about one mile, a communication ts
opened to lake Erie, through ( ayahoga, a stream
of great utility, navigable the whole length, with-
out any obstruction from falls, From lake Erie
the avenue is well known to Hudson’s river in the
state of New York. The land on this river and
its branches is of a superior quality, and the coun-
try abounds in springs and conveniences fitted to
settlements remote from sea navigation, viz. salt-
springs, coal, free-stone, and clay. A valuable
salt-spring has been very lately discovered, eigit
miles from this river, and 50 from Marietta,
called the Big Spring. Such a quantity of water
MUS
flows as to keep 1000 gallons constantly boil-
ing. Ten gallons of this water will, as experi-
ment has proved, afford a quart of salt of supe-
rior quality to any made on the seen oem
MUSKINGUN, a town of the Owendoos In-
dians in N. America, where the English have a
fort and establishment at Virginia, near the river
of this name,
[ MUSKOGULGE, Muskocee, or, as they are
more commonly called, Carex Indians, inhabitthe
middle parts of Georgia, The Creek or Muskogulge
language, which is soft and musical, is spoken
throughout the confederacy, (although consisting
of many nations, who have a speech peculiar to
themselves) as also by their friends and allies the
Natchez. The Chickasaw and Chactaw language
the Muskogulges say is a dialect of theirs. The
Muskogulges eminently deserve the encomium of
all nations for (heir wisdom and virtue, in expel-
ling the greatest, and even the common enemy of
mankind, viz. spirituous liquors. ‘The first and
most cogent article in all their treaties with the
white people is, that © there shall not be any kind
of spirituous liquors suld or brought into their
towns.” Instances have frequently occurred, on
the discovery of attempts to run kegs of spirits into
their country, of the Indians striking them with
their tomahawks, and giving the liquor to the
thirsty sand, not tasting a drop of it themselves.
It is difficult to account for their excellent policy
in civil government; it cannot derive its efficacy
trom coercive laws, for they have no such artificial
system. Some of their most favourite songs and
dances they have from their enemies, the Chac-
taws ; for it seems that nation is very eminent for
poetry and music.
The Muskogulges allow of polygamy in the ut-
most. latitude ; every man takes as many wives as
he pleases, but the first is queen, and the others
her handmaids and associates. The Creek or
Maskogulge confederacy have 55 towns, besides
many villages. ‘The powerful empire of the Mus-
kogulges established itself pon the ruin of that
of theancient Natchez. ‘che Oakmulge ficlds was
the first settlement they sat down upon alter their
emigration from the w. beyond the Mississippi,
their original native country. ‘They gradually
subdued their surrounding enemies, strengthening
themselves by taking into confederacy the van-
quished tribes. ‘Their whole number, some years
since, was 17,280, of which 5860 were fighting
men, They consist of the Appalachies, Aliba-
mas, Abecas, Cawittaws, Coosas, Conshacks,
Coosactees, Chacsihoomas, Naichez, Ocomes,
nn ~~, - - lj =
ntly boil-
8 expcri-
, of supe-
niloos In-
sh have a
the river
ns they are
inhabitthe
uskogulge
is spoken
consisting
yeculiar to
1 allies the
y language
sirs. The
comium of
in expel-
1 enemy of
» first and
swith the
¢ any kind
into. their
curred, on
spirits into
them with
vor to the
hemselves.
lent policy
its eflicacy
+h artificial
songs anid
the Chac-
pminent for
y in the ut-
ly wives as
I the others
Creek or
ns, besides
bf the Mus-
nmin of that
le ficlds was
alter their
iSissital pi,
gradually
engthening
y the van-
some years
re fighting
ies, Aliba-
Conshacks,
Ocomes,
M UT
Oakmulges, Okohoys, Pakanas, Taensas, Tale-
s, Weetumkas, and some others. ‘Their union
fas rendered them victorious over the Chactaws,
and formidable (o all the nations around them.
They are a well-made, expert, hardy, sagacious,
politic people, extremely jealous of their rights,
and averse to parting with their lands, ‘They have
abundance of tame cattle and swine, turkeys,
ducks, and other poultry ; they cultivate tobacco,
rice, Indian corn, potatoes, beans, peas, cabbage,
melons, and have plenty of peaches, plums,
grapes, strawberries, and other fruits.
They are faithful friends, but inveterate ene-
mies ; hospitable to strangers, and honest and fair
in their dealings. No nation has a more contemp-
tible opinion of the white mens faith in general than
these people, yet they place great confidence in the
United States, and wish to agree with them upon
© permanent boundary, over which the s. states
shall not trespass.
The country which they claim is bounded n. by
about the 34th degree of latitude; and extends
from the ‘Tombeckbee or Mobile river to the At-
lantic ocean, though they have ceded a part of
this tract on the sea-coast, by different treaties, to
the state of Georgia. Their principal towns lie
about Jat. 32° and long. 86°20’, They are set-
tled ina hilly but not mountainous country, The
soil is fruitful ina high degree, and well watered,
abounding in creeks and rivulets, from whence
they are catled the Creek Indians. |
(MUSQUAKIES Indians inhabit the s, waters
of lake Michigan, having 200 warriors. }
{MUSQUATONS, an Indian tribe inhabiting
near lake Michigan. |
{[MUSQUITO Cove, in N. America, lies in lat,
65° 2’, Long. 53° 3! 45" w.
[Musquito River and Bay lie at a small
distance n. of cape Canaverel, on the coast of FE,
Florida. ‘The banks of Musquito river towards
the continent abound in trees and plants common
to Florida, with pleasant orange groves ; whilst
the narrow strips of land towards the sea are mostly
sand hills. ]
MUSQUITONS, an Indian nation in’ the
neighbourhood of the Piankeshaws and Outtago-
mies; which see, |
MUTANAMBO, a settlement of the province
and government of Cumana ; situate near the set-
tlement of San Joseph de Leonisa to the e. the
river Coruma running between,
MUTARNATI, a river of the province and
government of Darien, and kingdom of ‘Tierra
Firme, It rises in the mouatains of the interior
MU Z 359
of this province, runs w. and enters the grand
river Chucunaqui.
MUTCA, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Aimaraez in Peru; annexed to the
curacy of Chuquinga.
MUTON, « port of the s. coast of Nova
Scotia or Acadia in N. America, between the port
of Rosignol and the bay of Santa Catalina.
MUTQUIN, a settlement of the province and
government of Tucuman in Peru ; of the district of
its capital, to the n,n, e. of the city of S. Francisco
de Catamarea,
MU'TUANIS, a barbarous nation of Indians of
the province and country of Las Amazonas, bound-
ed by that of Los Moxos. We have little sound in-
telligence concerning them, but there are plenty of
fabulous accounts, stating that they are giants, and
are possessed of extremely rich gold mines, which
lie two months journey from the mouth of the
river Omopaleas.
MUTUPI, a large valley of the kingdom of
Peru ; between Pascamayu and ‘Tumbez. Its na-
tives were conquered and reduced to the empire by
the [Inca Huaina Capac.
MUXIA, ariver of the proeiiige and govern-
ment of Antioquia in the Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada, It enters the Cauca just before the city of
Caramanta on the opposite shore,
MUYSCAS, See Moscas,
MUYUMUYU, an ancient province in the
time of the Indians, and of little extent, in the
kingdom of Peru; comprehended in the present
day in the proces of Charcas to the s. of Cuzco :
ol aa vy the Inca Roca, sixth emperor of the
ncas,
MUYUPAMPA, an ancient province of the
Indians, comprehended at the present day under
the name ot Moyobamba, in the province of Cha.
chapoyas 5 conquered and united to the empire by
the Inca Tupac Yupanqui.
MUZA, a settlement of the province and corres
gimiento of Abancay in Peru ; annexed to the cu-
racy of Paccho,
MUZOS, a barbarous nation of Indians of the
Nuevo Reyno de Granada, who gave name toa
province much celebrated for its rich emerald
mines, which have produced and still produce the
finest of these stones in the world, It is 24
leagues n. w. of Santa Fé, and is 25 leagues long,
and IL wide; is entirely of a mountainous coun.
try, and hot and moist: very barren in the pro-
ductions, animal and vegetable, of a cold climate,
but abounding in all those peculiar to its own.
From all its sierras may be seen the n. and s. po-
360 MUZOS,
lar stars, and at the end of August and in the mid-
dle of March the sun throws no shade throughout
the whole day in any part. Its inhabitants are
very numerous, extremely barbarous, and of pe-
culiar customs. They say that at the beginning
of the world, there was on the other side of the
river Magdalena the shacow of a man, whom they
called in their language dre, who was always re-
cumbent, and who cut out in wood the images of
some men and women, which being thrown into
the river became animated bodies ; that they mar-
ried one with another, and that he taught them how
to cultivate the land; after which he disappeared,
leaving them as the first peoplers of all the Indies.
They had no gods, neither did they adore the
sun and moon like other nations, affirming that
these bodies were created since themselves ; but
they nevertheless cailed the sun fatiier, and the
moon mother. When the husband dicd a natural
death, the brother became heir, taking the wife of
the defunct, save when she might be the cause of
the death. One of their most singular customs
was the following, relating to their marriages.
When the girl had reached her 16th year, an
agreement of marriage was concerted between the
parents without consulting her in any degree, and
all being settled between them, the bridegroom
paid a visit to the bride, where he made his court
assiduously for three days, offering presents and
ornaments, for which she would as cordially re-
turn cudgelling and blows; but :his amusement
being over, she would become mere pacific, and
set about dressing the dinner, to which were in-
vited the friends and relations who lived nearest,
To this it is added, that for a wiole moon the news
wedded pair would sleep together without con-
summating the marriage rites, the bride thinking
that in that case she would be looked upon asa
bad woman, ‘The husband, in the mean time,
would devote himself to the manual labour of agri-
culture, assisted with his new mother-in-law, for the
benefit of his bride, and he would offer her fresh
presents of petticoats embroidered with a kind of
beads called by them suches, and which, when the
person walked, made a jingling noise.
If the woman committed adultery, the hus-
band in his wrath would destroy bimself, or else
would be satisfied with breaking all the pots and
pans of earthen ware and of wood, and would re-
tire to the mountain, where he remained for the
space of about a month, till the wife might have
new furnished the house, and when she would go
forth to look after him; and when she found him,
she would drag him by the hair of his bead, and
would give him a good kicking, after which cere.
monies they returned home ey satisfied and
content. When the hustiad died, the parents
would put the wife upon her knecs, where she was
obliged to cry for three days successively without
eating or drinking any thing more than a little
chicha ; when this was accomplished, they took
the body, burnt it over a fire, and then laid it on
a scaffold, which served as a tomb, and around it
hung the bows and arrows and other weapons and
ornaments of the deceased, and, after a year was
passed, buried it. But it was not then followed by
the bride, who all this while had fled, no one
speniing to her, nor giving her ought to eat ; so
that she would starve, did she not contrive to cul-
tivate the land for her support ; but when the body
was interred, her parents would seck her out, bring
her home, anc prepare for her a second nuptials,
The Indians of this province were subject to the
Nauras and to the Moscas, but such was their va-
lour that they drove each of these nations from their
territory. The first Spaniard who found his way
hither was Captain Luis Lanchero in 1539, (and
not Bernardo de Fuentes, in 1547, as the ex-je-
suit Coleti asserts ; our information being taken
trom the most illustrious Piedrahita) ; but such was
the resistance that Lanclhero met with, that his
men were routed with great slaughter, himself
being severely wounded. A better fortune did not
await Melchor Valdes, who by the order of Gon-
zalo Ximinez de Quesada uncertook the reduction
of these Indians in 1544, lhe being obliged to re-
treat in a similar way to bis predecessor. In 1551,
Pedro de Ursua entered with better fortune, and
founded the city of Tudela, in memory of his
country, but it was abanonded short!y after by its
inhabitants, v ho were shocked at thc barbarities of
the Muzos; and thus the final conquest of this
people was left to the aforesaid Captain Luis Lan-
chero, who manifested feats of yalour on the occa-
sion in 1559, ‘This country abounds in rice,
maize, cotton, tobacco, and some cacao, and it is
proviced wiih flesh-meat from the immediate pro-
vince of Ubate. It is watered by the abundant
river Zarbe, besides others of less note.
The capital is the city of the same name, with
the dedicatory title of Santisima ‘Trinidad, delong-
ing to the corregimiento ot 'Tunja, and founded by
Captain Luis Lanchero. It was the seat of the
governnient, which was afterwards removed to
Tunja; is of a mild temperature, contains a tole-
rable church and three convents of the religious
orders of San Francisco, St. Domingo, and Sar
Agustin, which, with the rest of the population, are
9)
~
a eT a
yhich cere.
tisfied and
he parents
pre she was
‘ly without
an a little
they took
laid it on
| around it
papons and
a year was
ollowed by
J, no one
to eat; so
rive to cul-
n the body
rout, bring
nuptials.
hject to the
as their va-
s from their
nd his way
1539, (and
the ex-je-
eing taken
ut such was
h, that his
er, himself
une did not
icr of Gon-
reduction
iged to re-
In 1551,
rtune, and
ory of his
After by its
est of this
Luis Lan-
1 the occa-
s in rice,
» and it is
ediate pro-
b abundant
ame, with
d, velong-
lounded by
seat of the
bmoved to
nits a tole-
» religious
» and San
hlation, are
rbarities of
a
NAB
ver or. This is composed of 200 families,
and all of them being devoted to the working of
the mines of its emeralds, so highly esteemed in
Europe, and which have rendered this city no-
torious since their first discovery by Captain Juan
de Penagos, they neglected its agriculture, to which
the extreme fertility of the soil offers every advan-
tage, until at last vat finding themselves checked
in their darling pursuit by some fallacious ap-
pearances of certain mines, they had recourse to
the cultivation of the land for their sustenance.
The soil produces rice, cacao, sugar-cane, maize,
yucas, plantains, and many vegetable productions,
and excellent fruits; and in its woods are found
ebony, walnut, and cedar trees, and sweet-scented
gums, although in cattle it is scarce. In 1764 the
viceroy of Peru, Don Manucl Amat sent to Don
Joseph Antonio de Villegas y Avendajio to recon-
noitre these emerald mines, and having re-disco-
vered the lost vein, resumed the working them at
the expence of the crown. ‘This mine is nine miles
NAC 361
n. w, from the city, and 60 miles n. 2. w. of Santa
Fé, and 43 nearly w. of ‘Tunja. In lat. 5° 31’ n.
and long, 74° 28' w.
MUZUPIES, or Monzuptes, a barbarous na-
tion of Indians of the province of Guanuco in Peru ;
who dwell to the n. 2.e. bounded by the provinces
of Los Panataguas and Cocmonomas, with whom
they are at continual war. It is but little known,
[MYERSTOWN, a village of Dauphin coun-
ty, Pennsylvania; situated on the x. side of ‘Tul-
pehockon creek, a few miles below the canal. It
contains about 25 houses, and is 28 miles e. by 2.
of Harrisburg, and 57 from Philadelphia. ]
MYNOMANIES, or Minomanies, an Indian
tribe, who with the tribes of the Chipewas and
Saukeys live near bay Puan, and could together
furnish about 20 years ago 550 warriors. ‘ihe
Mynomanies have about 300 fighting men. |
{MYRTLE Island, one of the Chandeleurs or
Myrtle islands, in Nassau bay, on the coast of
Florida, on the w. side of the peninsula. |
N
[Naa MAN’S Creek, a small stream which runs
s.€. ito Delaware river, at Marcus’ hook. |
[ NAB'S Bay, near the w. limit of Hudson's bay,
known by the name of the Welcome sea. Cape
Eskimaux is its ¢. point or entrance. |
NABA, asettlement of the province and corre-
yimiento of Caxatambo in Peru; annexed to the
curacy of Churin.
NABAN, a settlement of the same province and
kingdom as the former ; annexed to the curacy of
Andajaes.
NABON, a settlement of the province and cor.
regimiento of Cuenca in the kingdom of Quito;
situate in the road which leads to the province of
Jaen.
NABUAPO, a river of the province and country
of the Iquitos Indians in Peru. It has its origin
to the . of the settlement of San Xavier, runs s.
and enters the Marajion a little above the river
Tigre by the n. side, in lat. 8° 17's,
NABUSO, a paramo or mountain always co-
vered with snow, of the province and corregimiento
of Riobamba in the kingdom of Quito, on which
the academicians of the sciences at Paris fixed
their mathematical instruments.
VOL. Is
NACARI, a small river of the province of Osti-
muri in Nueva Espaiia, It rises near the town of
San Miguel, and after running a little way, enters
the Hyaqni.
NACARNERIT, a settlement of the province
and government of Sonora in N. America; situate
near the river of this name.
NACATCHES, a settlement of Indians of the
province and government of ‘Texas in N. America;
situate on the shore of the river Rouge, and to the
n. of the fort Natchitoches.
NACATLAN, a settlement of the head sctile-
ment of the district of Zapotitlan, and a/caldia
mayor of Zacatlan, in Nueva Espada, half a
Icague from its capital.
NACAUNE, a settlement of Indians of the
province and government of Louisiana in N. Ame-
rica ; situate on the shore of the river Trinidad, in
the way which leads to Nuevo Mexico,
NACAUTEPEC, a settlement of the head
settlement of the district and alca/dia mayor of
Cuicatlan in Nueva Espaiia, [tis ofa moist tem-
yerature, and contains 33 families of Indians; 11
eagues to the e. of its capital.
NACHAPALAN, a setilement of the province
o
aA
362 NAD
and alcaldia mayor of Panuzo in Nueva Espana,
It was large and populous in the time of the In-
dians. Here it was that the soldiers of Hernan
Cortes took the 40 men of the nation of Francisco
Garay, who wished to eflect the conquest of these
Indians.
NACHEGO, a large lake of the province
and government of Mainas in the kingdom of
Quito, to the s, uf the river Maraiion, Into this
lake run the two rivers Sungoto and Manguy,
and it empties itself by a narrow channe! into
the river Cahuapanas by the w. side, in lat. 5°
23's.
NACIMIENTO, a settlement and foriress of
the kingdom of Chile; situate on the further side
of the river Biobio as a frontier against ure Arau-
canos Indians, but who burnt and destroyed it in
1601.
NACO, asetilement of the province and govern.
ment of Honduras, founded by Christoval Olid,
captain of ilernan Cortes in 1524 ; situate in a
valley of the same name. — When this general went
from Mexico to chastise the aforesaid founder, he
haying rebelled against his master, the Cacique
Canek observed to Cortes, that he would lead him
to a settlement of people with white beards, mean-
ing the Spaniards, and those of this settlement of
Naco. Cortes arrived under his conductor, but
found Olid already dead under the hands of Fran-
cisco de las Casas.
NACODOCHES, a settlement and reduccion of
Indians, of the missions that were he'd there by the
religious order of San Francisco, in the province of
Texas in N. America.
NACORI, a settlement of the province of Osti-
muri in N, America,
NACOSARI, a settlement of the province and
government of Sonora in N. America ; situate on
the s. of the garrison of Core de Guachi.
Nacosart, another settlement and real of silver
mines, of the province of Ostimuri, nine leagues
n.e. of the river Chico,
NADACO, a settlement of Indians of the pro-
vince and government of ‘Texas in N. America ;
situate between the sources of the rivers Adayes
and La ‘Trinidad.
NADAIMA, a settlement of the province and
government of Nicaragua in the time of the gen-
tilism of the Indians; situate near where the capital
stands,
NADIO, a settlement of the head settlement of
the district of Zitaquaro, and alcaldia mayor of
Maravatio, in the kingdom and bishopric of Me-
choacan. It is of an extremely hot temperature,
and abounding in sugar-capes ; contains 80 fa-
N All
milies of Indians, and is four leagues to the s. of iis
head settlement.
NAFOLI, a settlement of Indians of the pro-
vince and colony of S. Carolina; situate on the
shore ofthe river Albama.
NAGARANDO, a name given by the Indians
of the province of Nicaragua to the spot where the
Spaniards founded the city of Leon, the capital of
the same province.
NAGUALAPA, a settlement of the head settle.
ment of the district of Almoloyan, and adcaldia
mayor of Colima, in Nueva Espaiia. It is of an
hot temperature, contains 22 Indian families, who
trade in wood and maize. In its vicinity are many
cocales estates, the productions of which are sold
in the other jurisdictions. Five leagues w. of its
head settlement.
NAGUAPO, San Simon dE, a settlement of
the province and government of Mainas in the
kingdom of Quito; situate on the shore of the
river ‘Trocamana,
NAGUATZEN, S. Luts pe, a settlement of
the head settlement of the district of Siguinam, and
alcaidia mayor of Valladolid, in the province and
bishopric of Mechoacan. it contains five families
of Spaniards and 139 of Indians, who are curriers
and make beautiful saridles. It is half a league
from its head settlement.
NAGUERACHI, a settlement of the missions
which were held by the Jesuits in the province of
Taraumara, and kingdom of Nueva Vizcaya.
Forty-five leagues x, of the town and real of the
mines of Chiguagua.
[NAHANT Point forms the 2. ¢. point of Bos-
ton harbour, in Massachusetts ; nine miles ¢, 2. ¢.
of Boston. Lat. 42° 27’ n. Long. 70°57. See
Lynn Beach.
NAHUAS, a nation of Indians of Nueva
[spaiia, one of those which spoke the Mexican
language, ‘They believed in the immortality of
the soul, and said that this had different places to
visit according to the death the body underwent :
thus, that those who were killed by a flash of light-
ning, went toa place called ¢oocan, where resided
the deities presiding over water, called taloques ;
that those who diced in war, went to the house of
the sun; and that those who died of infirmities,
wandered over the earth for a certain time, so that
their relations took care to provide them well with
clothes, victuals, and other necessaries in their sepul-
chres ; andafter this they said that they descended
into the infernal regions, these being divided into
nine parts, and having a very wide river running
through it. Moreover, that from thence they
never escaped, being constantly guarded by a red-
ies. of its
the pro-
te on the
e Indians
where the
capital of
“ad settle.
1 alcaldia
It is of an
ilies, who
are many
h are sold
sw. of its
Hement of
as in the
wre of the
tlement of
inam, and
vince and
ve families
re curriers
if a league
e missions
yrovince of
Vizcaya.
real of the
nt of Bos«
les ¢. m. ¢.
Tw. Sce
of Nueva
Mexican
ortality of
t places to
nderwent :
bhi of light.
ere resided
taloques ;
e house of
infirmities,
e, so that
1 well with
heir sepul-
descended
vided into
ler running
ence they
by a red-
NAN
coloured dog: a fable which bears much resem-
blance to the celebrated river Styx and the dog
Cerberus of the ancients,
NAHI'A'TLACAS, a nation of Indians of
Nueva Espaiia, in former times: one of the
orimites nations, and from whom it is thought the
Mexicans are descended,
NAITUELHUAPI, a settlement of the province
and corregimienta of Chiloe in the kingdom of
Chile, to the e. and 90 miles from the sea; a re-
ducc-on of the Pulches and Poyas Indians, amongst
whom the missions of the Jesuits met with very
great success. It is situate on the 2. shore of the
lake of its name, in lat. 41° 29’ 30" s, and long. 70°
40' w. ;
[NAHUNKEAG, a small island in Keancheck
river, 38 miles from the sea, signifies, in the Indian
language, the land where eels are taken. |
NAICUCU, a small river of the province and
government of Guayana or Nueva Andalucia. It
rises near that of the Tocome, runs parallel with it
from s, ton. e. and then turning e. enters the Oaroni
on the w. side, about 33 miles before this river cu-
ters the Orinoco on the s. side.
NAIGUADA, a settlement of the province and
government of Venezuela, of the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada; situate on the e. side of the cily of
Caracas.
[NAIN, a Moravian settlement, which was
established in 1763, on Lehigh river, in Pennsyl-
vania,
[Nain, a settlement of the Moravians on the
coast of Labrador, near the entrance of Davis’
straits, being s,s. w. of cape Farewell. It was
begun under the protection of the British govern-
ment, but is now deserted. ]
| NAMASKET, a small river which empties into
Narraganset bay. |
NAMBALLE, a settlement of the province and
government of Jaen de Bracamoros in the kingdom
of Quito.
NAMBB, a settlement of Nuevo. Mexico in N,
America; situate on the bank of a small river
which enters the Grande del Norte, between the
settlements of Pasuque and ‘Tesuque.
NAMIQUIPA, a settlement of the missions
which are under the charge of the religious order
of San Francisco, in the province of ‘Taraumara,
and kingdom of Nueva Vizcaya. ‘Twenty-five
leagues 2. w. of the town and real of mines of San
Felipe de Chiguagna.
NANAHUATIPAGC, a settlement of the head
settlement of the district of 'Teutitlan, and alcaldia
mayor ot Cuicatlan, in Nueva Espaia, It con-
NAN 363
tains 49 familics of Indians, and is one league from
its head settlement.
NANASCA. Sce Nasca.
NANAY, a large and navigaule river of the
province and government of Mainas in the king-
dom of Quito. It rises from the lake Pachina, and
from another small lake near to the same, and runs
more than 85 leagues to the e.s.e¢. augmenting
its stream by the rivers Necanumt, Blanco, and
various others of less note. In the woods of its
vicinity, towards the 2. and s. dwell some barba-
rian Indians of the netion of the Iquitos, and on
the .n.e. are some Paranos Indians. This river
takes its name from the many firs oi its shores,
called by the Indians nanay. It enters tic Ma-
raion by the x. part, to the w. of the settlement of
Napeanos, in lat, 3°27! s.
NANCAGUA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Colchaqua in the kingdom of
Chile. It has two vice-parishes, and in one of
them is the celebrated gold mine of Apaltas. It is
situate on the shore of the river Tinguiririca,
NANCOKE, a smali- river of the province and
colony of Maryland in N. America.
NANCOOK, a settlement of the island of Bar
badoes ; sitnate on the w. coast.
[NANDAKOES are Indians of N. America,
who live on the Sabine river, 60 or 70 miles to the
w. of Yattassees, near where the French formerly
had. a station and factory. Their language is
Caddo: about 40 men only of them remain. A
few years ago they suffered very mucit by the
small-pox. ‘They. consider tlemselves the same as
Caddos, with whom they intermarry, and are oc-
casionally visiting one another in the greatest har-
mony : have the same manners, customs, and ate
tachiments,
NANDUIQUAZU, a river of the province and
government of Paraguay in Peru, which rises near
the ruins of the settlement of La Cruz de Bo-
laiios, runs c. and incorporates itself with the fol.
lowing.
NANDUL-MINI, a river of the same province
and kingdom as is the former, with which it
unites, entering together into the Pardo or Co»
lorado,
NANEGAL, a settlement of the province and
government of Pastos in the kingdom of Quite,
and of the district and jurisdiction of its au.
dience.
Nanegat, another setilement, of the pros
vince and government of Esmeraldas in the same
kingdom.
NANIS, a settlement of the province and cors
Sa 2
364 NAN
regimiento of Caxatambo in Peru ; annexed to the
curacy of Mangas.
[NANJEMY River, a short creck which emp-
ties into the Patowmac in Charles county, Mary-
land, s. w. of Port Tobacco river.
NANOUCHE, a settlement of Indians of the
Cherokees nation, in the province and colony of
Carolina ; situate at the source of the river Apala-
chicola, where the English have a fort and esta-
blishment for their commerce.
[NANSEMOND, a county of Virginia, on the
s. side of James's river, and w. of Norfolk county,
on the N. Carolina line. It is about 44 miles in
length, and 24 in breadth, and contains 9010 in-
habitants, including 3817 + ll
[Nansemonn, a short river of Virginia, which
rises in Great Dismal swamp, and pursuing a n.
then a n.e. direction, empties into James’s river, a
few miles w. of Elizabeth river. It is navigable
to Sleepy hole, for vessels of 250 tons ; to Suffolk,
for those of 100 tons ; and to Milner’s, for those
of 25 peg
[NANTASKET Roud may be considered as
the entrance into the channels of Boston harbour ;
lies s, of the light-house near Kainsford or Hos-
pital island. A vessel may anchor here in from
seven to five fathoms in safety, Two huts are
erected here with accommodations for shipwrecked
seamen.
[NANTIKOKE, a navigable river of the e.
shore of Maryland, empties into the Chesapeak
bay.
[NANTIKOKES, an Indian nation whe for-
merly lived in Maryland, upon the above river.
They first retired to the Susquehannah, and then
farther n. They were skilled in the art of poison-
ing; by which shocking art nearly their whole
tribe was extirpated, as wellas some of their neigh-
bours. ‘These, with the Mohickons and Conoys,
20 years ago inhabited Utsanango, Chagnet, and
Owegy, on the e. branch of the Susquehannah.
The two first could at that period furnish 100
warriors each, and the Conoys 30 warriors. |
{[NAN'TMILL, East and West, two town-
ships in Chester county, Pennsylvania. |
NAN'TOUNAGAN, See TonnaGane.
(NANTUCKET Island, belonging to the state
of Massachusetts, is situated between lat. 41° 15!
and 41° 22' 30” ». and between long. 69° 56’ and
70° 13’ 30” w. and is about 43 miles s. of cape
Cod, and lies e. of the island of Martha’s Vine-
yard, It is 14 miles in length, and nine in
breadth, including Sandy point; but its general
breadth is 34 miles. ‘This is thought to be the
NAN
island called Nauticon by ancient voyagers. ‘There
is but one bay of any note, and that is formed by
a long sandy point, extending from the e. end of
the island to the n. and w. (on which stands a
light-house, which was erected by the state in
1784), and on tie x. side of the island as far as
Eel point. This makes a fine road for ships, ex-
cept with the wind at nv, w. when there is a heavy
swell. The harbour has a bar of sand, on which
are only 74 feet of water at ebb tide, but within it
has 12 and 14 feet. The island constitutes a county
of its own name, and contains 4620 inhabitants,
and sends one representative to the general court.
There is a duck manufactory here, and 10 sper.
maceti works. ‘The inhabitants are, for the most
part, a robust and enterprising set of people,
mostly seamen and mechanics, The seamen are
the most expert whale-men in the world, ‘The
whale fishery originated among the white inhabi-
tants in the year 1690, in boats from the shore.
In 1715, they had six sloops, 58 tons burden, and
the fishery produced 1100/. sterling, From 1772
to 1775, the fishery employed 150 sail from 90 to
180 tons, upon the coast of Guinea, Brazil, and
the W. Indies; the produce of which amounted
to 167,000/. sterling. ‘The late war almost ruined
this business. ‘They have since, however, revived
it again, and pursue the whales even into the great
Pacific ocean, ‘There is not here a single tree of
natural growth; they have a place called the
Woods, but it has been destitute of trees tor these
60 years past. The island had formerly plenty of
wood, ‘The people, especially the females, arc
fondly attached to the island, and few wish to mi-
grate to a more desirable situation, The people
are mostly Friends or Quakers. There is one so-
ciety of Congregationalists. Some part of the c.
end of the island, known by the name of Squam,
and some few other places, are held as private
farms, At present there are near 300 proprietors
of the island. The proportional number of cattle,
sheep, &c. put out to pasture, and the quantity of
ground to raise crops, are minutely regulated ; and
proper officers are appointed, who in their books
debit and credit the proprictors accordingly. In
the month of June, each proprietor gives in to the
clerks the number of his sheep, cattle, and horses,
that he may be charged with them in the books ;
and if the number be more than he is entitled to by
his rights, he hires ground of his neighbours who
have less. But, if the proprietors all together
have more than their number, the overplus are ei-
ther killed or transported from the island.
In the year 1659, when Thomas Macy removed
rs. There
ormed by
e. end of
1 stands a
e state in
das far as
ships, ex-
s a heavy
on which
L within it
sa county
thabitants,
eral court.
d 10 sper-
‘the most
f people,
eamen are
rid. ‘he
ite inhabi-
the shore.
irden, and
From 1772
rom 90 to
srazil, and
amounted
10st ruined
pr, revived
o the great
igle tree of
called the
»s for these
y plenty of
males, are
vish to mi-
he people
b is One $0-
of the e¢.
f Squam,
as private
proprietors
r of cattle,
quantity of
ated; and
heir books
ingly. In
sin to the
nd horses,
he books ;
titled to by
bours who
I together
hlus are ei-
1.
ly removed
NAP
with his family from Salisbury in Essex county to
the w. end of the island, with several other fumi-
lies, there were nearly 3000 Indians on the island,
who were kind to strangers, and benevolent to each
other, and lived happily until contaminated by
the bad example of the whites, who introduced
rum; and their number soon began to decrease.
The whites had no material quarrel or difliculty
with them. The natives sold their lands, and the
whites went on purchasing, till, in fine, they have
obtained the whole, except some small rights,
which are still retained by the natives. A mortal
sickness carried off 222 of them in 1764; and
they are now reduced to four males, and 16 fe-
males, }
(Nanrveket, (formerly Sherburne), a post-
town, capital, and port of entry in the above island.
The exports in the ear ending September 30,
1794, amounted to 20,517 dollars. It is 56 miles
e.8.¢. of Newport, 75 s.e. of Boston, and 255
e.n.é. of Philadelphia. ]
(Nantucket Shoal, a bank which stretches
out above 15 leagues in length, and six in
breadth, to the s.e. from the island of its name. |
NANTUE, a port of the coast of the province
and colony of Maryland, within the bay of Che-
sapeak,
NANTUX ET Bay, New Jersey, is on the e.
side of Delaware bay, opposite Bombay hook. }
NANZUITA, a settlement of the head settle-
ment of the district of Santa Isabel dle Sinacatan,
in the province and alcaldia mayor of Guazapan,
and kingdom of Guatemala; annexed to the cu-
racy of its head settlement.
NAOS, a port on the coast of the province and
kingdom of ‘Tierra Firme, very convenient and
capacious, frequented by strange vessels which
carry on an illicit commerce. It is to the e. of
the mouth of the river Chagre.
Naos, a small island of the 8. sea, in the bay of
Panama, of the province and kingdom of Tierra
Firme; one of those which form the port of
Perico.
NAOUADICHES, a settlement of Indians of
the province and government of Texas in N. Ame-
vica ; situate between the rivers Adaes and ‘Trini-
dad, in the road which leads to Mexico.
NAPAUECII, a settlement of the missions
which were held at the expence of the Jesuits, in
the province of Taraumara and kingdom of Nueva
Vizcaya. ‘Twenty-two leagues s. w. of the
real of mines and town of San Felipe de Chi-
guagua,
NAPEANOS, San Panto pe, a settlement of
the province and government of Mainas in the
NAQ 365
kingdom of Quito; situate at the source of the
river Nanay, *
[NAPESTLE, a river spoken of by Humbolt,
who asserts that it is not known at New Mexico
by what name it is denominated in Louisiana, It
is, however, thought to be the Arkansas,
NAPO, a large and abundant river of the pro-
vince and government of Quixos y Macns in the
kingdom of Quito, and one of the most consider.
able in that kingdom. It rises from the mountain
and volcano of Cotopacsi, and flows down to the
valley Vicioso, running constantly e. through some
very large rocks; and therefore not navigable,
save only from the settlement and port of its name,
facilitating the communication between this pro-
vince and the capital. In its course it collects on
the s. the waters of the Ansupi, Puni, Araoma,
Umuyacu, Ayrunni, Canoasyacu, Ananga, Se-
rent, Yutury-yacu, Tiputini, Curaray, and others
of less note; and on the ». the Hollin, Pusunt,
Sint, Payamino, Coca, Itaya, Aguarico, and
many which are smaller. On its shores are the
settlements of Napo, Napotoas, Santa Rosa de Oas,
San Juan Nepomuceno, and I:l Dulce Nombre de
Jesus, all reduccions made by the regulars of the
Jesuits ; but the climate is there very warm and
moist, and causing great sickness. Both on one and
the other shores dwell various barbarian nations of
savage Indians, all having distinct idioms difficult
to be learnt. ‘This river, thus enlarged by those
aforesaid, enters with so large a body into the Ma-
ration or Amazonas by the n. shore, as to have
been frequently mistaken for the same. W tere it
is entered by the river Cacao, is the spot where
Francisco de Orellana separated himself from his
chief Gonzalo Pizarro and went to sea, This river
is most abundantly stocked with delicate fish, and
in 1774, at the bursting of the volcano of Cotoe
paxi, it was so swelled by the melting of the snows
and ice, that it burst its boundaries and inundated
an immense tract of country, doing infinite damage
in the settlements. ts mouth is in lat. 3° 26's,
Narvo, The settlement aforesaid, one of the
missions established by the Jesuits ; situate on the
shore of the above river, and where the inhabi-
tants catch much fish. It is very fertile, and
abounding in yucas, maize, rice, and plantains.
In 1744 it suffered much in the inundation before-
mentioned, when the river carried away the greater
rt of the houses.
NAPOTOAS, a settlement of the same pro-
vince and kingdom as the former, belonging to
the district of Quijos ; situate also on the shore of
the river Napo: one of the missions founded there
by the Jesuits.
366 NAR
NAQUASEE, a settlement of Indians of the
province and colony of N. Carolina, on the
confines of that province and that of 8. Caro-
lina,
NARAGUASET, an ancient name of a terri-
tory or district of New England, ¢. of the river
Connecticut, now the county of New London,
NARANJA, a settlement of the head settlement
of the district of 'Tirindaro, and alcaldia mayor
of Valladolid, in the province and bishopric of
Mechoacan. It contains 76 families of Indians,
and isa quarter of a league x. of its head settle.
ment,
NARANJAL, a settlement of the province and
goveroment of Guayaquil and kingdom of Quito,
in the district of the island of La Pua, abounding
in woods of excellent quality for ship-building,
and in which its conimerce consists. Seven leagues
from Guayaquil,
NaARANJAL, another settlement, of the head set-
tlement of the distriet and a/caldia mayor of Ori-
gava in Nueva Espaiia, in which are 108 Indian
families and only two Spanish. In its district is
the celebrated sugar-mill, called De 'Tuzpanco, at
which there assist no less than eight famities of
Negro slaves ; this great population and extensive
boundary belonging to the inheritance of the Mar-
quis de Sierra Nevada. Four leagues s.w. of its
capital.
NARANJAL, another, of the province and go-
vernment of Popayan in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada ; situate near the coast of ‘Timana, and at
the source of the Rio Grande de la Magdalena.
NaranJAt, another, of the province and go-
vernment of Antioquia, in the same kingdom as
the former; situate on the shore of the river Ne-
chi, near the pass of La Angostura,
NarangAv, a river of the province and go-
vernment of Guayaquil, which rises w. of the set-
tlement of Inca, in the corregimiento of Cuenca,
and enters the sca near the mouth of the river
Guayaquil, in the gulf of its name.
NaARaNnJAL, an island of the S, sea, in the gulf
of Panama, and province and kingdom of Tierra
Firme, one of those called Del Rey, or De las Per-
las, and the larger of these. Five leagues in
length trom 2. to s. desert, ard inhabited only by
a few Negro slaves of the families of Panama, em-
ployed in the search for pearls, and for their main-
tenance they grow a little maize, this being the
only vegetable production, It has a good port
on the e. side, opposite the coast of the continent,
from whence it is distant five leagues.
NARANJO, a settlement of the province and
government of Popayan and Nuevo Reyno de
NAR
Granada; situate on the shore of a small river to
the n. of the city of Buga.
Naranso, a river of the island of St. Do-
mingo. It is small, and rises near the coast of the
great bay of Samana, and enters the sea be.
tween the river De Estero and the port of S. Law-
rence,
NARANJOS, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Chachapoyas in Peru ; situate at
the source and on the bank of the river Moyo-«
bamba.
Naranuos, a river of the island St. Domingo,
in the French part. It rises near the coast of the
w. and, running to this rhumb, enters the sca in
the bay of Pozo.
Nanangos, another river, of the island of
Cuba, which enters the sea on the 2. coast, between
the ports Sama and ‘Timones.
NARE, a river of the province and government
of Antioquia in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada.
It is navigable for small vessels, and abounds in
good fish: also in its vicinity is gathered good
cacao. It enters by the w. into the Rio Grande
de la Magdalena, between the town of Honda and
the settlement of Carari.
NARELO, a settlement of the head settlement
of the district of ‘Tlapacoya, and alcaldia mayor of
Quatro Villas, in Nueva Espaiia. It contains 28
families of Indians, who cultivate some cochineal,
seeds, and fruits, and cut some woods, Three
leagues 7. w. of its head settlement.
NARIGUERA, San Pepro pe ALcANTARA
DE LA, asettlement of the province and govern-
ment of Quixos y Macas in the kingdom of
Quito ; a reduccion of the Sucumbios Indians, and
one of the missions which were held there by the
Jesuits.
NARIS, an isle of the N. sea, close to the island
of Christoval, one of the Antilles.
NARITO, a river of the province and alcaldia
mayor of Acaponeta or Chiametla in Nueva Es-
pata. It runs from the province of Cinaloa and
Culiacan, and enters the gulf of California or
Mar Roxo de Cortes. Although the Indians give
it this name the Spaniards call it ‘Toluca. It is
very large and abundant.
NARINA, a river of the island and govern-
ment of Trinidad. It rises from a lake in the ¢. part,
not far from the coast, and enters the sea close to
the point of Cocos.
ARRAGANSET, a city of the county of
Hampshire, in the bay of Massachusetts, of N.
America, Five miles. e. of Sunderland and 10
w. of Petersham,
f[Narracanser Bay, Rhode island, makes up
Il river to
’ St. Do-
ast of the
2 sea be-
( S. Law.
vince and
situate at
er Moyo.
Domingo,
ast of the
he sea in
island of
t, between
yvernment
Granada.
bounds in
red good
io Grande
fonda and
settlement
; mayor of
ontains 28
cochineal,
s. Three
ANTARA
d govern-
gdom of
lians, and
re by the
the island
id alcaldix
ueva Hs-
naloa and
ifornia or
lians give
ca. It is
1 govern-
he ¢. part,
close to
ounty of
ts, of N.
and 10
makes up
NAS
from s. to n. between the mainland on the ¢,
and w. Itembosoms many fruitful and beautiful
islands, the principal of which are Rhode island,
Canonicut, Prudence, Patience, Htope, Dyers, and
Hog islands. ‘The chief harbours are Newport,
Wickford, Warren, Bristol, and Greenwich,
besides Providence and Patuxct ; the latter is near
the mouth of Patuxet river, which falls into Pro-
vidence river. ‘Taunton river and many smaller
streams fall into this capacious bay. It affords fine
fish, oysters, and lobsters in great plenty. ]
[NARRAGUAGUS Bay. A part of the bay
between Goldsborough and Machias, in Wash-
ington county, district of Maine, goes by this
name, From thence for the space of 30 or 40
miles, the navigator finds, within a great number
of fine islands, a secure and Rrenaant ship-way.
Many of these islands are inhabited and make a
fine appearance. A river of the same name falls
into the bay. |
[NarraGcuacus, a post-town; situate on
the above bay, 15 miles 7. ¢. of Goldsborough,
39 e. by n. of Penobscot, and five from Pleasant
river.
(NARROWS, The. The narrow passage from
sea, between Long and Staten islands, into the
bay which spreads before New York city, formed
by the junction of Hudson and East rivers, is
thus called. This strait is nine miles s. of the
city of New York. ]
Narrows, The, a strait about three miles
broad, between the islands of Nevis and St. Chris-
topher’s, in the W. Indies. ]
NARUAEZ, San Miauetn pr, a settlement of
the province and government of Quixos and Ma-
cas in the kingdom of Quito, belonging to the dis-
trict of the second.
NASAS, a large and abundant river of the
kingdom of Nueva Vizcaya in N. America. It
rises near the Real de Minas of Guanavi, 15
leagues w. of the city of Guadiana, the capital of
the kingdom, and runs from 7. zw. tos, e. until it
enters the great lake of San Pedro. On its shore
are many settlements of Spaniards, A/ustees, and
Mulattoes, and others of Indians, reduced by the
missions that were held there by the Jesuits ; and
its waters are made, by means of aqueducts, scr-
viceable for the irrigation of many gardens and
Jands, where there are some vineyards which
yield abundantly. ‘There was formerly in this
part a strong garrison, but which was abolished
through the offer of the Count 8S. Pedro del Alaino,
to undertake the defence of the country against the
infidel Indians.
NASCA, a celebrated town and port of the pro-
NAS 367
vince and district thus called in Peru, which is
formed from the territories of 'ca and Pisco, and
extends for more than 50 leagues along the strands
of the Pacific sea, ‘This port is called one of the
Puertos Intermedios, or intermediate ports, as lying
between the kingdom of Peru and Chile, The
soil is very fertile, and abounds in vines and olives,
of which the crons are exccllent, and of which its
commerce consists, and which tend to make this
yort much frequented by vessels which come to
ade with these cargoes. ‘The valley in which the
vines grow, consists of a pebbly sand, having
some streams of water, which never swell to an in-
ordinate height nor diminish, without their origin
ever having been discovered, although it is found
that they sprout out of some subterraucan chan-
nels, which were formed by the Indians in the
time of their gentilism. ‘The town is well peopled,
and in it are many noble and rich families, It has,
besides the parish church, a convent of the reli-
gious order of San Agustin. It suffered much
in an earthquake in 1765: is of a mild and healthy
temperature ; and its territory was conquered and
united to the empire of Peru by Capac Yupanqui,
fitth emperor of the Incas. In lat. 15° 7/80" s
Long. 75° 24 w.
Nasca, a river of this province, which runs
w. and enters the sea opposite the promontory also
of this name.
Nasca, a mountain on the coast of the said
province, at the entrance of the port above men-
tioned, !
NASCATICH, a smail lake of New France or
Canada, in N. America; formed by a waste-
water of the lake St. Peter, and others in the coun-
try and territory of the Nekoubanistes Indians,
[NASH, a county of Halifax district, cone
taining 7393 inhabitants, of whom 2009 are slaves.
There isa large and valuable body of iron ore in
this county ; but only one bloomery has yet been
erected,
{Nasu Court-house, in N. Carolina, where a
post-oflice is kept, 21 miles w. by 2. from ‘Tarbo-
rough, and 22s, e. from Lewisburg. |
fNASITAUN, or Nawsnawn, one of the
Mlizabeth isles, the property of the Hon. James
Bowdoin, Esq. of Boston ; situated at the mouth
of Buzzard’s bay, and three miles from the extre-
mity of the peninsula of Barnstaple county.
Considerable numbers of sheep and cattle are sup-
ported upon this island ; and it has become fimous
for its excellent wool and checse. Here Capt. Bar-
tholomew Gosnold landed in 1602, and took up
his abode for some time. |
[NASHUA, River, is a considerable stream in
368 NAS
Worcester county, Massachusetts, and has rich
intervale lands on its banks, It enters Merri-
mack river at Dunstable. Its course isn. n. ¢]
(NASHVILLE, the chief town of Mero dis-
trict in the state of ‘Tennessec, is pleasantly
situated in Davidson’s county, on the s. bank of
Jumberland river, where it is 200 yards broad.
It was named after Brig. Gen. Francis Nash,
who fell on the 4th of October 1777, in the
battle of Germantown, It is regularly laid out,
and contains 75 houses, a court-house, an aca-
demy, and a church for Presbyterians, and one
for Methodists. It is the seat of the courts held
semi-annually for the district of Mero, and of the
courts of pleas and quarter sessions for Davidson
county, It is 160 miles w. of Knoxville, 66 trom
Big Salt lick garrison, and 166s. by w. of Lex-
ington_in Kentucky. Lat. 36° 3’. Long. 86°
58’ w. |
LN CRE AG Point, in Lincoln county, district
of Maine, is the e. point of Penobscot bay. |
[NASPA'TUCKET River, Sce Wanaspa-
TUCKET,
[NASQUIROU River, on the Labrador coast,
is to the w. of Esquimaux gl
Nasautnov, a small river of the country or
land of Labrador. It runs s, and enters the sea in
the gulf of St. Lawrence.
NASSAU, a cape or point of land on the coast of
the province and government of Guayana or Nueva
Andalucia, one of those which form the mouth or
entrance of the river Paumaron, near Esquivo and
Demerary. According to some maps, it is the
same as that which others call cape of Orange, but
which is very erroneous, for it lays 490 miles
w.n. w. Of cape Orange. Itis in lat. 7° 36’ n.
Long. 48° 45’ w.
Nassau, a city, the capital of the island of Pro-
vidence, one of the Lucayas; situate on the n.
part, on the sea-coast, defended by a castle well
furnished with artillery, with a good port, which
has in its neighbourhood various small isles, and
where ships may be well sheltered and lie secure,
although its entrance is difficult and fit only for
small vessels, or such as draw not more than from
10 to 12 feet water. ‘This city was taken by the
Spaniards in 1782, but it was restored to the Eng-
lish in the peace of the following year.
[NASSAU Cape, on the x. shore of ‘Tierra
Firme, S. Monaro |
[Nassavu, a small town in Dauphin county,
Pennsylvania, It contains a German church, and
about 55 houses. It is also called Kemp’s town. |
{Nassau Island, at the mouth of Byram river,
in Long Island sound. ]
NAT
[Nassav, the chief town of Providence island,
one of the Bahamas, and the seat of government,
It is the only port of entry except at ‘lurk’s
island, See Bananas and New Provivence,
NAS'T'LA, a townof Mexico. See ANGrtos,
VATA, or SANTIAGO DE 108 CABALLEROS,
a city, and capital of the alcaldia mayor and ju-
risdiction of its name inthe province and kingdom
of ‘Tierra Firme; situate upon the const of the
gulf of Parita, in « beautiful and agreeable spot;
the territory being fertile and abounding in cattle,
seeds, and fruit, and of an hot temperature, — It is
called Nata from one of the caciques of that ter-
ritory ; which was discovered by Olonso de
Ojeda, in 1515, and settled, in 1517, by Gaspar
de Espinosa, ‘The infidel Indians destroyed the
town in 1529, but it was rebuilt with the title of
city in 1581.
{ere they make some sorts of crockery of an
earth of a beautiful red colour, forming them of
different shapes and figures, and of such beauty
as to be in great estimation in Peru and even in
Europe ; this consequently forms a considerable
branch of commerce. In 1748, the president Don
Dionisio de Alcedo inflicted an exemplary chas-
tisement on three very numerous companics of
smugglers, who had maintained an open commerce
with the English, these having furnished them
with artillery, arms, and ammunition, so that they
built for themselves a fort, and actually opposed
and defeated a detachment of the regiment of Grae
nada, putting to death the officer Don Alonzo de
Murga, the commander. [tis 73 miles s. w. from
Panama, in lat. 8° 21/50’ n. Long. 80° 17’ w.
{Nata Point, or Cuama, or Cuaumu Cape, is
at the w. point of the gulf of Panama, from
whence the coast tends w. to Haguera point seven
leagues. All ships bound to the x. w. and to Aca-
pulco make this point, It is also called the .. point
of the bay, which lies within on the w. side of this
great gulf of Panama.
([NATACHQUOIN River, a large river of the
coast of Labrador, in N, America, to the w. of
Nasquirou river, under mount Joli, where it
forms as, cape. The little Natachquoin is to the
w. s. w. of this.
NATAGA, a settlement of the government of
Neiba in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada ; situate
on an'eminence, ofa mild temperature, and abound.
ing in vegetable productions and gold mines, and
in this metal the Indians here pay their tribute.
The natives, who may amount to little more than
50, have some of them established themselyes in
a neighbouring place, called Los Organos; since
they assert that the gold is there more abundant
ce island,
ernment,
it "Vurk’s
IDENCE,
NGELOS,
ALLEROS,
mand ju.
kingdom
st of the
ble spot;
in cattle,
re. It is
that ter-
=~ de
y Gaspar
‘oyed "he
he title of
ery of an
+ them of
th beauty
) even in
nsiderable
ident Don
ary chas-
panies of
commerce
hed them
that they
r Opposed
nt of Grae
Alonzo de
s. w. from
P17’ w.
u Cape, is
ma, from
oint seven
ul to Aca-
le... point
ide of this
iver of the
he w. of
where it
n is to the
ronment of
a; situate
d abound.
lines, and
ir tribute.
ore than
selves in
hos; since
abundant
NAT
and most easily procured. Sixteen leagues from
its capital and near the city of La Plata,
NATAGAIMAS, an ancient nation of Indians
of the Nuevo Reyno de Granada, who used to
dwell in the /anuras of Neiba, and were at cons
tinual warfare with the Pijaes. Some of them
were reduced to the faith, They are strong, wits
like, and of a fierce aspect, but Yaithful, Very few
of them now remain in a settlement of the corre.
gimiento of Coyaima, which is of an hot tempe-
rature, and produces cacao, maize, yucas, and
plantains, and has good breeds of neat catile,
The Indians, when they have to pay their tribute,
sally forth in large companies to Santa [é, and on
their way spend four or five days in fishing in the
great river of Saldafa, and in this time they col-
lect all the gold which is necessary for their pur-
poses. Indeed such is the ease with which they
collect this metal, that they must infallibly become
soon rich, were they not so much given tothe vice
of drunkenness. ‘This settlement is close to the
town of La Purificacion,
NATAGAME, a settlement of the kingdom of
Nueva Vizcaya in N. America.
[NATAL, a cape and town on the s, shore of
the Rio Grande, on the n. ¢. const of Brazil in S.
America, is to the s, w. of the four-square shoal,
at the mouth of the entrance of that river, which
contains some dangerous rocks. On this point is
the castle of the Three Kings, or Fortaleza des
‘I'res Magos. ‘The town of Natal is three leagues
from the castle, before which is good anchorage
for ships in from four to five fathoms, and well se-
cured from winds,
NATCHES, a nation of barbarian Indians of
Louisiana in N. America ; who occupied the most
fertile and best peopled canton, At a short dis-
tance from the coast rise two hills, one behind the
other, and beyond these are valleys of fertile mea-
dows, interspered with beautiful groups of woods,
forming a very enchanting prospect. ‘The most
common of the trees are the walnut and the oak.
Mr. de Iberbille, a Frenchman, was the first,
who, navigating the Mississippi trom its mouth,
discovered this nation and country of the Natches
in 1701, and who, finding it to have so many ad-
vantages, determined to found a colony and town
which might be the capital of the establishment
that might be formed by the French, Accord-
ingly, having formed his plan, he determined to
give to this new settlement the name of Rosalia,
which was that of Madame de Pontchartrain ; but
it was never founded, although some geographers
of the French nation wrongly give it a place in
their charts.
Vor. Tit.
NA' 869
The character of these Natches Indians dif:
fers inueh from that of all the other nations,
since they are very pacific and really hate war,
and never make it unless obliged, deeming it no
glory to destroy their fellow-creatures, The form
of their government is despotic, and such is the
subordination of the vassals as to border upon
slavery, ‘They say that their chiefs are descended
from the sun, and, indeed, these take the name
of this luminary ; and both chief and his wife
have the power of inflicting death on all on the
slightest pretence, All treat him with the most
excessive veneration, and, when he dies, all those
of his family think it the greatest honour to die
with him, whilst those not related, and who cannot
pretend to this happiness, sometimes make them.
selves a cord by which they may hang themselves,
They have a temple in which a sacred fire is
continually burning ; and should it perchance
happen to go out, the priest entrusted with the care
of it is immediately put to death, There is no
nation in the world in which the women are so
luxurious as in this; and the sun or chief cau
oblige them to prostitute themselves to any stranger
without the least breach of propriety or decency,
Although polygamy is allowed without limitation
as to the number of women, they seldom have
more than one, but the chief alone can repudiate
and cast her off at his fancy, ‘The women are
prettily made and dress well, and the noble
amongst them may not marry save with plebeians,
but they may throw off the alliance whenever their
husband displeases them, and take another, should
she not be a mother, ‘The wife may break her
husband's head if unfaithful to his marriage bed,
bat the husband has not the same power over his
wife, for he generally looks up to her as a slave to
his mistress, and may not cat in her presence.
In their wars they have two chiefs, They have
two masters of the ceremonies for the temple, and
two oflicers to regulate the treaties of peace and
war, one to inspect the works and another to ma-
nage the public festivities, ‘The great sun or chiet
gives these employments, and the persons fulfilling
them are respected much by the commonalty,
The harvests are made for the general good ; the
chief appoints the day of the gathering, and calls
together all the people, and at the end of July he
fixes another time for the celebration of a feast
which lasts three days ; and at which each indi-
vidually assists, bringing with him some game,
fish, and other provisions, consisting of maize,
beans, and melons. The sun and his principal
wife preside, sitting under a lofty covering of
leaves; the former having in his hand a sceptre
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NAT
adorned with feathers of various colours, and all
the nobility arranged around them both in the
most respectful order. On the last day the chief
makes an oration, exhorting all to fultil their se-
veral duties, and most particularly to testify their
veneration to the spirits of the temple, and to la-
bour in the education of their children: then, if
any one has been instrumental to the public good,
the chief proceeds to make his eulogium.
In 1700 the temple was sct on fire by a flash of
lightning, and eight women threw their children
intothe flames, thereby thinking to appease the
deities. ‘This was one of those actions which was
particularly extolled, and the women were looked
upon as complete heroines, nor did the chief, in
this instance, forget to recommend strongly that
all mothers should adopt the same conduct ina
similar emergency.
Garcilaso Inca speaks of the nation of the
Natches as of a powerful and numerous people ;
but the fact is, that they are now much reduced
as well by the epidemic disorders that have pre-
vailed amongst them as by their wars, At pre-
sent they have no other population than’ that
where the French have built a fort for their esta-
blishment ; and Mr. de Iberbille destined the Fa-
ther Paul de Rude, a Jesuit, to undertake the con-
version of these Indians; but he finding that he
obtained little fruit, passed over to preach to the
Bayagoulas. Some years efter this, the same ob-
ject was had in view by Mr. de 8S. Cosme, a priest,
but he was killed by the Indians; and, indeed,
such has been the uniform resistance on their part
to any plans adopted tor their reduction, as to pre-
clude all possibility of attaining that end.
[NatcHes, atown socalled, on the banks of
the Mississippi, which, according to Mr. Ashe,
contains 2500 inhabitants, much given to lux-
urious and dissolute propensities, for which they
have become proverbial,
NATCHITOCHES, or Nactcnuitocurs, as
some pronounce it, a barbarous nation of Indians of
the province and government of Louisiana, in N.
America, who dwell 50 leagues up the Red river,
which is also known by their name. This tribe
of Indians, who have always been the fricnds of
the French and enemies to the Spaniards, is very
numerous and composed of more than 200 cabins.
The French military, who had fulfilled their time
of service, established themselves on an island of
the Red river, where they built a fort which they
called Natchitoches ; but having sowed some to-
bacco, and found that the sand that was blown
upon it made it of a bad quality, they removed
their establishment to Tierra Firme, where they
NAT
have so succecded in the cultivation of this plant
that it is of peculiar estimation. This nation is
60 leagues trom New Orleans.
NATICK, an ancient township of the county of
Middlesex in the colony and bay of Massachusetts ;
situate on the shore of Charles river. is is 18
iniles s. w. of Boston, and 10 2. w. of Dedham. Its
name in the Indian language signifies ‘* the place
of hills.’ ‘The famous Mr. Eliot formed a reli-
gious society here; and in 1670, there were 50
Indian communicants. At his motion, the general
court granted the Jand in this town, containing
about 6000 acres, to the Indians. Very few of
their descendants, however, now remain. It was
incorporated into an English district in 1761, and
into a township in 1781; and now centains 615 in-
habitants.
NATIGAN, a small river of the province and
country of Labrador in N. America, which runs
s. and enters the sea in the gulf of St. Lawrence.
NAT.GUANAGUA, a river of the province
and government of Darien in the kingdom of
Tierra Firme. It rises in the mountains of the 2.
part, and enters the sea opposite the Mulatto
isles.
NATISCOTEC, a bay in the island of Anti-
costi of N. America, on the e. coast.
NATIVIDAD, a settlement of the province and
government of Sonora in N. America ; situate on
the shore of the river Bezany.
Nativipap, a small island of the S.sea, dis-
covered by Admiral Sebastian, a Vizcayan, in 1602,
when he went by order of the viceroy, Count of
Monterrey, to reconnoitre the coast of Nueva
Espaiia by that sea, ‘This island is small, desert,
and abounding only in a sort of wild fennel.
Nativipap, an island of the straits cf Ma-
ellan.
NATIVITAS, Santa Marra pr, a settlement
of the head settlement of the district of Tlapacoya
and alcaldia mayor of Quatro Villas in Nueva
Espaia. It contains 64 Indian families, who cul-
tivate some cochineal, seeds and fruit, and cut wood,
and in which they trade. ‘Two leagues n. w. of
itshead settlement.
Nativitas, an hermitage of Nueva Espaiia, at
less than a league's distance from the city of Xu-
chimilco, and four to the s. of Mexico; in the
which are two or three fountains of excellent
water, and in the largest and deepest a stone cross,
fixed there by the first of the monks of S. Francisco
who passed through that kingdom, ‘This foun-
tain swarms with fish, and the country around
being delightfully woody and pleasant, with many
orchards and cuitivated grounds, is such as to ine
his plant
nation is
county of
chusetts ;
a is 18
ham. Its
the place
d a reli-
were 50
1e general
containing
ry few of
». It was
1761, and
ns 615 in-
vince and
hich runs
wrence,
province
ngdom of
3 of the 7.
e Mulatto
d of Anti-
ovince and
situate on
s. sea, dis-
n, in 1602,
» Count ot
of Nueva
all, desert,
rel.
ts of Ma-
settlement
‘Tlapacoya
in Nueva
5, who cul-
1 cut wood,
es nm. w. of
Espaiia, at
ity of Nu-
ico; in the
bt excellent
stone cross,
5. Francisco
This foun-
try around
with many
ch as to ine
NAU
duce the inhabitants of Mexico frequently to visit
this spot, and indeed all persons of distinction,
going to that city, alight here to examine the
cross; which has the following peculiarity attend-
ing it, namely, that being fixed upright in a canoe,
and this being agitated by the motion caused in the
water by the number of the fish, the cross is also
seen to move about, whereas its fixture in the
canoe not being visible from the shore, it should
seem that it ought to be stable.
NATOUAGAMIOU, a lake of New France or
Canada, formed from various other small lakes to
the s. of the great lcke of S. Juan.
[NATTENAT, an Indian village on Nootka
sound, on the 2. w. coast of N. America. It hasa
remarkable cataract, or water-fall, a few miles to
the a. of it.
(NATURAL Bridge. See Rock srince Coun-
ty, Virginia. |
NAU, a settlement of the province and country
uf Las Amazonas, in the Portuguese possessions ;
a veduccton of the Indians, and made by the Car-
melite missionaries of that nation. It is on the
shore of the river Negro, very near the settlement
of Baracoa.
NAUAGANTI, a river of the province and go-
vernment of Darien, and kingdom of Terra Firme.
It rises in the mountains on the 7. rus nearly to
this rhumb, and enters the sea opposite the island
of Pinos.
NAUAJOA, ox Navasoos, a province and ter-
ritory of Indians of this nation, in N. America ;
bounded z. by that of Moqui, 2. w. by the town of
Santa Fé, the capital of the kingdom of Nuevo
Mexico, It is peopled by rancherias or farms of
barbarian and gentile Indians; but who were
easily reduced to the Catholic faith, as was proved
by the attempts made in 1748 by the friar Juan
Menchero of the order of San Francisco, who
with an apostolic zeal went to preach amongst
them.
NavaJoa, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Cinaloa; a reduccion of Indians of the
aforesaid nation, and of the missions which were
held by the Jesuits,
NAUCALPAN, San Bartotome pe, a settle-
ment of the alcaldia mayor of Tacuba in Nueva
Espaiia; annexed to the curacy of San Antonio
de Huixquilucan, It contains 273 families of In-
dians, and is nine leagues and an half to the @. s. w.
of its capital.
[NAUDOWESIES, an Indian nation inhabit-
ing lands between lakes Michigan and Superior.
Warriors, yes
[NAUGATUCK River, a 2. ¢. branch of Hon-
NAU 371
satonic river in Connecticut. A great number of
mills and iron-works are upon this stream and its
branches. |
NAUHNTECAS, a nation of Indians of Nueva
Espaita, who inhabited the coast of the N. sea;
conquered and subjected to the empire of Mexico
by Mocthecutzuma IL. ; to impede by that direc-
tion the entrance of the 'Tiaxcaltecas, when the
conquest of this republic was in agitation, The
Nauhtecas weie bounded by the Mixcaltzincas.
NAUNTLAN, a settlement of the province and
alcaldia mayor of Panuco in Nueva Espaiia ; situe
ate near the sea-coast by the Indians, before the
arrival of the Spaniards, who afterwards changed
its name to Almeria. ‘The emperor Mocthecut-
zuma used to have posted watches or centinels to
give notice of what was happening at sea.
NAULINGO, a settlement and head settlement
of the district of the alcaldia mayor of Xalapa in
Nueva Espaiia; situate on the top of a stony
mountain of a league and an half high ; ofa cold
and moist temperature from its lofty situation, but
as fertile as any other settlements of this jurisdic-
tion. Its population is composed cf 142 families
of Spaniards, 19 of Mustees and Mulattoes, and
90 of Indians, devoted for the most part to the
cultivation of the soil. Its name, which signifies
“¢ four eyes,” arises from so many springs of water
which rise in a hill contiguous to the settlement.
Five leagues 7. e. of ‘ts capital.
NavuuinGo, another settlement, with the dedi-
catory title of Santiago, in the head settlement of
the district of Caluco, of the alcaldia mayor of
Sonsonate, in the kingdom of Guatemala. It is
annexed to the curacy of its head settlement, and
its natives are Mexican Indians.
NAUMBI, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Paraguay, which enters the Uruguay be-
tween those of Itay and Mbutuay.
NAUNAS, a barbarous nation of Indians, but
little known, who dwell in the province and coun-
try of Las Amazonas, in the forests and woods
close to the river Itau, where they live dispersed
and wandering about like wild beasts.
NAUOGAME, a settlement of the missions
which were held by the regulars of the company,
in the province and government of Sonora in N.
America.
NAUPAN, asettlement of the head settlement
of the district and alcaldia mayor of Guauchinango
in uNeva Espaiia, of a mild temperature. It has
a convent of the religious order of 8, Agustin, and
contains 334 families of Indians, including those of
eight wards annexed to its curacy, who live by
cultivating seed and cotton, as also by making
3b 2
UI BS See
ee
a Sate ae
6 gs
a
vi? NAV
loaf-sugar. Three leagues x. of its head settle-
ment.
Naupan,avery lofty mountain ofthe cordidlera,
in the corregimiento and district of Alause, of the
kingdom of Quito.
NAURAS, a barbarous nation of Indians, of the
Nuevo Reyno de Granada, who live near the river
Cavari, They are cannibals and warlike, and
sometimes wander as far as the shores of the grand
river Magdalena. ‘These barbarians at the present
day are far from numerous, and their customs are
but little known.
NAUSA, a settlement of the district of Yagua-
che, in the province and government of Guayaquil
and kingdom of Quito. —
NAU'TA, a river of Nueva Espaiia, in the juris-
diction and alcaldia mayor of Tampico. It enters
the sea between the mouth of this river and the
noint Deglada.
NAU'USHAUUN, an island of the N. sea, one
of those c. Wed Isabella, at the mouth or entrance
of the bay of Plymouth and New England ; three
miles s.. of the peninsula of the county of Barns-
table, which forms the cape of Cod bay.
NAUZA, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Guanuco in Peru; annexed to the
curacy of Santa Maria del Valle.
NAUZALCO, San Juan pet, a settlement and
head settlement of the district of the alcaldia mayor
of Sonsonate in the kingdom of Guatemala, — It
contains 2650 Indians, with those contained in
three other settlements annexed to its curacy,
which belonged to the religious order of S. Do-
mingo, before the clergy had been appointed to it
by order of the king.
[NAVARRE, a province of New Mexico, on
the v.c. side of the culf of California, which se-
parates it from the peninsula of California, on the
$. Ws
Navara, a setilement of the province and
government of Nicaragua, and kingdom of Guatee
inala, in the time of the Ind‘an gentilism.
NAVAZA, a small island of the N.sea, to
windward of the strait formed by the islands of
Cuba and St.Domingo. It is desert, and the
English come to it from Jamaica in boats to catch
iguanas, an amphibious animal resembling a li-
zard, and which is found here in great abundance,
breeding in the roots of old trees: their flesh is
while, but hard to masticate, and the sailors say
they make good broth. Some of these animals
are found three feet Jong. [It is 67 miles e. n. e. of
the ec. end of the island of Jamaica, and 30 miles
from ‘luburon in the island of St. Domingo, Lat.
18° 33’! n. Long, 73° 3! w.}
NA Y
(NAV ESINK Harbour, on the sea-coast of Mon-
mouth county, New Jersey, lies in lat. 40° 24 n,
having Jumping point on the 2. and is 2£ miles ¢.
of then. end of Sandy Hook island ; and its mouth
is five miles from the town of Shrewsbury. ‘Thc
small river of its name falls into it from the w. and
rises in the same county. Navesink hills extend
n.w. from the harbour on the Atlantic ocean, to
Rariton bay ; and are the first land discovered by
mariners when they arrive on the coast. ‘They are
600 feet above the level of the sea, and may be
seen 20 leagues off. |
NAVIDAD, a settlement of the province and
bishopric of Mechoacan in Nueva Espaiia, with a
good port on the coast of the S. sea. It belongs to
the alcaldia mayor of La Purificacion, and is 156
miles w. of Mexico. In lat. 18° SI’ 2. Long,
111° 10’ w.
Navipap, another port, in the province and
corregimiento of Itata of the kingdom of Chile.
NAVIO Quesrapo, a point of land of the
coast of the province and government of the Rio
del Hacha, and Nuevo Reynode Granada, between
the aforesaid river and the settlement of La Ra-
mada,
NAVIOS, Ista ne, an island near the coast of
the province and government of Louisiana in N,
America, close to the falls of St. Diego,
Navios, a bay of the n. w. coast of the island of
Martinique, between port Case Pilote, and the
oint De Negres.
[NAVIRES, or Cas ne Navires Bay, in the
island of Martinico, inthe W. Indics.|
NAVISCALCO, a settlement of the province
and alcaldia mayor of Zedales in the kingdom of
Guatemala.
NAVITO, a port of the coast of Nueva Espatia ;
opposite the province of California.
[ NAVY, a township in Orleans county, in Ver-
mont. |
[Navy Hall, in Lower Canada, stands on the
s. side of lake Ontario, at the head and w. side of
Niagara river, which last separates it from fort
Niagara, on the e. side, in the state of New York,
It is 20 miles x. by w. of fort Kriv, and 20 s. e. by
s. of York. ]
[Navy Island lies ix t' middle of Niagara
river, whose waters separ. tc it from fort Slusher, on
the e. bank of the river, and the same waters divide
it from Grand island, on the s. ands. e. It is
about one mile long, and one broad, and is about
three miles 2. by e. of Navy Hall. ]
NAYARITH, a large and extensive province
of N. America; bounded e. by the borders of
Nueva Vizcaya, and part by Nueva Galicia; w.
st of Mone
AQ? 24 n,
2£ miles s,
| its mouth
ury. The
the w. and
ills extend
ocean, to
sovered by
They are
nd may be
ovince and
fa, with a
belongs to
and is 156
n. Long.
vince and
f Chile.
ind of the
of the Rio
la, between
of La Ra-
he coast of
siana in N,
he island of
, and the
ay, in the
¢ province
kingdom of
ya Espana;
ity, in Ver-
nds on the
1 w. side of
from fort
ew York,
20 s.e. by
bf Niagara
Slasher, on
nters divide
swe. It is
d is about
re province
borders of
salicia; ww.
NAY
hy the provinces of Copala and Culiacan; s. by
the jurisdictions rid alcaldias of the audience of
Guadalaxara ; and x. by the sferra Madre, in which
it is situate, and the settlements of Taraumara,
The territory is rough and mountainous, but fer-
tile and abounding in rich mines, which are how-
ever not worked, and are useless, owing to the want
of population.
n this province the Jesuits he!d a large mission
dispersed through several settlements, haying for
their defence a garrison with two captains, two
lieutenants, two serjeants, and 58 soldiers. It was
discovered in 1718 by the circumstance of an In-
dian having come from it to the Spaniards, dressed
in all the insignia pecriar to the Chichimecas
kings, and asserting that he came from the Naya-
ritas: he presented himself with a large retinue
before the Marquis de Valero, then viceroy of
Mexico, to render voluntary obedience to the king
of Spain, with all his vassals in those unknown
countries, and such as were never guessed at by
any Spaniard, owing to the thick and almost inacs
cessible serrania which blocked up the road to the
interior provinces. ‘This chicf then entreated that
his nation might be instructed in the Catholic re-
ligion, and asked a supply of troops to aid them in
the defence against their enemies. All this was
immediately granted, but as they were proceeding
on their journey, this king with all his vassals, all
of a sudden, took to flight, carrying with them
a great part of our cquipage: they were of
course pursued, but the Spaniards soon lost sight
of them in those intricate serranias, and found
ihemsclves at last on a mountain called the Mesa
del 'Tonati ; where, in a very capacious cave, they
discovered the place of their sacrifices, aud amongst
other things a skeleton to which they used to pay
adoration, and which was the remains of one of
their kings, the filth grandfather of him we have
above mentioned ; this figure was covered with a
mantle set with precious stones, according to their
custom, which reached from the shoulders to the
feet, and was seated upon what they call a throne,
with a shoulder-belt, bracelets, necklace, and gir-
dles of silver; on its head a crown of beautiful and
vari-coloured’ plumage, with the left hand on the
arm of the throne and the right holding a scimitar
studded with silver: at his fect were some precious
vessels of stone, marble, and alabaster, in the which
were offered the human flesh and blood at the sa-
crifices. ‘This idol was taken to Mexico, where it
was publicly burnt in the court of the inquisition
by tlie deerce of the judge provisor of the Indians,
D. Ignacio de Castorena, dignitary of the holy
metropolitan church and afterwards bishop of
NA Z 373
Yucatin. He celebrated an auto de fe on the
occasion in the convent of San Francisco, come
manding several Indians, who were afterwards
taken when Mexico was over-run in 1723, to assist
at the same,
The settlements which have been founded in
this province by the aforesaid missions of the Je-
suits, are
Mesa del Tonati,
Santa Teresa,
Jesus Maria,
Huaynamota,
San Pedro,
San Juan,
Tecualmes,
NAYAUCO, a river of $. Domingo; which
rises in the sterra of Baruco on the s. coast, runs
to this rhemb, and enters the sea in the point of
Beata.
NAZARENO, ascttlement of the province and
captain “ip of Rio Janeiro in Brazil; situate on
the coasi at cape Frio.
Nazaneno, a very lofty mountain on the coast
of the province and government of Sonora in N,
America.
NAZARET, Nuestra Senora pb, a setile-
ment of the province and caplainship of Pername
buco in Brazil, on the coast, near the cape San
Azustin.
(NAZARETH, a beautiful town in Northamp-
ton county, Pennsylvania, inhabited by Moravians
or United Brethren. It is situated eight miles 7.
of Bethlehem, and 49 n. by w. of Philadelphia,
It is a tract of good land, containing about 5000
acres, purchased by the Rev. G.Whittield, in 1740,
and sold two years after to the brethren, They
were however obliged to leave this place the same
year, where it seems they had made some settle.
ments before. Bishop Nitchman arrived from
Europe this year (1740) with a company of bre«
thren and sisters, and purchased and settled upon
the spot which is now called Bethlehem,
The town of Nazareth stands about the centre of
the manor, on a small creek, which loses itself in
the carth about a mile and a half e. of the town,
It was regularly laid out in 1772, and consists of
two principal streets which cross cach other at
right angles, and form a square in the middle, of
340 by 200 feet. The largest building is a stoue
house, ‘erected in 1755, named Nazareth hall,
8 feet by 46 in length, and 54 in height. The
lower floor is formed into a spacious hall fur public
worship, the upper part of the house is fitted up
for a boarding school, where youth trom diflerent
parts are under the inspection of the minister of the
Los Dolores,
San Francisco de Paula,
San Joaquin,
Santa Ana,
Peyotan,
San Lucas.
3i4 NEB
place and several tutors, and are instructed in the
English, German, French, and Latin languages ;
in history, geography, bookkeeping, mathematics,
music, drawing, and other sciences.
the house faces a large square open to the s, ad-
joining a fine piece of meadow ground, and come.
mands a most delightful prospect. Another elc-
gant building on the e. of Nazareth hall is inha-
bited by the single sisters, who have the same regu-
lations and way of living as those at Bethlehem.
Besides their principal manufactory for spinning
and twisting cotton, they have lately begun to draw
wax tapers. At the s.w. corner of the aforesaid
square, in the middle of the town, is the single
brethren’s house, and on the e. s.e. corner a store.
On the southernmost end of the street is a good ta-
vern. The dwelling houses are, a few excepted,
built of lime-stone, one or two stories high, inha-
bited by tradesmen and mechancis, mostly of Ger-
manextraction. ‘The inhabitants are supplied with
water conveyed to them by pipes from a_finc
spring near the town. ‘The situation of the town,
and the salubrious air of the adjacent country,
render this a very agreeable place.
The number of inhabitants in the town and the
farms belonging to it, (Shoeneck included) consti-
tuting one congregatiun, and meeting for divine
service on Lord’s days and holidays, at Nazareth
hall, was, in the year 1788, about 450. |
NAZINTLA, a settlement of the head settle-
ment of the district of Xocatla, and alcaldia
mayor of Chilapa, in Nueva Espafia. One league
to the s. of its head settlement.
NEALE, a settlement of the island of Barba-
does, in the parish of St. George.
NEBACH, Santa Manta pe, a settlement
and head settlement of the district of the alcaldia
mayor and province of Quiche in the kingdom of
Guatemala. It contains 1210 Indians, including
those of two other settlements annexed to its
curacy, and which were formerly of the reli-
gious order of S. Domingo.
NEBOME, a nation of Indians of N. America,
dwelling in the sterras and mountains, 80 leagues
from the town of Cinaloa: 360 of whom, men,
women, and children, entered in 1615 to establish
themselves in the scttlement of Aborozas, of the
missions which were held by the Jesuits in that
province, voluntarily applying to be taken into
the lap of the church, and being excited to this
by the instructions they had received from certain
Indians who attended Alvar Nuiiez Cabeza de Vaca,
Miguel Dorantes, and the Negro, Estebanico, in
their perigrinations through Florida to Mexico.
These Indtans, after that they were converted to
The front of
NEC
the faith, returned to their country to sce their re-
lations, and a few years after this their example
was followed by the whole nation, who embraced
the faith and were instructed under the Father
Diego Vanderspie, a German, but who met with
a violent death at their hands.
Previousto their adopting catholicity, these In-
dians were far less barbarous than any of those re-
gions. ‘They had houses with clay walls, they
cultivated the ground, with the fruits of which
and by the chase they maintained themselves.
They clothed themselves with the skins of stags
and other animals, which they adorned with great
nicety. They wore a sort of petticoat which
trailed on the ground, and from their waist up-
wards a cotton mantle. The women were equally
modest in their dress as in their appearance and
deportment.
NECENDELAN, a settlement of the province
and alcaldia mayor of Ixcuintepeque in the king-
dom of Guatemala, conquered by Pedro de Alva-
redo in 1523, he natives had the custom, ac-
cording to Francisco Lopez de Gomara, of play-
ing on some bells which they carried in their
hands at the same time that they fought.
(NECESSITY, Fort, in Virginia, is situated
in the great meadow, within four miles of the w.
bounds of Maryland, and on the n. side of the
head water of Red Stone creek, which empties
frov: the e. into the Monongahela, in lat.39° 43’ n.
about 26 miles from the spot where this fort was
erected. It is 238 miles e. by v. of Alexandria,
and 258 ».w. of Fredericksburgh by road dis-
tances. This spot will be for ever famous in the
history of America, as one of the first scencs of
General Washington’s abilities as a commander.
In 1753, it was only a small unfinished entrench-
ment, when Mr. Washington, then a colonel, in
the 22d year of his age, was sent with 300 men
towards the Ohio. An engagement with the enemy
ensued, and the French were defeated. M. de
Villier, the French commander, sent down 900
men besides Indians, to atteck the Virginians.
Their brave leader, however, made such an able
defence with his handful of men in this unfinished
fort, as to constrain the French officer to grant him
honourable terms of capi’ ulation. |
NECIIAS, San Francisco ne, a settlement of
the missions which are held by the religious order
of S. Francisco, in the province and government
of Texas in N, America; situate on the shore of
the river of its name. Six leagues from the garri-
son of S. Antonio de Bejar.
NECHI, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Antioquia in the Nuevo Reyno de
2 their re-
example
embraced
he Father
met with
these In-
f those re.
‘alls, they
of which
hemselyes,
is of stags
with great
oat which
waist ups
re equally
rance and
e province
1 the king-
o de Alva-
ustom, ac-
, of play-
d in their
F
is situated
of the w.
side of the
ch empties
it. 39° 43! n.
is fort was
Alexandria,
road dis-
ous in the
t scencs of
ommander.
A entrench-
colonel, in
th 300 men
the enemy
d. M. de
down 900
Virginians,
ch an able
unfinished
o grant him
ttlement of
rious order
overnment
he shore of
1 the garri-
ice ind go-
Reyno de
NEE
Granada ; situate in a long strip or point of land
formed by the rivers of its name and that of San
Jorge, in the sierras of Guamoco.
NECOX'TLA, San Francisco pe, a settle.
ment of the head settlement of the district of
Tequilan, and alcaldia mayor of Orizava, in Nueva
Espaiia, in the middle of a sterra; of a very cold
temperature, and containing 261 families of Indians,
whose trade consists in providing the whole juris-
diction with coals, wood, and torches made of the
pine-tree, Three leagues s. w. of its capital.
NECOYA, San Bartotome pe, a settlement
of Indians of the province and government of
Mainas and kingdom of Quito; a reduecion made
by the missions held there by the Jesuits, on the
shore of the river Napo.
NECTA, San Pepro pr, « settlement of the
head settlement of the district and alcaldia mayor
of Gueguetenango in the kingdom of Guatemala,
It is of the Indians of the division of Uzumacintla ;
annexcd to the curacy of its head settlement.
| NEDDICK Cape, or Neppock, lies between
York river and Well’s bay, ou the coast of York
county, district of Maine. |
[Neopick River, Cape, in the above county,
is navigable about a mile from the sea, and at full
tide only for vessels of any considerable burden,
it having a bar of sand at its mouth, and at an hour
before and after low water, this rivulet is generally
so shallow as to be fordable within a few rods of
the sea.
[N EEDHAM’S Point, on the s. w. angle of the
island of Barbadoes in the W. Indies, is to the
se. from Bridgetown, having a fort upon it called
Charles fort. ]
Neevuam, a township in Norfolk county,
Massachusetts, 11 miles from Boston. It is about
nine miles in length and five in breadth, and is al-
most encompassed by Charles river. ‘The lower
fall of the river, at the bridge between Newton and
Needham, is about 20 fect in its direct descent.
Here the river divides Middlesex from Norfolk
county. It was incorporated in 1711, and con-
tains 1180 inhabitants, A slitting and rolling mill
has lately been erected here. ]
[NE LH EEHEOU, one of the Sandwich islanis,
about five leagues tu the w. of Atooi, and has
about 10,000 inhabitants. Its place of anchorage
is in lat. 21°50! 2. and long. 160° 15! w, Soine-
times it is called Neheeow or Onceheow, |
{[NEEMBUCU,ja town of the province and go-
vernment of Paraguay ; situate on the e. bank of
the Paraguay, and 28 miles from its junction with
the Parana, In lat, 20° 52’ 54” s. and long. 58°
' |’ 9"! w. |
NEG 375
[NEGADA, or AneGapaA, one of the Caribbee
islands in the W. Indies. It is low and desert, ene
compas:ed with shoals and sand banks. It is
called Negada, from its being mostly overflown by
high tides. It is 69 miles 7. w. of Anguilla, and
abounds with crabs, Lat. 18° 46’n. Long. 64°
22' we
N EGELOL, ariver of the district of Maque-
gua in the kingdom of Chile. 1t runs w. and
unites itself with the Pivinco to enter the Rapami-
lahue, changing its name for the Reiiaico..
NEGRA, a point of the coast of the province
and captainship of the Rio Janeiro in Brazil, be-
tween the capital and cape Frio.
Neora Mverta, a settlement of the province
and government of 'Tucuman, in the jurisdiction
of Xuxuy; situate on the shore of the river La-
quiaca,
NEGRETE, a town of the island of Laxa in
the kingdom of Chile; situate between the rivers
Culavi and Duqueco, Gn thes, it has a fort on
the shore of the river Biobio to restrain the Arau-
canos Indians,
NEGRILLO, Pentas pet. The w. head of
the island Jamaica ; consisting of two remarkable
points, with the names of North and South, three
leagues apart, and forming in the intermediate
space a semicircular bay, called Long hay, in the
which is a small island close upon the shore, Ves-
sels do not enter this bay but under absolute ne-
cessity, as it is much exposed to the w., 2., and s.
winds. In lat. 18°27/n. Long, 78° 17! w.
NeEGRILLO, another point, on the coast of the
province and corregimiento of Paita in Peru,
Nee@ritno, a shoal of rock near the coast of
the province and government of Cartagena and
Nuevo Reyno de Granada ; between this city and.
the point of Canoa.
Neanrin.o, another shoal of rock in the sound.
of Campeche.
NEGRILLOS, a settlement of the provinee and
corregimiento of Carangas in Peru, of the arch-
bishopric of Charcas,, annexed to the curacy of
Huachacalla ; situate near the source of the river
Camorones.
Necritnos, some isles or shoals of rocks of the
gulf or bay of Mexico, to the w. of the Alacranes
isles.
NEGRO, a large and navigable river to the 7.
of the Marafion or Amazon. It runs from w., to e.
laves many and. extensive countries inhabited by
barbarian Indians, and communicates with the Ori-
noco by a channel discovered by the Father Ma-
nuel Roman, of the Jesuits, native of Olmedo in
Castilla la Vieja, missionary of the province of,
(01
9)
—— = BS te oe
376 NEG
Sania I'é in the Orinoco, where he was for more
than 30 years, Once, navigating the atoresaid
channel, he found himself in the river Negro,
where he met with some Portuguese who had pene+
trated as far as this spot from Para on discoveries,
This river, Negro, collects in its course the waters
of the Ljie, Iquiari, Yurubesch, Nuissi, Casiari,
Catabulu, Aravidé, Blanco, and Yaguapiri; and,
being much enlarged by these, it becomes at its
mouth a league and an half wide, Although geos
graphers vary in describing the course of this
river, we have followed Don Carlos de la Conda-
mine, of the royal academy of the sciences at
Paris, who reconnoitred it on his return to Kurope
from Peru by the river Amazonas, It is at its
greatest width 1203 toises, as measured by this
gcometrician ; this being the place where the Por-
tuguese have built a fort, in lat. 3° 9’, maintain.
ing in it a detachment of the garrison of Para for
the purpose of catching Indians for the working of
the mines. On the shores of this river are dif-
ferent cttlements of the missions established by the
religious Carmelites of Portugal.
According to the investigations of the Father
Fy, Antonio Caulin, in his Modern History of
Nueva Andalucia, this river rises in the serranias
of Yaquesa near Popayan, and in which: he agrees
with the aforesaid academician Don Carlos de la
Condamine. It reccives on the 7 shore the Pati-
vita, which runs in the same direction as the Ini-
richa, so close to it as to be separated only by a
very narrow isthmus, and having on its shores the
nations of the Civitenes, Guarinimanases, and Mai-
pures, It is then entered by the Aqui and the
{tivini, bringing along with it those of the Jchani,
Equegani, and Mee, on the*borders of which dwell
the Borepaquinavis Indians. Before the Mec falls
into the hivini, it throws out by its w. shore a river
of its name into the Casiquiare, and in the isiand
thus formed, a stream called the Itiriquiri falls
into the Negro, on the shores of which dwell the
nation of the Avinavis Indians: also, at a short
distance, is the union of the Casiquiare and the
Negro, beyond which lies the mouth of the Caya-
pono, and then the mouth of the Guivaro, inha-
hited by Cogenas Indians. ‘Three days journey
down the river is found a torrent, caused by a reef
of rocks, which is a continuation from the skirts of
the mountain Nuca, and lower still are the mouths
of the river Blanco or of Aguas Blancas, called by
the natives Aguapiri, which enters the river Negro
35 leagues before this enters the Maraiion. By the
s. it receives the Mapicoro, then the Matrichi and
the Danigua, amongst the which dwell the Mani-
sipitana nation.
NEG
The Portuguese, as we before observed, come
hither to catch Indians to make them slaves in the
mines. ‘They enter by the mouth of the Casi-
quiare, pass the channel of Mee, and, leaving their
vessels, pass by land to the port Manuteso of the
river Cimite, an arm of the Atabapo ; also others
going by the river Negro, enter the mouth of the
Itivini, and pass from thence to the river ‘Temi,
The Negro enters the Marafion or Amazonas by
the x. part, in about lat. 3° 16/s. ,
[For a table of longitudes and latitudes of the
most intportant. places in these parts, see the end of
the general preface. |
Nraro, another, a large and abundant river of
the province and government of Buenos Ayres, in
the mountains of Brazil. It runs w. and then
turning s, w. and after collecting the waters of
various others, so as greatly to increase its stream,
unites itself with the Uruguay to enter in a very
much increased body the river La Plata.
NeGro, another, of the province and corregi-
micnto of 'Tunja in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada.
It rises close to the settlement of Las Guadas, runs
n. and enters the Grande of the Magdalena, to the
w. of the city of Velez.
Necro, another, in the province of Ubaque, in
the same kingdom as the former, which rises near
Santa Fé, in the mountains to the e. and enters the
Meta about 75 miles from its source. ‘This river
is called also Caquesa, as it passes near the settle-
ment of this name, and again, because it soon after
that, receives a stream of black waters ; andthe small
difference between the words Caquesa and Caqueta
having caused foreigners to confound this river
Negro (or Black) with the former of which we have
treated, so that a great confusion has arisen
amongst geographers, as also a doubt whether
there was any communication by that river with
the Grinoco and the Marajion.
Necro, another, of the province and govern-
ment of Veragua in the kingdom of ‘Tierra Firme,
which rises in the interior of the mountains and
runs into the sea, between the Cocle and the [s-
cudo de Veragua.
Necro, another, of the province and govern-
ment of ‘lexas in N. America, which rises in the
mountains of Caligoa, runs s. for many Icagues,
and bending its course with many windings to
2, n.w. enters the Colorado very near its mouth,
Necro, another, of the province and govern-
ment of ‘Tucaman in Peru, of the district of the
city of Xuxuy, which runs e. and enters the Ver-
mejo.
NeGRro, another, a small river of the province
aud govcrument of Neiva in the Nuevo Reyno de
!
rved, come
laves in the
the Casi.
aving their
teso of the
also others
uth of the
‘iver ‘Temi,
mazonas by
udes of the
e the end of
ant river of
s Ayres, in
» and then
e waters of
» its stream,
r in a very
a.
ind corregi«
le Granada.
nadas, runs
lena, to the
Ubaque, in
ch rises near
id enters the
This river
r the settle-
it soon after
andthe small
and Caqueta
d this river
ich we have
has arisen
ubt wheiher
L river with
and govern-
jerra Firme,
untains and
and the Es-
and goyern-
h rises in the
any Icagues,
windings to
its mouth.
and govern-
istrict of the
ters the Ver-
the province
0 Reyno de
NEG
Granada. It rises near the settlement of Otaz, and
enters the Grande de la Magdalena a little from its
source.
Nearo, another, also a small river of the pro-
vince and government of Maracaibo in the same
kingdom as the former, which rises in the valley
of Perija, runs ¢. and enters the great lake of Ma-
racaibo by the s. part.
Necro, asmmuall river, of the province and cap-
tainship of San Pablo in Brazil, distinct from that
of which we have spoken, in that kingdom, It
rises in the mountains of the coast, runs 2, w. and
unites itself with the Itapeba to enter the grand
river Curitiva or Iguazu. :
Necro, another, a small river of the province
and corregimiento of Chachapoyas in Peru, which
runs 7.7. e. and enters the Moyobamba, ;
Necro, another, a small river ef the province
and government of Paraguay, which runs e. and
enters the Grande de Parana.
Necro, another, a sr. 1 river, cahied Arroyo
Negro, of the province and government of Buenos
Ayres in Peru, It runs w. and enters the Uru-
guay, between those of S. Francisco and Bellaco.
Necro, another, of the Nuevo Reyno de Gras
nada, distinct from the above, in the district and
jurisdiction of the city of San Juan Jiron. It is
small, and enters the Lebrija a little above this
ity.
: Naaso, another, of the kingdom of Brazil,
which rises in the country of the Barbados In-
dians, runs 2.7. w. and enters the ‘Topayos a little
before it does the Yaguaricara.
Necro, a settlement, called also Rio Negro, of
the district and government of San Juan Jiron, in
the Nuevo Reyno de Granada; of an hot tempe-
rature, abounding in vegetable productions, par-
ticularly cacao, the best crops being here of any
in the province. Its population is reduced ; it is
situate near the river Negro, of which we have be-
fore treated, and which gives it its name. Six
leagues from its capital.
Necuo, a fort of the province and government
of Tucuman in Peru,
Necro, a cape or point of land on the exterior
coast of the straits of Magellan, on an island formed
by the entrance of the channel of S. Barbara.
Necro, another cape, of the s. coast of Nova
Scotia or Acadia, opposite Brown bank. <A
Necro, another cape, of the coast of Brazil, in
the province and captainship of Rio Grande, be-
tween this and the settlement of Natal, where the
Portuguese have a fort, called De Los Reyes. |
Necro, a very lofty mountain, called Cerro
Negro, in the province and corregimiento of Itata,
VOL. HI.
NEG 377
and kingdom of Chile, between the rivers Itata
and Claro,
NEGROES, different nations of various king-
doms and provinces of Africa, who, although not
aborigines of America, have a place in this his-
tory, as forming a principal part of the inhabitants
of these regions, and who, at the present day, if
they do not exceed, at least equal in numbers the
natives, For these are the people who labour in
the mines, who cultivate the land, who are ein-
ployed in all the servile offices in America, in the
dominions of Spain, Portugal, France, England,
Holland, &c. They are bought by these nations
on the coasts of Africa, and are carricd to Ame-
rica, where they are treated and considered as
slaves with the greatest rigour and inhumanity,
and as though they were not rational creatures.
The celebrated 2, Bartolome de las Casas, bishop
of Chiapa, was the person who, with a discreet
zeal, proposed to free the Indians from servitude,
and to procure Negroes for the laborious empioy-
ments; as though, forsooth, this part of the hue
man species should, on account of their difference
of colour, want the privileges of humanity. The
shades of complexion amongst themselves vary
much, according to their different provinces ; and
they are distinguished by casts, called the Congos,
Mandingas, Chalacs, Ararares, axd many others.
They are, in general, well made, muscular,
strong, and capable of bearing much labour, ‘They
have a flat nose, pouting lips, black and woolly
hair, and white teeth. ‘These casts have features
peculiar to themselves; thus, for instance, the
Chalaes have certain marks or scarifications on
their cheeks, made whilst they were yet children ;
the Ararares file the points of their teeth, &c.
The English, Dutch, and Portuguese, carry on
this infamous commerce on the coasts of Guinea,
and sell the Negroes in America and in the islands,
where, after certain years of slavery and servitude,
they may ransom themselves of their master, pay-
ing for their freedom the same sum at which the
were bought; but, notwithstanding this alleviation,
and which was propagated by the Spanish governs
ment, little redress is procured to their sufferings,
through the interestedness and cruelty of the mas-
ters.
It is certain that the propensities of the Negro
are most vicious, that they are fraudulefit, super-
stitious, vindictive, cruel, and thievish, and that
without the rigour manifested towards them, it
would be impossible to manage them; but the love
of liberty and the injuries of servitude plead loud!
in their exculpation ; nor, indeed, haye there been
wanting examples of some who for their moral :
3¢
378 NEG
virtues might vie even with the beings of civilized
nations.
The Spaniards, who, amongst all the rest, are
those who treat them the least cruelly, have a short
time since the conquest of their provinces supplied
themselves with Negroes under different contracts,
entered into first with the Genoese, afterwards with
Don Domingo del Grillo, the council of Sevilla,
Don Nicolas Porcio, Don Bernardo Marin y Guz-
man, the company of Portugal, the French Guinea
company, as far down as the year 1713; when by
the peace of Utrecht the trade was granted to the
English company for 50 years, namely to 1745 :
after (his the aia employed in this business was
Don Joseph Ruiz de Noriega, and after him the
company of merchants of Cadiz. The first Ne-
groes brouglit to America by the yf ag ian was
through the grant of Charles Ve. made in 1525 to
Lorenzo Garrebood his mayor domo; by which
he was empowered to introduce 4000, and al-
though, owing to the inconvenience found to arise
from the practice, it was ordered to be discon.
tinued for eight years, a certain recompence being
paid to the aforesaid person as an indemnification,
yet necessity obliged its readoption, as the Indians
were not equal to the fatigues required of them,
and as, now, their numbers were sensibly dimi-
nishing.
In nearly all the settlements, the Negroes are di-
vided into two classes, which are slaves and free-
men, and both of these into Criollos and Bozales :
a part of the former (the slaves) are employed in
tilling the ground, and all the rest in different hard
labours, by which to procure their livelihood, giv-
ing to their masters so much daily, and keeping
the remainder for their own sustenance, 'The vio-
lence of the heat and their own natural warmth of
temperature will not permit them to wear any
clothing whatever ; they, consequently, go quite
naked, with the exception of a small cloth round
their middle. The same is also the case with the
women slaves, some of whom married, live in the
huts with their husbands, and others being em-
loyed in the cities, where they gain their liveli-
lias) by labour, or by selling in the market-places
and through the streets all kinds of eatables, sweet-
meats, fruit, and different kinds of broths and
drinks, maize-broth, and cazave, which seryes as
bread. Those women who have infant chil-
dren (and there are hardly any without them)
sling them behind their backs, so that they may
not interfere in their daily labours or use of their
arms; they also give the child the breast by of-
fering the dug under the arm or throwing it over
the shoulder, ‘Thus they, without trouble, rear
NEI
their offspring, nor is this practice to be wondered
at, inasmuch as some of their breasts are pendulent
below their waist, arising, no doubt, from their
never using any stay whatever,
In order to avoid a contraband trade of Negroes,
or that they might be imported without paying the
regular duties, it was established that a mark
should be put upon them, namely the letter R,
with a crown above, branded on the left breast;
but this practice, so detestable in a civilized
and Catholic nation, was abolished by order of
Charles II]. that gencrous hearted protector of
humanity, Animated by this example, the Eng.
lish endeavoured to abolish this infamous coms
merce, but the whole of that nation not agreeing
on the subject, it was at last recommended that
provisions should be made by government for their
better treatment and condition, a reward being
stated for such persons as should bring the most
Negroes alive from the coast of Guinea out of a
certain number, On this occasion a porcelain
medal was made in England, representing one of
these unfortunate creatures, with the motto of,
¢¢ Am IL not man as thou art; am 1 not thy bro-
ther?” Many English, French, and Spaniards,
enlightened by the reason of the present age, have
given liberty to their slaves; and we may hope
for the day when this miserable race shali no
longer be shut from the privileges to which they
are by nature entitled.
(That the English traders are at last checked in
this inhuman commerce, we believe cannot be
doubted. ‘They will not risk a conviction of fe-
lony, and sentence of transportation to Botany bay.
The American government too, having abolished
the traflic, and the decision in the noted case of
the Amedie, having shewn British crusiers in what
manner they may enforce the American prohibi-
tion ; few vessels bearing that flag are engaged in
it, compared with the former amount. But, on
the other hand, a prodigious slave trade is still
carried on by the Portuguese and Spaniards, and,
in the sixth report of the African institution, the
directors have no hesitation in stating, from their
own information, that between 70,000 and 80,000
Negroes were carried over to America by the
above nations in the year 510)
NEGROS, an extremity of the n. w. coast of the
island of Martinique, between the bay of Navires
and fort Real.
NEIQUITOS, a settlement of the province and
government of Maracaibo in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada ; situate s. of the city of ‘Truxillo, and
near the settlement of Esemxaque.
NEIVA, a province and government of the
wondered
pendulent
rom their
’ Negroes,
aying the
t a mark
leiter R,
ft. breast ;
civilized
order of
otector of
_ the Eng-
ous coms
L agreeing
nded_ that
it for their
ard being
the most
1 out of a
porcelain
ng one ot
motto of,
, thy bro-
Spaniards,
age, neve
may hope
» shall él
yhich they
shecked in
cannot be
ion of fes
tany bay.
abolished
d case of
rs in what
n prohibi-
ngaged in
But, on
de is still
ards, and,
ution, the
rom their
ind 80,000
a by the
oast of the
Navires
vince and
Reyno de
xillo, and
nt of the
NEI
Nuevo Reyno de Granada, called De los Pan-
tagoros in the time of the Indians, It is entirely
ot a level territory, extending 80 leagues from n.
to s. on either side of the river Grande de la Mage
dalena ; this dividing it into High and Low. It is
irrigated by many streams, which descend from
the cordilleras, surrounding it as it were with a
wall, One of these cordilleras is by the extensive
anos of San Juan, and the other by the equinoc-
tial provinces, at 20 leagues distance, though in
some parts less, according to the uncertain manner
in which the mountains run more or less far into
the llanuras. Its jurisdiction is bounded by that
of the cities of ‘Tucaima, Mariquita, and Jun Plata,
It is very abundant in gold mines, and fertile in
vegetable productions, such as maize, yucas, potas
toes, cacao, tobacco, and a varicty of fruits and
sugar canes, of the which are made delicious
sweetmeats and conserves. In the woods are found
fine timber, such as cedar, walnut, and guayacanes,
which has a tendency to become petrified. ‘The
neat cattle bred in the //anos or ploins, is in such
abundance as to furnish with supplies the whole
kingdom, and particularly the capital of Santa Fé,
and notwithstanding the prohibition against carry-
ing any of this food to Popaydn, yet is it con-
stantly done.
The temperature of this province is very hot
and unhealthy, and the disease of the carate is
very common here, being a scrophula of various
colours breaking out over the whole body, causing
great heat and irritability, infecting the blood to
such a degree that the malady becomes hereditary.
It is also inflicted with the plague of mosquitos,
spiders, gnats, centipeds, flics, hornets, ants, vari-
ous kinds of snakes, and particularly with an in-
sect similar to that known in Spain by the name
of . iinilla de San Anton, of a red colour and
black head, and called here coya, which, al-
though it does not bite, yet should it burst and
its blood touch any part of the body, save the
soles of the feet and the palms of the hands, it
is so active a poison as to produce instant death,
causing the whole of the blood of the human body
to coagulate. It is remarkable the instinct, by
which the neat cattle, the horses and mules, shun
this venomous insect. As its poison acts as a coa-
gulator, a method has veen discovered by some
muleteers, of passing the body of the person who
has been bitten gradually through the flames of
a small fire made of straw, and this with some
success. [According to Mr. Bouker’s voyage, this
account of the coya is merely fabulous. |
Netva, the capital of the above province, is
called La Concepcion del Valle de Neiva ; founded
NEI 379
in 1550 by Captain Juan Alonso, in the part
where at present stands the settlement of Villa
Vieja, and where it remained until 1569, when it
was destroyed by the Pijaos Indians, In 1612 the
governor Don Diego de Hospina began to resettle
it in the place where it now is, eight leagues from
the former, on the shore of the Rio Grande de la
Magdalena, It is ofan hot temperature, abounding
in vegetable productions, gold and cattle, as does
altthe province, It has besides the parish church
an hospital of the religious order of San Francisco.
The population consists of 2000 housekeepers, the
greater part being people of colour, although there
are not wanting some noble families. It is 107
miles s.w. from Santa Fé, 635.8. w. from 'To-
caima, in lat. 3° 14/ 7,
Neiva, with the addition of Vieja, a secitle-
ment of the same province and kingdom ; situate
on the margin of the river Magdalena, where
stuod the city previous to its removal to its present
spot. This settlement is much reduced and very
poor,
Netva, a river of the island S, Domingo ;
which rises in the mountains of the centre, and
near to those of Ciboo, runs w. many leagues, and
passes to the s. with an abundant stream through
the valley of its name, and enters the sea in the
bay which is also so called. ‘
Neiva. The aforesaid valley is large and beane
tiful, and running from 2, to s. towards the coast
of the latter rhumb, its sides being hemmed in by
the rivers of its name, and of Las Damas, as also
by the lake Enriquillo or Henriquille, [This val-
ley contai..s about 80 square leagues, abounds
with game, and is a chosen spot for flamingoes,
plicasants, and royal or crowned peacocks. ‘These
last have a more delicate flavour and more bril-
liant plumage than the peacocks of Europe. Nine
leagues from the w. bank of the Neiva is the town,
containing about 200 houses, and can turn out 300
men fit to bear arms. This town is 15 leagues w.
by x. of Azu, and 16 from the point where the
line of demarcation cuts Brackish pond. ‘This
territory produces a sort of plaster, talc, and fos-
sil salt, ‘he natural re-production of the salt is
so rapid that a pretty large hollow is absolutely
filled up again in the course ofa year, ‘The river
might be rendered navigable for small craft, and
ihe plain is able to afford cligible situations for 150°
sugar plantations. |
Neiva, a bay on the s. coast of the same island
of S. Dominge, between that of Ocoa and that of
Petit ‘Trou. fit is also situated at x. 2. e. from
cape Beata. Lat. 18° 16’. Long. 70° 56’ w.]
Nelya, a river of the province and. governe
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$80 NEO
ment of its name in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada,
which rises s. of the capital, passes opposite to it,
and shortly after enters the Magdalena,
{[NELSON, a@ county of Kentucky. Chief
town, Bairdstown. }
[Nutson’s Fort, a settlement on the w, shore of
Hudson’s bay ; situate at the mouth of a river of
the same name, 250 miles s, ¢. of Churchill fort,
and G00 nw. of Ruperts fort, in the possession
of the Hudson's bay company. Itis in lat, 57°12,
and long. 92° 42’ w. "The shoals so called are said
to be in lat. 57° 35! nv. and long, 92° 12’ w, and to
have high water at full and change days at 20
minutes past cight o'clock, |
[Nerson’s River is then. w. branch of Hayes
river, on the w. shove of Hudson's bay, which is
separated into two channels by Hayes island, at
the mouth of which Nelson’s fort is situated. |
NEMBUCHU, a settlement of the province and
government of Paraguay ; situate on the shore of
this river before it reaches the city of Corrientes.
NEMEOUGAMIOU, asmalllake ofthe country
of Hudson’s bay, between the great lake Mista-
sins and that of Nemiscau, and formed by the
river Rupert.
NEMISCAU, a small lake of the same county
as the former; also formed by the river Rupert at
its mid course, to enter the Mistasin,
NEMOCON, a settlement of the corregimiento
of Zipaquira in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada. :
It is of accold and moist temperature, celebrated
for the capital merchandise which it had, as well
as for its very white salt found in some large saline
earths, and which are formed by certain fountains
abounding in its territory. I’rom hence all the
other provinces are supplicd with this article, it
being esteemed superior to any other ; so that it
produces upwards of 20,000 dollars annually.
‘his settlement was conquered by Gonzalo Xime-
nez de Quesada in 1537, Its population is small,
since, amongst the rest, we find only 80 Indians.
It has, besides the parish church, a chapel, with
the dedicatory title of Nuestra Seiora de Checua,
which is a vice-parish. ‘I'wo leagues s. of Gua-
tavita, and nine 2. of Santa Fé, in the road which
leads to ‘Tunja.
([NENAWEWITICK Indians inhabit near Se.
vern river, s. of Severn lake. |
NENINCO, asettlement of Indians of theisland
of Laxa in the kingdom of Chile; situate on the
shore of the river Pecoiquen.
NEOCOYAES, a barbarous nation of Indians
of the province and country of Las Amazonas,
who dwell amidst the woods to the x. of the river
Napo. Ofsome of these has been formed the set-
NEP
tlement of San Miguel de los Neocoyaes, by the
missionaries of the Jesuits, dependent or annexed
to the settlement of El Nombre de Jesus, in lat,
1° 35! s.
[NEOMINAS River, on the coast of Peru, is
12 or 1A leagues to the vn, w. of Bonaventura river,
It is a large river, and empties into the ocean by
two mouths. The shore is low, but there is no
landing upon it, as it is inhabited only by savages
whom it would not be very sale to trust, as their
peaceable or hostile disposition towards Luropeans
cannot be easily known, ‘The coast, though in the
vicinity of the most flourishing spare colonies,
remains tntrequented and wild, Palmas island is
opposite to this river, being low land, and having
several shoals about it; and from hence to cape
Corrientes is 20 leagues to then, w. ‘The river and
island are in lat. about 4° 30/7,
NEOUISACOAUT, a river of Canada in N,
America, It runs 2, e. and enters lake Superior.
[ NEPEAN Island, a small island of the S$. Pa-
cific ocean, opposite to port Hunter, on the s. coast
of Norfolk fave
[ Nerean Sound, an extensive water on the
n, w. coast of N. America, having a number of
islands in it, in some charts called Princess Royal
islands. It opens e. from cape St. James, the
southernmost point of Washington’s or Queen
Charlotte’s islands. Fitzhugh’s sound lies between
it and Queen Charlotte’s sound to the s. ]
NEPENA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Santa in Peru.
NEPIGON, a lake of Canada, to the n. of
lake Superior, with which it communicates by a
large arm,
NEPOHUALCO, a settlement of the province
of Cempoala in the time of the gentilism of the
Indians, and where the Chichimecos established
themselves when they left Chicomoztoc or Siete
Cuevas. They gave a name in their language
signifying Counter, since there they counted the
numbers of those who had arrived. They lived
on friendly terms with the ‘'Totonaques, a noble of
whom, named Xatontan, gave them clothes to
cover themselves with, also flesh of different ani.
mals, which they used to eat raw.
[NEPONSET, a river of Massachusetts, ori-
ginates chiefly from Muddy and Punkapog ponds
in Stoughton, and Mashapog pond in Sharon,
and after passing over falls sutlicient to carry mills,
unites with other small streams, and forms a very
constant supply of water for the many mills situated
on the river below, until it meets the tide in Mil-
ton, from whence it is navigable for vessels of 150
tons burden to Boston bay, distant about four miles,
8, by the
or annexed
us, in lat,
f Peru, is
dura river,
ocean by
here is no
by savages
t, as their
huropeans
nigh in the
h colonies,
as island is
and having
ce to cape
e river and
nada in N,
Superior.
‘the S. Pa-
the s. coast
ter on the
number of
cess Royal
James, the
or Queen
ies between
vince and
the n. of
cates by a
e province
ism of the
established
c or Siete
language
ounted the
hey lived
a noble of
clothes to
fterent ani-
isetts, ori-
pog ponds
in Sharon,
arry mills,
rms a very
Ils situated
ide in Mil-
ksels of 150
four miles,
NEU
There are six paper mills, besides many others of
different kinds, on this smail river, |
NEPOS, a settlement of the province aud corres
gimiento of Caxamarca in Peru,
NEQUE, an island of the N, sea; one of the
Lucayas ; to the e. of Babama,
NEQUEHUAYOCONDOR, a settlement of
the province and corregimiento of Guanta in Peru ;
annexed to the curacy of ‘Tambillo,
NERAGANSAT, a river of the province and
colony of New England in N, America,
[NERUKA, a port in the island of Cape Bre-
ton, where the French had a settlement.
{NESBI'T’S Harbour, on the coast of New Bri-
tain, in N. America, where the Moravians formed
a settlement in 1752; of the first party, some
were killed and others were driven away. i 1764,
they made another attempt under the protection of
the British government, and were well received
by the Esquimaux, and by the last account the
mission succeeded,
([NESCOPEC River falls into then. e. branch of
Susquehannah river, near the mouth of the creek
of that name, in Northumberland county, Penn-
sylvania, and opposite to the town of Berwick, 83
miles 2. w. of Philadelphia, and in lat. 41° 3’. An
Indian town, called Nescopec, formerly stood near
the site of Berwick. |
NESHIMENECK, a river of the colony and
province of Pennsylvania in N. America.
NESKY, a point on the coast of the province
of Sagadahook, one of those which form the great
bay of Penobscot.
[NETHERLANDS, New, is the tract now in-
cluded in the states of Now York, New Jersey,
and part of Delaware and Pennsylvania, and was
thus named by the Dutch. It passed first by con-
ta afterwards by treaty into the hands of the
dnglish.
NEU bea, a river of the province of Barcelona,
and government of Cumana, which rises in the
mountains of Bergantin, runs n. collecting the
waters of various others, and empties, much in-
creased, into the sea, between the cities of Barce-
lona and Cumana, but nearest to the former, form-
ing a port which was discovered by Geronimo de
Ortal.
[The Neueri lies 16 leagues e, of the Unare. Its
source is about 20 leagues s. of its mouth, ‘The
narrowness of its channel, and the waters it re-
ceives from other rivers, give it a rapidity and
force which defies all the efforts of navigation, un-
til a little above Bicosliay
NEUF Port, a new settlemeut of New I’rance
NEV 381
or Canada in N. America, on the shore of the
river S. Lawrence, with a good port, W. of
Quebec,
Nevr, another port, of Long Island, in the
province of New York, tothe s, and in the strait
which this island forms with the continent,
Nevur, a cape or point of land on the coast of
Newfoundland, between Cataline bay and cape
Lorian.
NEULTRA, or Nevuren, a narrow strait of
New N. Wales, in the reign of the Arctic pole,
between lat, 62° and 63° 2. discovered by Thomas
Roe, an Englishman.
(NEUS, a river of N. Carolina, which emptics
into Pamlico sound below the town of Newbern,
It is navigable tor sea vessels [2 miles above New-
bern, for scows 50 miles, and for small boats 260
miles. |
[NEUSTRA Senxsona, Bata pe, or Our
Lavy’s Bay, on the coast of Chile, on the 8, Pa-
cific ocean, in S. America, is 50 leagues from Co-
piapa, and 20s. s.w. of cape George. It is in-
different riding in this bay, asthe 2. w. winds blow
right in, and the gusts from the mountains are very
dangerous. |
NEVADA, a very lofty and extensive sierra
of the province and government of Santa Marta,
in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada. It is one of
the three arms or branches of the cordillera, of the
highest mountains traversing the whole of Ame-
rica for more than 2000 leagues. The third of
these branches begins in the province of Santa
Marta, runs through the kingdom of Tierra Firme,
narrowing between Panama and Portovelo, and
forming the isthmus which divides the two seas,
the: N. and S. and then extends itself along into
N. America and through the provinces of Nueva
[spana. These mountains of the sierra Nevada
abound in mines of gold and silver, exquisite and
bulky timber, strange birds and animals, the same
as will be found enumerated under the article
Annes, the same being a pant of the sierra ; butit
must be observed, that the climate of these moun-
tains varies considerably in the different kingdoms
and provinces through which they run,
NeEvapDA, a mountain perpetually covered with
snow, in the province and government of 'Tucu-
min in Peru, of the jurisdiction of the city of Cor-
doba, to the s.s.w. of this capital.
NEVADAS, some islands situate near the s,
coast of the strait of Magellan. ‘They are various,
and form the said coast from the mouth of the
channel of San Juan to Monday cape.
NEVAS, a barbarous nation of Indians of the
582 NEV
province and country of Las Amazonas; being
descendants of the Semigayes and inhabiting the
woods between the rivers ‘Tigre and Curaray.
[NEVERSINK Creek, a stream in the [larden-
berg patent, in Ulster county, New York. Onan
island in this creek Mr, Baker having cut down a
hollow beech tree, in March 1790, found near two
barrels full of chimney swallows in the cavity of
the tree. They were in a torpid state, but some
of them beiag placed near a fire, were pleasantly
reanimated by the warmth, and took wing with
their usual agility. |
(NEVIL Bay, on the w, shore of Hudson’s bay,
is nearly due w. a littie 2. from cape Digges and
Mansel island at the entrance into the bay. |
NEVIS, an island of the N.sea; one of the
Lesser Antilles; situate a league s. of the island S.
Christopher or Christoval. It is two leagues long
and one wide; is nothing but one lofty mountain,
the skirts of which are very feriile for the space of
half'a league and upwards, the soil losing its pro-
perty as it approaches the top.
At its first establishment it was very flour'shing,
and contained “%,000 inhabitants, but owimg to
what it suffered by the invasion of the French in
1706, and some epidemic distempers, as well as
some revolutions, its vopulation has been so much
diminished as to consist at the present day of no
more than 3000 whites, and 6 or 7000 Negro slaves.
It produces much cotton, sugar, and tobacco ;
these being the only articles of its commerce. The
natives have great credit in America, as being
active and industrious, and they are particularly
distinguishable for the cleanliness of their persons
and houses. It has some very good roads, which
lead to various small ports, at which are the towns
of Newcastle, Littleborough or Moreton, and
Charlestown, the capital. The island is divided
into three parishes or districts, and employs an-
nually in its trattic 20 vessels. ‘The money arising
from the exports of cotton and sugar to England in
1770 amounted to 44,0007. ; and the value of the
rum, lemons, and molasses was 14,0001. more. ‘The
French restored this istand to its former possessors
at th peace of Utrecht.
fi* is generally believed tbat Columbus be-
stowed on it the appellation of Nieves or the
Snews, from its resemblance to a mountain of
the same name in Spain, the top of which is
covered with snow; but it is not an improbable
conjecture, that in those days a white smoke
was seen to issue from the summit, which at a
distance hai a snow-like appearance, and that
it rather derived its name from thence. It is ge-
9
2
NEV
neraliy thought that the island was produced from
some volcanic explosion, as there is a hollow or
crater near the summit still visible, which contains
a hot spring strongly impregnated with sulphur;
and sulphur is frequently found in substance in
the neighbouring gullies and cavities of the earth,
The country is well watered, and the land in
general fertile, a small propurtion towards the
summit of the island excepted, which answers
however for the growth of ground provisions,
such as yams and other esculent vegetables. ‘I'he
soii is stony; the best is a loose black mould, on
a clay. In some places, the upper stratum isa
stiff clay, which requires labour, but properly di-
vided and pulverised, repays the labour bestowed
upon it, The general produce of sugar (its only
stale production) is one hogshead of sixteen
cwt. per acre from all the canes that are annually
cut, which being about 4000 acres, the return
of the whole is an equal number of hogsheads,
and this was the average fixed on by the French
government in 1782, as a rule for regulating the
taxes. Asat St. Christopher’s, the planters seldom
cut raloon canes.
‘This island, small as it is, is now divided into
five parishes, though perhaps only three at the
time Alcedo wrote. It contains, as he observes,
a town called Charlestown, the scat of government
and a port of entry, and there are two other ship-
ping places, called Indian-castle, and Newcastle.
The principal fortification is at Charlestown, and
is called Charles fort. The commandant is ap-
pointed by the crown, but receives a salary from
the island.
The government, which is included in that of
the Leeward Charaibean islands, in the absence of
the governor-general, is administered by the presi-
dent of the council. This board is composed of
the president, and six other members. The house
of assembly consists of 15 representatives ; three
for each parish.
The administration of common law is under the
guidance of a chief justice, and two assistant
judges, and there is an office for the registry of
deeds.
The number of white inhabitants in 1798 did
not exceed 600, while the Negroes amounted to
about 10,000 ; a disproportion which necessarily
converts all such white men as are not exempted
by age or cecrepitude, into a well-regulated
militia, among which there is a troop consisting
of 50 horse, well mounted and accoutred. LEng-
lish forces, on the British establishment, they have
none. |
iced frona
hollow or
ih contains
sulphur ;
bstance in
he earth.
e land in
vards the
) answers
rovisions,
les. ‘The
mould, on
alum isa
operly di-
bestowed
r (its only
yf sixteen
annually
the retarn
ogsheads,
he French
ating the
ers seldom
vided into
ree at the
observes,
overnment
ther ship-
Newcastle,
town, and
ant is aps
lary from
in that of
absence of
the presi-
mposed of
‘he house
es; three
under the
assistant
egistry of
1798 did
ounted to
necessarily
exempted
sregulated
consisting
ed. Eng-
they have
NEV
[The English first established themselves in this
island in the year 1628, under the protection and
encouragement of Sir Thomas Warner; but it
was under the administration of his immediate suc-
cessor, Mr. Lake, that Nevis rose to opulence and
importance. He made this island the place of his
residence, and it flourished beyond example. It is
said, that about the year 1640, it pussessed 4000
whites: so powerfully are mankind invited by the
advantages of a mild and equitable system of go-
vernment. ‘The inhabitants of this little island,
observes Mr, Bryan Edwards, live amidst the
beauties of an eternal spring, beneath a sky serene
and unclouded, and in a spot inexpressibly beauti-
ful.
NEW 383
In the report of the privy council on the slave
trade in 1788, the British property vested iw this
island is estimated at 30,000 taxed acres of
patented estates, and the Negroes are computed at
S000, at 50/. each Negro.
By return to house of commons 1806, the hogs-
heads of sugar of 13 cwt. exported, were as follows,
In 1789, 4000
1799, 3850
1805, 2400
The official value of the imports and exports of
Nevis were, in
Imports. Exports.
1809, € 389,062 £20,500
1810, £126,443 11,764.
And the quantities of the principal articles imported into Great Britain were, in
Coffee. - =
Brit. Plant. | For. Plant. | Brit. Plant. | For. Plant.
Cwt. Cwt. Cwt.
1809, — 31 60,872
1810, 18 —_ 87,393
A detailed account of the vessels, &c. that have
cleared outwards from this island between January
1807, and January 1808, with their cargoes, is in-
cluded in the island Montserrat.
According to what has been above stated, the
population of this island amounted, in 1640, to
4000 whites besides Negroes; in 1780, to 3000
whites and 6 or 7000 Negroes, and in 1798, to
600 whites and 10,000 Negroes. The first and
last of these accounts are derived from Bryan
Edwards, the former from our author Algedo.
The following statements are official,
By report of the privy council in 1788, and by a
subsequent estimate, the population of Nevis
amounted to
Years, Whites. People of Slaves.
Colour,
In 1787 1514 140 8420
1805 | 1300 150 8000 |
The import of slaves into Nevis by report of
privy council 1788, at a medium of four years,
and by a reiurn to house of commons in 1805, at a
medium of two years to 1803, was
_ Sugar.
Rum. Cotton Wool.
———
Cwt, Galls. Lhs.
— 59,478 17,463
_ 67,010 11,160
Average of Imports. | Re-exports. | Retained,
Four yearsto 1787} 544
Two years to 1803] 228
—_—
544
228
—
The middle of this island is in lat. 17° 8’ n. and
long. 62° 38' w. ]
Nevis, a small lake of Canada in N. America,
between that of Natovagamiou and the river St.
Lawrence.
[NEW, a river of N. Carolina, which empties,
after a short course, into the ocean, through New
River inlet. Its mouth is wide and shoal. It
abounds with mullet during the winter season. ]
‘New AsBion, a name given to a country of
indefinite limits, on the w. coast of N. America,
lying x. of California. See Anpion.
[New Anpavusia, a province of Tierra Firme,
S. America, lying on the coast of the N. sea, op-
posite to the Leeward islands; bounded by the
river Orinoco on thew. This country is called
Paria by some writers. Its chief town is St.
Thomas. Some gold mines were discovered here
in 1785. }
[New Annover, a settlement in York county,
district of Maine, which contains, including Hi-
ram and Potterfield, 214 inhabitants. ]
‘
cae
~ ep AN aka SNe «ean EIEN
384 NEW
(New Anticarta, atown of New Spain, 34
leagues n. of Acapulco. |
New ANTIGUERA, an episcopal city of New
Spain, in the province of Guaxaca, erected into a
bishopric by Paul IIT. 1547. It has a noble cathe-
dral, supported by marble pillars. ]
[New Atuens, or Tioca Point, stands on the
osteroad from Cooperstown to Williamsburg, in
Lusethe county, Pennsylvania, on the point of
land formed by the confluence of Tioga river with
the e. branch of Susquehannah river, in lat. 41°
54’ and long. 76° 32'w. and about three miles s.
of the New York line, 16 miles s. e. by e. of
Newtown in New York, 14s. w. of Owego, and
82s. w. of Cooperstown. |
[New Barpapoes, atownshipin Bergen coun-
ty, New Jerscy. |
New Beprorpb, a post-town and port of entry
in Bristol county, Massachusetts, situated on a
small bay which sets up 7. from Buzzard’s bay, 45
miles s. of Boston. The township was incorpo-
rated in 1787, and is 13 miles in length and four in
breadth ; bounded e. by Rochester, w. by Dart-
mouth, of which it was originally a part, and s.
by Buzzard’s bay. Acchusnutt was the Indian
name of New Bedford, and the small river of thau
name, discovered by Gosnold in 1602, runs from
n. to s. through the township, and divides the vil-
laces of Oxford and Fairhaven from Bedford vil-
lage. A company was incorporated in 1796, for
building a bridge across this river. From the head
to the mouth of the river is seven or eight miles,
Fairhaven and Bedford villages are a mile apart,
and a ferry constantly attended is established be-
tween them. The harbour is very safe, in some
places 17 or 18 feet of water; and vessels of 3 or
400 tons lie at the wharfs. Its mouth is formed
by Clark’s neck on the w. side, and Sconticutt
pointortheother. An island between these points
renders the entrance narrow, in five fathoms water,
High water at full and change of the moon 3
minutes after seven o’clock, Dartmouth is the
safest place to lie at with an e. wind ; but at New
Bedford you will lie safe at the wharfs, ‘The river
has plenty of small fish, and a short way from its
mouth they catch cod, bass, black fish, sheep’s
head, &c. ‘The damage done by the British to
this town in 1778 amounted to the value of 97,0000.
it is now in a flourishing state. In the township
are a post-office, a printing-office, three meetings
for Friends, and three for Congregationalists, and
3313 inhabitants. ‘The exports to the different
States and to the W. Indies for one year, ending
September 30, 1794, amounted to 82,085 dollars.
It is 218 miles 2. e. by e. of Philadelphia. ]
N E W
aly Biscay, a province in the audience of
Galicia in Old Mexico or New Spain. It is said
to be 100 leagues from e. to w. and 120 from n, to
s. (tis a well watered and fertile country, Man
of th» inhabitants are rich, not only in corn, cattle
&c. but alsu in silver mines, See Viscay., j ;
{New Boston, a township in Hillsborough
county, New Hampshire, about 70 miles w. of
Portsmouth. It was incorporated in 1763, and
contains 1202 inhabitants. ]
[New Braintree, a township in Worcester
county, Massachusetts. consisting of about 13,000
acres of land, taken from Braintree, Brookfield, and
Hardwick, and was incorporated in 1751. It
contains 490 inhabitants, mostly farmers, and lies
17 ue n, w. of Worcester, and 50 n. w. of Bos-
ton.
(New Brarrain, See America, Lapravor
and Briraty, New. ] :
[New Briain, a township in Buck’s county,
Pennsylvania. ]
[New Brunswick, in the state of New York,
is situated on Paltz kill, about eight miles s. w. of
New Paltz, and 69 x. of New York city. ]
[New Brunswick, in Middlesex county, New
Jersey. See Brunswick.
[New Brunswick, a British province in N.
America, the 2. w. part of Nova Scotia; bounded
w. by the district of Maine, trom which it is sepa-
rated by the river St. Croix, and a line drawn due
n. from its source to the Canada line, n. by the s.
boundary of the province of Lower Canada, until it
touches the sea-shore at the w. extremity of Chaleur
bay; then following the various windings of the
sea-shore to the bay of Verte, in the. straits of
Northumberland : on the s, e. it is divided from
Nova Scotia by the several windings of the Missi-
quash river, from its confluence with Beau basin
(at the head of Chegnecto channel) to its main
source; and from thence by a due e. line to the
bay of Verte. ‘The », shores of the bay of Fundy
constitute the remainder of the s. boundary. All
islands included in the above limits belong to this
province. According to Arrowsmith’s map, it is
about 200 miles long and 170 broad. The chief
towns are St. John’s, at the mouth of the river of
the same name; St. Anne’s, the present seat of go-
vernment, 62 miles up the river; and Fredcricks-
town, a few miles above St. Anne’s. The chief
rivers are St. John’s, Merrimichi, Petitcodiac,
Memramcook, Ristigouche, and Nipisiguit. The
coast of this province is indented with numcrous
bays and commodious harbours, the chief are Cha-
leur, Merrimichi, Verti, which last is separated
from the bay of Fundy by a narrow isthmus of
udience of
It is said
from n. to
ty. Many
orn, Cattle,
AY. |
Usborough
iles w. of
1763, and
Worcester
out 13,000
k field, and
1751. it
s, and lies
w. of Bos-
ABRADOR,
k’s county,
New York,
iles s. w. of
y-]
munty, New
ince in N.
1; bounded
h it is sepa-
> drawn due
m. by the s.
ada, until it
y of Chaleur
lings of the
he straits of
vided from
” the Missi-
Beau basin
o its main
line to the
y of Fundy
dary. All
long to this
map, it is
The chiet
he river of
t seat of go-
Fredcricks-
The chief
etitcodiac,
Biguit. ‘The
1 numcrous
ief are Cha-
is separated
isthmus of
NEW BRUNSWICK. 385
fabout 18 miles wide ; bay of Fundy, which extends
50 leagues into the country; Chegnecto bay, at
the head of the bay of Fundy; Passamaquoddy
bay, bordering upon the district of Maine. At
the entrance of this bay is an island granted to
several gentlemen in Liverpool, in Lancashire,
who named it Campo Bello, Ata very consider-
ble expence they attempted to form a settlement
here, but failed. On several other islands in this
bay there are settlements made by people from
Massachusetts. Here are numerous lakes, as yet
without names. Grand lake, near St. John’s river,
is 30 miles long and eight or ten broad ; and in
some places 40 fathoms deep,
The general assembly of this province have
granted to the crown the sum of 10,000J. in aid of
the defence of the province, in the present hostili-
ties with the United States. The ordinary revenues
of the colony do not exceed 6000/. a year. But we
cannot give a better view of the trade and resources
of this colony and its interests compared with,
and opposed to, those of the United States, than
by the publication of the following authentic docu-
ment, transmitted to this government in 1804, viz.
6 The Memorial and Petition of the Merchants
and other Inhabitants of New Brunswick, to
Lod Hobart,
¢ Humbly sheweth,
¢ That after the settlement of this province by
the American loyalists in the year 1783, its inha-
bitants eagerly engaged in endeavouring to supply
with fish and lumber the British possessions in the
West Indies, and by their exertions they had,
within the first 10 years, built 93 square-rigged
vessels, and 71 sloops and schooners, which were
principally employed in that trade. ‘There was
the most flattering prospect that this trade would
have rapidly increased, when the late war break-
ing out, the governors of the West India islands
admitted, by proclamation, the vessels of the
United States of America to supply them with
every thing they wanted; by which means the
rising trade of this province has been materially
injured, and the enterprising spirit of its inhabi-
tants severely checked. For the citizens of the
United States, having none of the evils of war to
encounter, are not subject to the high rates of in-
surance on their vessels and cargoes, nor to the
ereat advance in the wages of seamen, to which,
by the imperious circumstances of the times, Bris
tish subjects are unavoidably liable. And being
admitted by proclamation, they are thereby ex-
einpt from a transient and parochial duty of two
and a half to five per cent, exacted in the West
India islands from British subjects,
VOL, Wl,
* Admission into the British ports in the West
Indies having been once obtained by the Americans,
their government has spared neither pains nor ex
pence to increase their fisheries, so essential to that
trade. By granting a bounty of nearly 20s. pex
ton on all vessels employed in the cod fishery, they
have induced numbers to turn their attention to
that business, and now the principal part of the
cod fishery in the bay of Fundy is engrossed by
them.
‘ 'The county of Charlotte being separated from
the United States only by a navigable river, the
Americans have, under the foregoing advantages,
been enabled to carry offannually (to be reshipped
for the West lndia market) nearly three millions of
fect of boards cut in that part of this province, and
also a large proportion of the fish caught and
cured by British subjects in the bay of Passama-
guoddy.
‘ These discouraging circumstances have pre-
vented the trade in tish and lumber from this pros
vince to the West Indies from increasing since the
year 1793, and would have totally annihilated it,
had not the province possessed advantages in point
of situation so favourable for that trade, as {o enable
its inhabitants to continue the establishments al-
ready made for that purpose. What those ad-
vantages are, your memorialists now beg leave ta
state to your Lordship.
© 'The sea-coast of this province abounds with
cod and scale fish, and its rivers are annually
visited by immense shoals of herrings, shad, and
salmon, ‘The numerous harbours along the coast:
are most conveniently situated for carrying on the
cod fishery, which may be prosecuted to any ex-
tent imaginable. The herrings which frequent
the rivers of this province are a species peculiarly
adapted for the West India market ; being equally
nutritious with the common herrings, and possessed
ofa greater degree of firmness, they are capable of
being kept longer in a warm climate. t such
abundance are they annually to be found, that the
quantity cured can only be limited by the insufi-
cient number of hands employed in the business,
‘The interior of this province, as well as the
parts bordering on the sea-coast, is every where
intersected by rivers, creeks, and lakes, on the mar-
gin of which, or at no great distance from them,
the country for the most part is covered with inex-
haustible forests of pine, spruce, birch, beech,
maple, elm, fir, and other timber, proper for masts
of any size, lumber, and ship-building, The
smaller rivers afford excellent situations for saw-
mills, and every stream, by the melting of the
snow in the spring, is rendered deep enough to}
3D
;
AL CIMOC IS gu BT MMOO NC o's
nt ten SSSA tt aan tat
386 N E W
[float down the masts and lumber of every descrip-
tion, which the inhabitants have cut and brought
to its banks, during the long and severe winters of
this climate, when their agricultural pursuits are
necessarily suspended. ‘The lands in the interior
of the province ate gencrally excellent, and where
ckeared, have proved very productive.
© Great advances have not hitherto been made
in agriculture for want of a suailicient number of
inhabitants, yet within a few years there has re-
mained, beyond our domestic supply, a consider-
able surplus in horses, salted provisions, and but-
ter, for exportation, And your memorialists look
forward with confidence te a rapid increase in the
exports of those articles, for which the soil and
climate of this country are well adapted.
Possessing so many local advantages, your me-
morialists feel themselves warranted in stating to
your Lordship, that, were not the Americans ad-
mitted into the British ports in the West Indies,
the fisheries of this and the neighbouring colonies,
if duly encouraged, would, with the regular sup-
ly from the united kingdoms, furnish the British
West India islands with all the fish they would
require ; and that in a few years the supply of
lumber from this province, which already exceeds
10,000,000 of fect annually, would with the ex-
ception of staves only be equal to the demand in
the said islands. And your memorialists far-
ther confidently state, that these provinces would
furnish shipping sufficient tocarry from the United
States all the flour, corn, and staves, which the
British West Indies would stand in need of be-
yond what the Canadian provinces could furnish,
¢ During the peace from 1783 to 1793, Ameri-
can vessels were not admitted into the British West
India islands, (the whole trade of those islands
being carried on during: that period in British
bottoms), and at no time have the supplies been
more abundant or more reasonable. Were the
Americans excluded from those islands, this and
the neighbouring provinces could now furnish a
much larger proportion than formerly of the sup=
plies required, and a rapid and progressive in-
crease might annually be expected. But should
the Americans obtain by treaty a right to partici-
pate in that trade, not only will the farther pro-
gress of improvement in this province be inter-
rupted, but many of its most industrious inhadi-
tants, unable to procure a subsistence here, will be
urged to forego the blessings of the British consti-
tution, to which they are most sincerely and zca-
lously attached, and to seek for an establishment in
the United States of America. That great advan-
tages would result to the British nation from pro-
NEW
viding a sure and permanent supply of those essen.
tial articles for its West India islands, independent
of foreign assistance, must be obvious. ‘The in-
habitants of those islands, forming commercial
connections only with their fellow-subjects, would
continue the more unalterably attached in their
dutiful affection and loyalty to the parent state;
and there would be the less reason to dread the
consequences of any misunderstanding that might
hereafter arise between Great Britain and the
Usted States of America. ‘The introduction into
the West Indies of contraband articles, particu.
larly teas, and all kinds of East India manufac.
tures, (a traffic which the Americans now carry
on to an cnormous extent), would thereby be
checked, and the whole benefit of the trade of those
islands secured to British subjects. If thus aided
and supported against the views of the Americans,
the trade of these x. provinces would speedily ac-
quire new and increasing vigour, and (which may
be an important consideration) soon render them
valuable nurseries of seamen for the British navy,
that grand security to the commerce and prosperity
of his Majesty’s kingdoms and colonies.
* Your memoriali:is therefore most humbly
pray, &c.
‘ Saint John, New Brunswick, 11th May,
1804.”
See Canana, Sr. Joun’s River, &c. |
[New Caveponia, the name given by thie
Scotch to the ill-fated settlement which that nation
formed on the isthmus of Darien, and on the s. w,
side of the gulf of that name. — It is situated e. of
of the narrowest part of ihe isthmus which is be-
tween Panama and Porto Bello, and ties s.e. of
the latter city. ‘The settlement was formed in 1698,
See Darien. |
New Canton, a small town lately established
in Buckingham county, Virginia, on the s. side of
James’s river, 41 miles above Richmond. It con-
tains a few houses, and a ware-house for inspecting
tobacco. |
New Caruisie. See Bonaventure. |
New-Casrir, the most 2. county of Dela-
ware state. Itis about 40 miles in length and 20
in breadth, and contains 19,686 inhabitants, in-
cluding 2562 slaves. Here are two snuff-mills, a
slitting-mill, four paper-mills, 60 for grinding
different kinds of grain, and several fulling-mills.
The chief towns of this county are Wilmington
and New-Castle. ‘The land is more broken than
any other part of the state. The heights of Chris-
tiana are lofty and commanding.
[New-Castxe, a post-town and the scat of
justice of the above county. It is situated on the
ose essen.
dependent
The in-
ommercial
os, would
1 in. their
ent state ;
dread the
that might
- and the
iction into
» particu.
manuface
now carry
hereby be
de of those
thus aided
Americans,
peedily ac-
which may
nder them
itish navy,
prosperity
st humbly
llth May,
0 by the
that nation
ym the s. a.
uated e. of
hich is be-
ies s.e. of
ed in 1698.
established
bes. side of
}. It con-
inspecting
IRE. |
y of Dela-
eth and 20
vitants, ins
hufFemills, a
r grinding
lling-mills.
Vilmington
roken than
is of Chris-
ted on the
he scat of
NE W
w. side of Delaware river, five miles s. of Wil-
mington, and Qos. w. of Philadelphia. It con-
tains about 70 houses, a court-house, and goal; a
church for Episcopalians and another for Presby-
terians. This is the oldest townon Delaware river,
having been settled by the Swedes, about the year
1627, who called it Stockholm, after the metropo-
lis of Sweden. When it fell into the hands of the
Dutch, it received the name of New Ainsterdam ;
and the English, when they took possession of the
country, gave it the name of New-Castle. It was
Jntely on the deeliae; but now it begins to flourish,
Piers ave to be built, which will afford a safe re-
treat to vessels during the winter season, These,
when completed, will add considerably to its ad-
vantages. [ft was incorporated in 1672, by the
governor of New York, and was for many years
under the management of a bailiff and six assistants.
Lat. 59° 40! n. |
[Nuw-Casrie, a township in West Chester
County, New York, taken from North Castle in
1791, and incorporated, In 1796, thére were 151
of the inhabitants qualified clectors. |
New-Castne, a small town in the county of
Rockingham, New Hampshire, eight miles dis-
tant from Portsmouth, was incorporated in 1693,
and contains 534 inhabitants. ]
([New-Castie, a small post-town in Lincoln
county, district of Maine, situated between Da-
mariscotta and Skungut rivers. It is 10 miles e.
of Wiscasset, 38 n. e. of Portland, and eight 2. by
e. of Boston. ‘The township contains 896 inhabi-
tants. |
[New-Castee, a post-town of Hanover county,
Virginia ; situated at the mouth of Assequin creck,
onthe s,w. side of Pamunky river, and contains
about 36 houses. It is 41 miles ». w. of Wiliams-
burgh, 19%. ¢. of Richmond, and 170 from Phie
ladelphia. |
,[New Cirestre, a township in Grafton county,
New Hampshire ; situated on the w. side of Pe-
migewasset river. It was incorporated in 1778,
and contains 512 inhabitants. It is about 11 miles
below the town of Plymouth. |
[New Concord, formerly called Gunthwaite,
a township in Gratton county, New Hampshire,
on Amonoosuck river, and was incorporated in
1768, and contains 147 inhabitants. ]
[New Conrsupa, a town of the province of
Tucaman in S, America. |
New Cornwatt, a township in Orange coun-
ty, New York; bounded x. by Ulster county,
and e. by Hudson’s river and Haverstraw. It
contains 4225 inhabitants, inclusive of 167 slaves. |
NEW 387
[New Duseiy, a township in Lunenburg
county, Nova Scotia; situated on Mahone bay ;
first settled by Irish, and afterwards by Ger-
mans. |
[New Duruam, in Strafford county, New
Hampshire, lies on the e. coast of Winnepisseoga
lake, w. of Merry-Meeting bay, nearly 40 miles
vw, of Portsmouth. Incorporated in 1762, hay-
ing 5o4 inhabitants. |
[New Epinspurcu, a new settlement in Nova
Scotia. |
New EnGuann, a province and colony which
belonged to the English in N. America, and at
present one of those composing the republic of the
United States, being one of the most flourishing of
all the establishments belonging to the English in
that part of the world: bounded x. ec. by Nova
Scotia, ¢. and s. by the Atlantic, w. by New
York, anda. and a, w. by Canada or New France,
Itis 450 miles long and nearly 200 wide at its
broadest part; but the cultivated part, and that
which deserves most to be mentioned, is somewhat
more than 60 miles in extent from the coast. ‘The
first discoverer of this country was Sebastian Ga-
bot in 1497, and in 1587 it was taken possession
of in the name of Queen Elizabeth, of England, by
Philip Amadas and Arthur Barlow. In the fol-
lowing year a colony was brought hither by Rich.
ard Grenville, who gave it the name of New Ply-
mouth.
In 1621 many Puritans flocked hither, who,
flying from the religious persecutions in Lneland
under King James I, went over to Hollan!, but
not finding there the reception they looked for,
fixed on this part of America, where the ereater
part of them perished the first winter through the
rigour of the scason, being without food or cloths
ing; the rest, however, surmounted these difficule
ties, and the colony began to increase and flourish
about the year 16Y9.
Next followed a ferment between the Quakers,
Anabaptists, and the other religious sects, which
caused a kind of civil war. It was then that a
disorder arose froma charge against certain Puri-
tans of witcherafi, when in order to take cogni-
sance of these offences, a tribunal was erected, at
which, by the mere impeachment, an infinite num.
ber were ordered to be put to death, the governor
being William Phipps, a man of low extraction,
and who, in his religious zeal, spared neither age,
sex, or condition.
This province had the privilege of electing for
itself a governor, magistrates, &c. but having
abused the same, it was taken from it by Charles
3D2
388 NEW ENGLAND.
II. king of England, in 1684; but some time after
the revolution, which had led to this precaution,
it was again granted, though with less licence.
The climate, compared with that of Virginia, is
like that of the s. of ngland, compared with the
e. part, and notwithstanding that it is in the torrid
zone, itis very irregular, neither very hot nor very
cold, and the air is healthy. When the English
first entered it, it was an immense wood, of which
only some small parts had been cleared by the In-
dians for sowing maize, but it did not want for
fertile and well irrigated valleys. The land im-
medi..tely on the coast is generally low, and in some
parts swampy, but about half way it begins to rise
into hills, and in the 2. ¢, part it is even moun-
tainous.
Few countries are so fertile in rivers, lakes, and
springs as this; the former abound in excellent
fish, and there are seven of them navigable for
many leagues, and would be for morc, were it not
for the innumerable eascailes and cataracts, The
names of these rivers are, Connecticut, ‘Thames,
Patuxet, Merrimack, Piscataway, Saco, and Cask ;
and, besides these, in the e. part, Sagadohock,
Kenebec, Penobscot, and many others, to the ads
vantages of which may be attributed the great num-
ber of populous cities found here: besides, in the
spaces between the above rivers the ground is so
irrigated with streams and fountains, that it is al-
most impossible to stir 12 feet without finding goou
sweet water.
New England produces cod-fish in great abun-
dance, fish-oil, whales, cedar-wood, tallow, salt
meat, maize, neat cattle, and swine; pulse and
fruit of all kinds, masts and yard-arms for vessels,
woods of infinite sorts, many fine skins of castors,
hares, rabbits, and other animals, of which they
make fine hats and various woven articles. All
these things provided New England with a plen-
tiful means of carrying on a great trade with all
the nations of Europe and others in America, and
there used, previously to its independence, to enter
every year regularly into ifs ports more than a
thousand vessels. New England is divided into
four provinces, which are, Connecticut, Massa-
chusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire ;
and these contain more than 350,000 souls.
[ New England, or as it is now generally known
under the title of Northern and Eastern States, lies
between lat. 41° and about 48° 2. and between
long. 66° 53’ and 74° 8' w. It lies in the form of
a quarter of acircle. Its w. line beginning at the
mouth of Byram river, which empties into Long
Isiand sound, at the s.w. corner of Connecticut,
lat. 41°, runs a little ¢. of 2. ‘intil it strikes the 45°
of latitude; and then curves to the ¢. almost
to the gulf of St. Lawrence. ‘this grand division
of the United States comprehends the states of
Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, (in-
cluding the district of Maine,) Rhode Island and
Providence planiations, and Connecticut.
The climate of New England is so healthful
that it is estimated that about one in seven of the
inhabitants live to the age of 70 years ; and about
one in 13 or 14 to 80 and upwards. North-west,
w. and s. w. winds are the most prevalent. East and
n.e. winds, which are unclastic and disagrecable,
are frequent at certain seasons of the year, particu.
larly in Apriland May, on the sca-coasts. The
weather is less variable than in the middle, and
especially in the s, states, and more so than in Ca-
nada, ‘The extremes of heat and cold, according
to Fahrenheit’s thermometer, are from 20° below
to 100° above 0. The medium is from 48° to 50°.
The diseases most prevalent in New England are
alvine fluxes, St. Antony’s fire, asthma, atrophy,
catarrh, cholic, inflammatory, slow, nervous, and
mixed fevers, pulmonary consumption, quinsy,
and rheumatism. A late writer has observed, that
‘¢ in other countries, men are divided according to
their wealth or indigence, into three classes ; the
opulent, the middling, and the poor ; the idleness,
luxuries, and debaucheries of the first, and the
misery and too frequent intemperance of the last,
destroy the greater proportion of these two. The
intermediate class is below those indulgencies
which prove fatal to the rich, and above those
sufferings to which the unfortunate poor fall vic-
tims : this is therefore the happiest division of the
three. Of the rich and poor, the American re-
public furnishes a much smaller proportion than
any other district of the known world. In Con-
necticut, particularly, the distribution cf wealth
and its concomitants, is more equal than elsewhere,
and therefore, as far as excess, or want of wealth,
may prove destructive or salutary to life, the in-
habitants of this state may plead exemption from
diseases.” What this writer, Dr. Foulke, says of
Connecticut in particular, will, with very few cx-
ceptions, apply to New Lngland at large.
New Lngland is a high, hilly, and in some
parts a mountainous country, formed by nature to
be inhabited by a hardy race of free, independent
republicans, The mountains are comparatively
small, running nearly 2. and s. in ridges parallel
to each other. Between these ridges, flow the
great rivers in majestic meanders, receiving the in-
numerable rivulets and larger streams which pro- |
Q
es the 45°
ce. almost
d division
» states of
setts, (in-
island and
Le
healthful
‘ven of the
and about
orth-west,
» Eastand
sagrecable,
r, particu.
asts. The
iddle, and
than in Cas
according
20° below
48° to 50°.
ngland are
1, atrophy,
vous, and
n, quinsy,
erved, that
ccording to
lasses 5 the
he idleness,
st, and the
of the last,
two. The
idulgencies
above those
bor fall vice
ision of the
nerican re-
ortion than
In Con-
r ef wealth N
nh elsewhere,
of wealth,
life, the ins
\ption from
lke, says of
ery few cx-
ge.
id in some
by nature to
ndependent
nparatively
ges parallel
s, flow the
ving the in-
Which pro- |
NEW ENGLAND. 389
[ceed from the mountains on each side, Toa spec-
tator on the top of » neighbouring mountain, the
vales between the ridges, while in a state of nature,
exhibit a romantic appearance. ‘They sccm an
ocean of woods, swelled and depressed in its sur-
face like that of the great ocean itself. A richer,
though less romantic, view is presented when the
valleys have been cleared of their natural growth
by the industrious husbandmen, and the fruit of
their labour appears in loaded orchards, extensive
meadows covered with large herds of sheep and
neat catile, and rich fields of flax, corn, and the
various kinds of grain, These valleys are of vari-
ous breadths, from two to 20 miles; and by
the annual inundations of the rivers and smaller
streams which flow through them, there is fre.
quently an accumulation of rich, fat soil left upon
the surface when the waters retire, The principal
rivers have been already mentioned. New Eng-
land, generally speaking, is better adapted for
grazing than for, ‘ain, though a sutlicient quantity
of the latter is raised for home consumption, if we
except wheat, which is imported in considerable
quantitics from the middle and s. states. Indian
corn, rye, oats, barley, buck-wheat, flax, and
hemp, generally succeed very well. Apples are
common, and in general plenty in New England ;
and cider constitutes the principal drink of the in-
habitants. Peaches do not thrive so well as for-
merly. ‘The other common fruits are more or less
cultivated in different parts. ‘The high and rocky
ground is in many parts covered with clover, and
gencraly affords the best of pasture ; and here are
raised some of the finest cattle in the world. The
quantity of butter and cheese made for exportation
is very great, Considerable attention has lately
been paid to the, raising of sheep. This is the
most populous division of the United States.
It contained, according to the census of 1790,
1,909,522 souls; and the number, according to
the census of 1810, was as follows, viz.
Souls.
In Vermont, : : - 217,913
New Hampshire, - - Q14,414
Massachusetts, : - 472,040
Maine, - - - 228,705
Rhode Island and Providence planta-
tions, - - - 76,931
Connecticut, - - - 261,942
Total, 1,471,945
The great body of these are landholders and cul-
tivators of the soil. As they possess, in fee simple,
the farms which they cultivate, they are naturally
attached to their country: the cultivation of the
soil makes them robust and healthy, and enabler
them to defend it. New England may, with pro-
pricty, be called a nursery of men, whence are an-
nually transplanted, into other parts of the United
States, thousands of its natives. Vast nuibers of
them, since the war, have emigrated into the n.
varts of New York, into Kentucky and the W.
Territory, and into Georgia, and some are scat-
tered into every state and every town of note in
the union.
The inhabitants of New England are, almost
universally, of English descent; and it is owing
to this circumstance, and to the great and general
attention that has been paid to education, that the
English language has been preserved among them
so free from corruption. Learning is diffused
more universally, among all ranks of people here,
than in any other part of the globe; arising from
the excellent establishment of schools in almost
every township, and the extensive circulation of
newspapers. ‘he first attempt to form a regular
settlement in this country was at Sagadahock, in
1607, but the year after, the whole number who
survived the winter returned to England. ‘The
first company that laid the foundation of the New
England states, planted themselves at Plymouth,
November 1620. The founders of the colony con-
sisted of but 101 souls. In 1640, the importation
of settlers ceased. The persecution of which Al-
cedo speaks (the motive which had led to trans-
portation to America) was over, by the change of
affairs in England, At this time the number of
passengers who had come over, in 298 vessels,
from the beginning of the colony, amounted to
21,200 men, women, and children ; perhaps about
4000 families. In 1760, the number of inhabi-
tants in Massachusetts bay, New Hampshire, Con-
necticut, and Rhode Island, amounted, probably,
to 500,000. For a copious history of the states
included in New England, see Index to additional
history concerning 5 ee |
List of the capes, points, bays, and ports, on the
coast of New England.
Point of Pemaquid, Cape Cod,
Little points Gooseberry point,
Cape Elizabeth, Point Watch,
Cape Porpus, Cape Sachem,
Cape Nidduck, Lion’s Tongue,
Cape York, Cape Anne,
Lock’s point,
Great Boar point,
Mount Pizeon,
Cape Pullin,
Cape Gurnet,
Point Murray,
Cape Alderton,
Cape Monument,
Point Billingsgate,
Cape Pamet,
Point Ninigret,
Point Black,
2 -
=
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SiS ore TEs.
ee
—
i ae
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a
= pela
om
in See
—
<= Sasi:
st ¢
ere
eee
SS
——
SS
— - —~~eap) ores oe
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390 N EW
South point, Harrascket,
Cape Poge, Litile bay,
Cape Nathan, Oyster River,
Cape Marshfield, Clerks,
Sandy point, Fairticld,
Race point, Calko,
Cape Malabar, Massachusetts,
Point Quakhoragok, Long Island,
Pipe point, Mervy-mecting,
Point Hemunaseth, Broad-coye,
Long Neck point. Sandy,
Bays. Falmouth,
Penobscot, Nathantick,
Sawko, Tarpaulin,
Cod and Plymouth, Ports.
Connecticut, Winter,
Mussequoif, Konochaset,
Ioxeter, New Haven,
Nahunt, Piscataqua,
Naskintucket, Scituate,
Guilford, Ship,
Homes, Cape Anne,
Kennebeck, Yarmouth,
Wells, Old Town,
Narraganset, Boston,
Winipisoketpond, Slokom.
New Farrriewn, the north-westernmost town-
ship in Fairfield county, Connecticut. ]
[New Fane, the chief town of Windham
county, Vermont, is situated on West. river, a
little to the x.w. of Brattleborough. It has 660
inhabitants. ]
[New Garven, a township in Chester county,
Pennsylvania. ]
(New Garpen, a settlement of the Friends in
Guildford county, N. Carolina. |
[New Geneva, asettlement in Payette county,
Pennsylvania. |
[New Germantown, a post-town of New
Jersey ; situated in Hunterdon county. It is 19
miles 2. «@. of Brunswick, 302. of ‘Trenton, and
46 n. e. by n. of Philadephia. ]
New Grovcester, a small post-town in Cum-
berland county, district of Maine, 25 miles 2. of
Portland, and L10 7. by e. of Boston. It was in-
corporated in 1774, and contains 1355 inhabi-
tants. |
[ New Go1tinGen, atown of Georgia 3 situated
in Burke county, on the w. bank of Savannah
river, about 18 miles c. of Waynesborough, and
35 n.e, of Ebenezer. |
[Niw Granapba, a province in the s, division
of ‘Tierra Firme, S. America, whose chief town is
Santa Fe de Bagota. See Cipota. ]
{New GrantuaM, a township in Cheshire
NEW
county, New Hampshire, was incorporated in
1761, and contains 333 inhabitants, and is about
15 miles s. e. of Dartmouth ostnage)
[New Hamesuire, one of the United States of
America, is situated between lat, 42° 38/ and 45°
18’ n. and between long. 70° 42! and 72° 39’ w,
from Greenwich ; bounded 2. by Lower Canada,
¢. by the district of Maine, s, by Massachusetts,
and w. by Connecticut river, which separates it
from Vermont. Its shape is nearly that of a right
angled triangle; the district.of Maine and the
sea its leg, the line of Massachusetts its perpendi-
cular, and Connecticut river its hypothenuse. — It.
contains 9491 square miles, or 6,074,240 acres; of
which at least 100,000 acres are water. — Its length
is 162 miles; its greatest breadth 78, and its least
breadih 15 miles.
This state is divided into five counties, viz.
Rockingham, Strafford, Cheshire, Hillsborough,
and Grafton, ‘The chief towns are Portsmouth,
Exeter, Concord, Dover, Amherst, Keen, Charles-
town, Plymouth, and Haverhill. Most of the town-
ships are six miles square, and the whole number of
townships and locations is 214 ; containing, in 1796,
141,885 persons, including 158 slaves. In 1767,
the number of inhabitants was estimated at 52,700,
and by the census of 1810, the population amounted
to 214,414 souls. This state has but about 14
miles of sea-coast, at its s.e. corner. In this dis-
tance there are several coves for fi hing vessels,
but the only harbour for ships: is the entrance of
Piscataqua river, the shores of which are rocky.
The shore is mostly a sandy beach, adjoining to
which are salt marshes, intersected by creeks,
which produce good pasture for cattle and sheep.
The intervale lands on the margin of the ereat
rivers are the most valuable, because they are overs
flowed and enriched by the water from the uplands,
which brings a fat slime or sediment. On Con-
necticut river these lands are from a quarter of a
mile to a mile and an half on each side, and pro-
duce corn, grain, and grass, especially wheat, in
greater abundance and perfection than the same
kind of soil does in the higher lands. 'The wide
spreading hills are esteemed as warm and rich;
rocky moist land is accounted good for pasture ;
drained swamps have a deep mellow soil; and the
valleys between the hills are generally very pro-
ductive. Agriculture is the chief occupation of
the inhabitants; beef, pork, muiion, poultry,
wheat, rye, Indian corn, barley, pulse, butter,
cheese, hops, esculent roots and plants, flax, hemp,
&c. are articles which will always find a market,
and are raised in immense quantities in New
Hampshire, both for home consumption and ex- |
porated in
dis about
ed States of
38! and 45°
72 32’ w,
er Canada,
ssachusetis,
separates it
it ofa right
e and the
S perpendi-
henuse, — It.
O acres; of
Its length
nd its least
inties, viz.
Usborough,
ortsmouth,
ny Charles-
of the town-
¢ number of
ng, in 1796,
, In 1707,
lat 52,700,
n amounted
it about 14
In this dis-
ing vessels,
entrance of
are rocky.
djoining to
by creeks,
and sheep.
f the great
2y are Overe
he uplands,
On Con-
quarter of a
2, and pro-
y wheat, in
n the same
The wide
and rich;
or pasture 5
il; and the
y very pro-
cupation of
> poultry,
Ise, butter,
flax, hemp,
1 a market,
es in New
n and ex- |
NEW HAMPSITINE. 39]
| portation. Apples and pears are the most com-
mon fruits cultivated in this state, and no husband-
man thinks his farm complete without an orchard,
Tree fruit of the first quality cannot be raised in
such a2. climate as this, without particular atten-
tion. New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania
have it in perfection, As you depart from that
tract, cither s. or n. it degenerates, The unculti-
vated lands are covered with extensive forests of
pine, fir, cedar, ork, walnut, &c. For climate,
diseases, &c. see Nuw EnGuann.
Several kinds of earths and clays are found in
this state, chiefly in Exeter, Newmarket, Dur
ham, and Dover. Marl abounds in’ several
places, but is little used. Red and yellow ochres
are found in Somersworth, Che‘erfield, Rindge,
and Jaffray. Steatites or soap rock is found in
Orford, The best lapis specularis, a kind of talc,
commonly called ising-glass, is found in Grafton
and other parts. Crystals have been discovered
at Northwood, Rindge, and Conway; alum, at
Barrington, Orford, and Jaffray ; vitriol, at Jaf-
fray, Brentwood, and Rindge, generally found
combined in the same stone with sulphur. Trees
stone fit for building is found in Orford; also a
grey stone fit for mill-stones. Iron ore is found in
many places; black lead in Jaffray, and some
lead and copper ore has been seen ; but iron is the
only metal which has been wrought to any adyan-
tage.
New Hampshire is intersected by several ranges
of mountains. The first ridge, by the name of the
Blue hills, passes through Rochester, Barrington,
and Nottingham, and the several summits are dis-
tinguished by different names. Behind these are
several higher detached mountains. Farther back
the mountains rise still higher, and among the third
range, Chocorua, Ossapy, and Kyarsarge, are the
principal. Beyond these is the lofty ridge which
divides the branches of Connecticut and Merri-
mack rivers, denominated the ‘* Height of Land.”
In this ridge is the celebrated Monadnock moun-
tain, 30 miles x. of which is Sunapee, and 48 miles
further is Moosehillock, called also Mooshelock
mountain, The ridge is then continued 2. divid-
ing the waters of the river Connecticut from those
of Saco and Amariscoggin. Here the mountains
rise much higher, and the most elevated summits
in this range are the White mountains, which are
9000 feet above the sea. The lands w. of this last
mentioned range of mountains, bordering on Con-
necticut river, are interspersed with extensive mea-
dows, rich and well watered, Ossapy mountain lies
adjoining the town of Moultonborough on the 2. e.
In this town it is observed, that.ina n. e, storm the
wind falls over the mountain, like water over a
dam ; and with such force, as frequently to unroof
houses, People who live near these mountains, by
noticing the various movements of attracted va-
pours, can form a pretty accurate judgment of the
weather ; and they hence style these mountains
their almanack, If acloud is attracted by a mouns
tain, and hovers on its top, they predict rain; and
if, alter rain, the mountain continues capped, they
expect a repetition of showers. A storm is pres
ceded for several hours by a roaring of the moun
tain, which may be heard 10 or 12 miles. But
the White mountains are undoubtedly the highest
land in New England, and in clear weather, are
discovered before any other land, by vessels coms
ing into the e. coasts but by reason of their white
appearance, are frequently mistaken for clouds,
They are visible on the land at the distance of 80
miles, on the s, and s.e. sides; they appear higher
when viewed from the 2. e, and it is said, they are
seen from the neighbourhood of Chamblee and
Quebec. The Indians gave them the name of
Agiocohook. ‘The number of summits in this
cluster of mountains cannot at present be ascer-
tained, the country around them being a thick
wilderness. ‘The greatest number which can be
seen at once is at Dartmouth, on the 7. w. side,
where seven summits appear at one view, of which,
four are bald. Of these the three highest are the
most distant, being on the e. side of the clusters
one of these is the mountain which makes so ma-
jestic an appearance all along the shore of the e.
counties of Massachusetts, It has lately been dis-
tinguished by the name of mount Washington,
During the period of nine or 10 months, these
mountains exhibit more or less of that bright ap.
yearance, from which they are denominated: white,
nthe spring, when the snow is partly dissolved,
they appear of a pale blue, streaked with white ;
and after it is wholly gone, at the distance of 60
miles, they are altogether of the same pale blue,
nearly approaching a sky colour; while at the
same time, viewed at the distance of eight miles or
less, they appear of the proper colour of the rock.
These changes are observed by people who live
within constant view of them; and from these
facts and obseryations, it may with certainty be
concluded, that the whiteness of them is whoily
caused by the snow, and not by any other white
substance, for in fact there is none.
The reader will find an clegant description of
these mountains in the 3d vol. of Dr. Belknap’s
History of New Hampshire, from which the above
is extracted.
‘he most considerable rivers of this state are]
392 NEW
-Connecticut, Merrimack, Piscataqua, Saco, An-
droscoggin, Upper and Lower Amonoosuck, be-
sides many other smaller streams. ‘Phe chief
Jakes are Winnipiseogee, Umbagog, Sunapee,
Squam, and Great Ossipee. Before the war, ship-
building was a source of considerable wealth to this
state; about 200 vessels were then annually built,
and sold in Europe and in the W. lndies, but that
trade is much declined. Although this is not to
be ranked among the great commercial states, yet
its trade is considerable. Its exports consist of
lumber, ship timber, whale oil, flax seed, live stock,
beef, pork, Indian corn, pot and pearl ashes, &c.
&c. In 1790, there belonged to Piscataqua 33
vessels above 100 tons, and 50 under that burden.
The tonnage of foreign and American vessels cleared
out from the Ist of October 1789, to Ist of October
1791, was 31,097 tons, of which 26,560 tons were
American vessels, ‘I'he fisheries at Piscataqua, in-
cluding the isle of Shoals, employ annually 27
schooners and 20 boats. In 1791, the produce
was 25,850 quintals of cod and scale fish. The
exports from the port of Piscataqua in two years,
viz. from Ist of October 1789, to Ist of October
1791, amounted to the valuc of 296,839 dollars,
51 cents; in the year ending September SOth,
1792, 181,407 dollars; in 1793, 198,197 dollars ;
and in the year 1794, 153,856 dollars. ‘The bank
of New Hampshire was established in 1792, with
a capital of 60,000 dollars; by an act of assembly
the stock-holders can increase it to 200,000 dollars
specie, and 100,000 dollars in any other estate.
The only college in the state is at Hanover, called
Dartmouth college, which is amply endowed with
lands, and is in a flourishing situation, The prin-
cipal academies are those of Exeter, New Ipswich,
Atkinson, an. Amherst.
A brief, and we must add (as will be seen by
comparison with this) very unsatisfactory account
of New Hampshire is given by our author under
article Hamrsuine, Itcontains, however, a list of
all the principal towns and settlements in the state,
which see, Also for many particular details rela.
tive to its history, see Index to additional matter
respecting Massachusetts ; likewise New Ena-
LAND and Unirep Stares. |
[New HElampsreab, a township in Orange
county, New York, bounded e. by Clarkstown,
and s. by the state of New Jersey. It was taken
from Haverstraw, and incorporated in 1791. By
the state census 1796, there were 245 of its inhabi-
tants qualified electors. ]
(Hew Hampton, a post-town of New Hamp-
shire ; situated in Strafford county, on the w, side of
lake Winnipiscogee, nine miles s, e. of Plymouth,
NE W
and nine n. w. of Meredith, The township was in.
corporated in 1777, and contains 652 inhabitants. |
tw Hanover, a maritime county of Wil-
mington district, N, Carolina, extending from Cape
Fear river 2.¢. along the Atlantic ocean. It con-
tains 6851 inhabitants, including 3738 slaves.
Chief town, Wilmington. }
{New Hanoven, a township in Burlington
county, New Jersey, containing about 20,000
acres of improved land, and a large quantity that
is barren and uncultivated, ‘The compact part of
the township is called New-mills, where are about
50 houses, 27 miles from Philadelphia, and 13
from Burlington. |
[New Hanoven,a township in Morgan county,
Pennsylvania. ] ‘
Soba Hartronrp, a small postetown in Litch-
fild county, Connecticut, 13 miles 27. e. of Litch-
field, 19 w. by 2. of Hartford. ]
[New [Laven County, Connecticut, extends
along the sound between Middlesex county on
the e. and Fairfield county on the w. ; about 30
miles long fronin. tos. and 28 from e.tow. It is
divided into 14 townships. It contained in 1756,
17,955 tree persons, and 2:'6 slaves; in 1774,
25,896 free persons, and 925 slaves; and in 1790,
30,397 free persons, and 433 slaves. |
[New Haven City, the seat of justice in the
above county, and the semi-metropolis of the state,
This city lies round the head of a bay which makes
up about four miles 2. from Long Island sound,
It covers part of a large plain which is circum-
scribed on three sides by high hills or mountains.
Two small rivers bound the city e. and w. It
was originally laid out in squares of 60 rods ;
mauy of these squares have been divided by cross
streets, Four streets run x.w. and s.e. and are
crossed by others at right angles. Near the centre
of the city is the public square, on and around
which are the public buildings, which are a state-
house, two college edifices, and a chapel, threc
churches for Congregationalists, and one for Epis-
copalians ; all which are handsome and commodie
ous buildings. The college edifices, chapel, state-
house, and one of the churches are of brick. ‘The
public square is encircled wih rows of trees, which
render it both convenient and delightful. — Its
beauty, however, is greatly diminished by the
burial-ground, and several of the public build-
ings, which occupy a considerable part of’ it.
Many of the sti ets are ornamented with rows of
trees on each side, which give the city a rural
appearance. ‘lhe prospect from the steeples is
greatly variegated and extremely beautiful. ‘There
are between 3 and 400 neat dwelling-houscs in
hip was in-
habitants. |
ly of Wil-
from Cape
n. It con-
‘38 slaves,
Burlington
put 20,000
tantity that
pact part of
e are about
ia, and 13
gan county,
nin Litch-
ec. of Litch-
ut, extends
county on
3 about 30
tow. It is
ed in 1756,
3 in 1774,
ind in 1790,
stice in the
of the state.
hich makes
land sound,
) is circum.
mountains.
and w. It
f GO rods:
ed by cross
e. and are
hr the centre
and around
are a state-
hapel, three
ie for Kpis-
1 commodie
lapel, state-
tick. ‘The
rees, which
rhtful. Its
ed by the
blic build-
yart of it.
ith rows of
ity a rural
steeples is
iful. ‘There
r-houses in
NEW
the city, principally of wood. The sircets are
sandy but clean. Within the limits of the city
are 4000 souls. About one in 70 die annually.
Indeed as to pleasantness of situation and salubrity
of air, New Haven is hardly exceeded by any
city in America. It carries on a considerable
irade with New York and the W. India islands.
The exports for one year, ending September 40,
1794, amounted to the value of 171,868 dollars,
Manufactures of card-teeth, linen, buttons, cotton,
and paper, are carried on here. Yale college,
which is established in this city, was founded in
1700, and remained at Killingworth until 1707,
then at Saybrook until 1716, when it was removed
and fixed at New Haven, It has its name from
ils principal benefactor Governor Yale. There
are at present six college domiciles, two of which,
each 100 feet long and 40 wide, are inhabited by
the students, containing 52 chambers each, sufli-
cient for lodging 120 students; a chapel 40 by 50
fect, with a steeple 150 feet high; a dining-hall
GO by 40 feet ; a house for the president, and anu-
ther for the professor of divinity. In the chapel is
lodged the public library, consisting of about 8000
voluines, and the philosophical apparatus, as com.
plete as most others in the United States, and con-
tains the machines necessary for exhibiting ex-
periments in the whole course of experimental
philosophy and astronomy. The museum, to
which additions are constantly making, contains
many natural curiosities. From the year 1700 to
1793, there had been educated and graduated at
this university about 2503. ‘The number of stu-
dents is generally 150. ‘The harbour, though in-
ferior to New London, has good anchorage, with
three fathom and four feet: water at common tides,
and 2 fathom atlow water. This place and Hart-
ford are the seats of the legislature alternately. It
is 36 miles s. w. by s. of Hartford, 36 from New
London, 62. from New York, 105 from Boston,
and 131 7. e. of Philadelphia. Lat. 41° 16’ n.
Long. 72° 53! w.]
(New {Laven, a township in Addison county,
Vermont, on Otter creek or river, containing 723
inhabitants. |
[New Hesnipes, a cluster of islands in the
Pacific ocean, so called by Capt. Cook in 1794—the
sameasthe archipelago of the Great Cylades of Bou-
gainville, orthe Terra Austral of Quiros, which sce. |
(New Horperness, a township in Grafton
county, New Hampshire ; situated on the e. side
of Pemigewasset river, about three miles e. by s.
of Plymouth. It was incor iated in 1761, and
contains 329 inhabitants. ]
[New Howianp, a town of Pennsylvania,
VOL. III.
NEW 393
Lancaster county, in the midst of a fertile coun-
try. It contains a German church and about 70
houses, It is 15 miles. n. e. of Lancaster, and
Al w. n. w. of Philadelphia. ]
[New iluntinGron, a mountainous township
in Chittenden county, Vermont, on the s, w. side
of Onion river, containing 136 inhabitants. }
[New Inverness, in Georgia, is situated near
Darien on Alatamaha river. It was built by the
ng highlanders, 160 of whom landed here in
735.
Now leswicu, a township in Hillsborough
county, New Hampshire, on the w. side of Sou-
hegan river, near the s. line of the state, It was
incorporated in 1762, and contains 1241 inhabi-
tants. There is an academy, founded in 1789,
having a fund of about 10002, and has generally
about 40 or 50 students. It is about 24 miles s, ¢.
of Keene, and 52 w. s. w. of Portsmouth,
New Jensgey, a province of N. America,
formerly belonging to England, and now one of
those composing tie United States. It was founded
in 1682, and ceded to Lord George Cateret, and
some other English gentlemen, who gave it the
name of New Jersey, from the estates which the
family of this name possess in an island so called.
The continual disputes which lasted for many
years between the settlers and proprietors, brought
this province to a miserable state. It was divided
into two parts, with the titles of E. and W. Jer-
sey ; an th the reign of Queen Anne they were
united, It is bounded n. by New York, e. and
s.e. by the Atlantic, w. and s. w. by the river
and bay of Delaware ; between 38° 56/ and 41° 22!
n. lat. and between 75° 44! and 75° 40! long. from
the meridian of London, and is 143 miles long
and 62 wide.
Before the formation of the United States and
the establishment cf the independence, it wasa
royal government with a council of assembly no-
minated by the king, the province also nominat-
ing deputies to represent the people. For some
time the authority of the governor of New York
extended also over New Jersey.
‘The climate is, for the most part, more temperate
here than inthe former, or even than in New
England, from its more s. situation. It produces
all kinds of vegetable productions, cattle, swine,
and skins, and exports wheat, barley, flour, oxen,
fish,some butter, flax seed, beer, barrelled herrings,
and harness, to the W. 1 ee receiving in ex-
change sugar, rum, and other effects ; and to Eng-
land it sends skins, hides, tobacco, fish, pitch,
oil, and whale-bone, and other productions; tak-
ing in exchange CHAS, ware and clothes. As
JE
I
)
|
— ee
=
it |.
}
a)
f
{
394 NEW JERSEY.
its towns are inland, its articles of commerce are
also of an inland quality. In one spot there were
150 to 200 families, which, although for the most
part Dutch, lived subject to the English governe
ment in great peace and tranquillity.
There are in this province two iron mines, one
in the river Passaick, the other in the upper part
of the Raritan,
Ii. Jersey, which is the largest and most popue
lous part, extends from s, to 2. nearly 100 miles,
the length of the coast of the river Hudson, from
the bay of Little Egg to the part of the aforesaid
river, which is in lat. 41°, and is divided into that
of S. and that of W. Jersey by a line of division
which passes from Egg bay to the river Cheswick
and ¢. arm of the Raritan. ‘The width of this
part is very irregular, it being, in some parts, more
contracted than at others. It is, however, looked
upon as the best part of the two Jerseys, and is
divided intothe following counties :
Monmouth, Essex,
Middlesex, Bergen.
W. Jersey is not so much cultivated or so po-
ulous as the former, but the convenience, offered
vy its large lakes for commerce, gives it rather a
favourable distinction. In this part, six counties
were judiciously erected by Dr. Cox; but his suc-
cessors pulled down the system, and now there is
only one, called Cape May, which is a piece of
Jand or e. point at the entrance of the bays of Dela-
ware and of Egg, which separates the two Jer-
seys; and here there are several scattered houses,
the principal of them being Cox’s-hall. ‘The fall
of the river Passaick deserves particular description.
It is a part where the waters become contined in a
channel of 40 yards across, and where, with an
immense rapidity, they rush to fall down a preci-
pice of 70 perpendicular feet. The greater part
of the inhabitants of this province are fishermen,
employed in catching whales, which abound in the
bay of Delaware ; and this bay, with the river of
the same name, have on their shores all the part of
New Jersey running from s. to e. and to s, w. as
also all the plantations, which, from being united,
are called cities. ‘The river Mauricius, between
that of Coanzi and Cape May, is the largest in the
whole country ; and this last river, although small,
is very deep and navigable for small vessels. ‘Ten
or 12 miles up the same is a oity of its name, with
about 80 families. In this division are the coun-
tiesof Burlington, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland,
Cape May, Hunterdon, Morris, and Sussex. In
this province there is no established religion, but
it has 22 churches, 57 meeting-houses for Scotch
and English presbyterians, 22 for Dutch, 3
1
Quakers meetings, 220 meetings of Anubaptists,
seven of Lutherans, one of Moravians, one of Se.
paratists; and its population is composed of 13,000
souls of all. sexes and ages, including Negro
slaves,
{In giving what we conceive o fuller and cor-
recter view of this state, we shall not be afraid of
entering into some trifling repetitions,
New Jersey contains about 8320 square miles,
equal to 5,324,800 acres, It is divided into 13
counties, viz. Cape May, Cumberland, Salem,
Gloucester, Burlington, Hunterdon, and Sussex ;
these seven lie from s. to 2. on Delaware river ;
Cape May and Gloucester extend across to the sea ;
Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, and Monmouth, lic
from n. to s, on the e. side of the state ; Somer-
set and Morris are inland counties.
The number of inhabitants in 1796 was 184,139,
of whom 11,423 were slaves; and by the census
of 1810, the total population amounted to 245,562
souls, The most remarkable bay is Arthur kull
or Newark bay, formed by the union of Passaick
and Hackinsac rivers. ‘The rivers in this state,
though not large, are numerous, A_ traveller in
assing the common road from New York to Phi-
adalphia, crosses three considerable rivers, viz.
the Hackinsac and Passaick, between Bergen and
Newark, and the Rariton by Brunswick, Pas-
saick is a very crooked river, It is navigable
about 10 miles, and is 230 yards wide atthe ferry.
The cataract, or great falls, in this river, is one
of the greatest natural curiositics in the state.
The river is about 40 yards wide, and moves ina
slow gentle current, until coming within a short
distance of a deep cleft in a rock which crosses the
channel, it descends and falls above 70 fect pers
pendicularly, in one entire sheet. One end ot the
cleft, which was evidently made by some violent
convulsion in nature, is closed: at the other the
water rushes out with incredible swiltness, forms
ing an acute angle with its former direction, and
is received into a large bason, whence it takes a
winding course through the rocks, and spreads
into a broad smooth stream. ‘The cleft is from four
to 12 feet broad. ‘The falling of the water occas
sions a cloud of vapour to arise, which, by float-
ing amidst the sun-beams, presents rainbows to the
view, which adds beauty to the tremendous scene.
The new manufacturing town of Patterson is
erected upon the great falls in this river. Rariton
river is formed by two considerable streams, called
the ». and s. branches; one of which has its source
in Morris, the other in Hunterdon county. — It pas-
ses by Brunswick and Amboy, and, mingling with
the waters of the Arthur Kull sound, helps to]
abaptists,
ne of Se.
of 13,000
ig Negro
rand cor-
e afraid of
are miles,
d into 13
d, Salem,
d Sussex ;
are river ;
fy the sea;
nouth, lic
>; Somer-
s 184,139,
the census
thu kull
t' Passaick
this state,
raveller in
rk to Phi-
ivers, viz.
bergen and
ick, Pas
navigable
tthe ferry.
er, is one
the state,
noves ina
in a short
crosses the
) fect pers
end of the
ne violent
other the
‘ss, forme
‘tion, and
it takes a
d spreads
from four
uler occas
, by float.
Hows to the
yus scene.
tterson is
Rariton
ms, called
its source
It pas-
bling with
helps to]
NEW JERSEY. 395
Yform the fine harbour of Amboy. Bridges have
Jately been erected over the Passaick, Hackinsac,
and Rariton rivers, on the post-road between New
York and Philadelphia. These bridges will
greatly facilitate the intercourse between these two
great cities,
The countics of Sussex, Morris, and the n.
part of Bergen, are mountainous, As much as
five-cighths of most of the s. sunties, or one-
fourth of the whole state, is almost entirely a
sandy barren, unfit in many parts for cultivation.
All the varieties of soil, from the worst to the best
kind, may be found here. The good land in the
s. counties lies principally on the banks of rivers
and creeks, The barrens produce little else but
shrub oaks and yellow pines, ‘These sandy lands
ield an immense quantity of bog iron ore, which
is worked up to great advantage in the iron works
in these counties. In the hilly and mountainous
parts which are not too rocky for cultivation, the
soil is of a stronger kind, and covered in its nae
tural state with stately oaks, hickories, chesnuts,
&c. and when cultivated produces wheat, rye, In-
dian corn, buck-wheat, oats, barley, flax, and
fruits of all kinds common to the climate, The
Jand in this hilly country is good for grazing, and
farmers feed great numbers of cattle for New York
and Philadelphia markets. ‘The orchards in many
parts of the state equal any. in the United States,
and their cider is said, and not without reason,
to be the best in the world. ‘The markets of New
York and Philadelphia receive a very consider-
able proportion of their supplics from the conti-
guous parts of New Jersey. ‘These supplies con-
sist of vegetables of many kinds, apples, pears,
peaches, plums, strawberries, cherries, and other
fruits; cider in large quantities, butter, cheese,
beef, pork, mutton, and the Iesser meats, The
trade is carried on almost solely with and from
those two great commercial cities, New York on
one side and Philadelphia on the other; though it
wants not good ports of its own.
Manufactures here have hitherto been inconsi-
derable, not sufficient to supply its own consump-
tion, if we except the articles of iron, nails, and
leather. A spirit of industry and improvement,
particularly in manufactures, has, however, of late
greatly increased. ‘The iron manufacture is, of
all others, the greatest source of wealth to the
state. Iron works are erected in Gloucester, Bur-
lington, Sussex, Morris, and other countics. The
mountains in the county of Morris give rise to a
number of streams, necessary and convenient for
these works, and at the same time furnish a co-
pious supply of wood and ore of a superior quality.
In this county alone are no less than seven rich
iron mines, from which might be taken ore sufli-
cient to supply the United States ; and to work it
into iron there are two furnaces, two rolling and
slitting mills, ond about thirty forges, containing
from two to four fires each, ‘These works produce
annually about 540 tons of bar-iron, 800 tons of
igs, besides large quantities of hollow ware, sheet
iron, and nail-rods, In the whole state it is sup-
osed there is yearly made about 1200 tons of bar-
iron, 1200 ditto of pigs, 80 ditto of nail-rods, ex-
clusive of hollow ware, and various other castings,
of which vast quantities are made.
The inhabitants are a collection of Low Dutch,
Germans, English, Scotch, Irish, and New Eng-
landers, and their descendants. National attach.
ment and mutual convenience have generally in-
duced these several kinds of people to settle toge-
ther in a body, and in this way their peculiar na-
tional manners, customs, and character, are still
preserved, especially among the poorer class of
people, who have little intercourse with any but
those of their own nation, The people of New
Jersey are generally industrious, frugal, and hos-
pitable, All the religious denominations live to-
gether in peace and harmony ; and are allowed by
the constitution of the state to worship Almighty
God agreeably to the dictates of their own cone
sciences. ‘The college at Princetown, called Nassau
hall, has been under the care of a succession of presi-
dents, eminent for piety and learning ; and has fur-
nished a number of civilians, divines, and physi-
cians of the first rank in America, It has consi-
derable funds, is under exccllent regulations, and
has generally from 80 to 100 students, principally
from the s, states, ‘There are academies at Free-
hold, Trenton, Mackinsac, Orangedale, Elizabeth-
town, Burlington, and Newark ; and grammar-
schools at Springfield, Morristown, Bordentown,
and Amboy.
There are a number of towns in this state nearly
of equal size and importance, and none that has
more than 300 honses compactly built. Trenton
is one of the largest, and the capital of the state.
The other principal towns are Brunswick, Bur-
lington, Amboy, Bordentown, Princetown, Eliza-
bethtown, Newark, and Morristown.
"This state was the seat of war for several years,
during the bloody contest between Great Britain
and America, Her losses both of men and pro-
perty, in proportion to the population and wealth
of the state, was greater than of any other of the
Thirteen States. When General Washington was
retreating through the Jerseys, almost forsaken by
all others, her militia were at all times obedient to}
oR
396 NEW
[his orders ; and, fora considerable length of time,
composed the strength of his army. ‘There is
hardly a town in the state that lay in the progress
of the British army that was not paijelseed signal
by some enterprise or exploit.
Governors of New Jersey from the surrender of
the Government by the Proprietors in 1702.
* Edward Viscount Cornbury, 1702 to 1708, re-
moved and succeeded by
* John Lord Lovelace, 1708 to 1709, died and
the government devolved to
Licut. Gov. Richard Ingoldshy, 1709 to 1710,
when came in
Brigadier Robert Hunter, 1710 to 1720, who
resigned in favour of
William Burnet, 1720 to 1727, removed and
succeeded by
Join Montgomery, 1728 to 1731, died and was
succeeded by
William Crosby, 1731 to 1736, died and the
government devolved to
John Anderson, president of the council, 1736,
by whose death about two weeks after, the go-
vernment, devolved to
John Hamilton, president of the council, 1736
to 1738.
Those marked * were governors in chief, and down
to this time were governors of New York and
New Jersey, but from 1738 forward, New
Jersey has had a separate governor,
* Lewis Morris, 1738 to 1746, died and the go-
vernment devolved to
John Hamilton, president, 1746, by whose death
it devolved to
John Reading, president, 1746 to 1747.
* Jonathan Belcher, 1747 to 1757, died and the
government again devolved to
John Reading, president, 1757 to 1758.
Thomas Pownall, then governor of Massachusetts,
being lieutenant-governor, arrived) on the
death of Governor Belcher, but continued in
the province a few days only. ’
* Francis Bernard, 1758 to 1760, rer »ved ta Bos-
ton and sveceeded by
* Thomas Boone, 1760 to 1761, removed to S.
Carolina and succeeded by
* Josiah Hardy, 1761 to 1763, removed and suc-
ceeded by
* William Franklin, 1763 to 1776, removed and
succeeded by
* William Livingston, 1776 to 1790, died and
succeeded by
* William Patierson, 1791.
[New Jersey Company’s Grant of Lands, lies
#
2
*
*
N EW
on the e. side of Mississippi river, s. of the Ili-
nois, and », «. of the Army lands, whieh form
the tract shaped) by the confluence of Ohio with
Mississippi. |
|New Kent, a county of Virginia, bounded
on the s, side by Pamouky and York rivers, It is
about 383 miles long and 12 broad, and contains
6239 inhabitants, including 3700) slaves. New
Kent court-house is 28 miles from Richmond, and
20 from Williamsburg. |
[New Lesanon, a post-town in Dutchess
county, New York, celebrated for its medicinal
springs. The compact part of this town is plea-
santly situated partly in an extensive valley and
partly on the declivity of the surrounding hills.
The spring is on the s. side, and near the bottom
of a gentle hill, but a few rods w. of the Massa-
chusetts w. line; and is surrounded: with several
good houses, which afford convenient secommo-
dations for the valetudinarians who visit these was
ters. Concerning the medicinal virtues of this
spring, Dr. Waterhouse, professor of the theory
and practice of physic at Harvard university,
and who visited it in the summer of 1794, ob-
serves, ** L confess myself to be at a loss to deters
mine the contents of these waters by chemical
analysis, or any of the ordinary tests. 1 suspect
their impregnation is from some cause weakened,
Excepting from their warmth, which is about that
of new milk, f never should have suspeeted them
to come under the head of medicinal waters. ‘Phey
are used for the various purposes of cookery, and
for common drink by the neighbours ; and | never
could discover any other effects from drinking
them than what we might expect from rain or river
water of that temperature. ‘There was no visible
change produced in this water by the addition of
an alkali, or by a solution of alum; nor was any
effervescence raised by the oil of vitriol ; neither
did it change the colours of gold, silver, or cops
per; nor did it redden beef or mutton boiled in it;
nor did it extract a black tincture from galls ;
neither did it curdle milk, the whites of eggs, or
soap. ‘The quality of the waters of the pool at
Lebanon is, theretore, very different from those of
Saratoga. These are warm and warmish, those
very cold, smart, and exhilarating. Frogs are
found inthe pool of Lebanon, and plants grow
and flourish in and around it; but plants will not
grow within the vapour of those of Saratoga, and
as for small animals, they soon expire in it. Hence
we conclude that that spiritus mineralis which
some call aerial acid, or fixed air, abounds in the
one but not in the other. Yet the Lebanon pool
is famous for having wrought many cures, espe-
the Ili-
ich form
Yhio with
bounded
crs. [tis
contains
~. New
ond, and
Dutchess
medicinal
n is plea-
alley and
jing hills.
he bottom
ie Massae
th several
yCCOmMMO=
these wa-
es of this
the theory
tniversity,
17914, ob-
sto deters
- chemical
I suspect
weakened,
about that
refed them
ers. ‘They
kery, and
nd | never
drinking
Lin or river
no visible
hddition of
was any
1; neither
r, or cops
riled in its
om galls ;
f eggs, or
re pool at
m those of
ish, those
Frogs are
lants grow
ts will not
toga, and
it. Hence
alis. which
inds in the
banon pool
Ires, espe-
N EW
cially in rheumatisms, stiff joints, scabby erup-
tions, and even in visceral obstructions and. indi-
gestions; all of which is very probable. [fa
person who has brought on a train of chronic com-
plaints by intemperance in eadng and drinking,
should swallow four or five quarts of rain or river
water ina day, he would not fel so keen an appe-
tite for animal food, or thirst wr spirituous liquors,
Hence such a course of water-drinking will open
obstructions, rinse out impurities, render perspira-
tion free, and thus remove that unnatural load
from the animal machine, which causes and keeps
up its disorders, Possibly, however, there may
be something so subtle in these waters as to clude
the scrutinizing hand of the chemists, since they
all allow that the analysis of mineral waters is one
among the most difficult things in the chemical
art.” A society of Shakers inhabit the s. part: of
the town in view of the main stage-road which pas-
ses through this town. ‘Their manutactures of va-
rious kinds are considerable, and very neat and
excellent. It is about 23 miles e. by s. of Albany,
112 n. by ec. of New York, and six w. of Pitts-
field. |
[New Lonpon, a maritime county of Connec-
ticut, comprehending the s. e. corner of it, border.
ing e, on Rhode Island, and s. on Long Island
sound, about 30 miles from e. tow. and 2+ from
nm. tos. It was settled soon atier the first settles
ments were formed on Connecticut river; and is
divided into LL townships, of which New London
and Norwich are the chief. It contained in 1756,
29,844 inhabitants, of whom $29 were slaves 5 in
1790, 33,200, of whom 586 were slaves. |
[Naw Lonvon, acity, port of entry, and post.
town, inthe above county, and one of the most
considerable commercial towns in the state. — It
staads on the w. side of the river Thames, about
three miles from its entrance into the sound, and
is defended by fort Trumbull and fort Griswold,
the one on the New London, the other on the
Groton side of the ‘Thames. A considerable part
of the town was burnt by Benedict Arnold in 1781.
It has since been rebuilt, Here are two places of
public worship, one for Lpiscopalians, and one for
Congregationalists, about 300 dwelling houses, and
AGO0 inhabitants, ‘The harbour is large, sate, and
commodious, and has five fathoms water; high
water at tall and change, 54 minutes after cight.
On the w. side of (he eatiance is a light-house, on
a point of land which projects considerably into
the sound, ‘The exports for a year ending Sep-
tember SO, i794, amounted to 557,453 dollars,
fn that year 1000 mules were shipped for the W.
Jndies. It is 12 miles s. of Norwich, 38 s.e. bys.
NEW 397
of Hartford, S6e. of New Haven, and 162 2. e.
by ec. of Philadelphia, Lat. 41°19 2, Long.
72° 10'w. ‘The township of New London was
Vaid out in lots in 1648, but had a tew Mnglish ine
habitants two years before. It was cai" by the
Indians Nameag or Towawog, and trons wong the
seat of the Pequot tribe, was called Pequot. — It
was the seat of Sassacus, the grand inonarch of
Long island, and part of Connecticut and Narra-
granset. |
[New Lonvoy, a small township in Hills
borough county, New Hampshire, incorporated in
1779, and contains SUL inhabitants. ft lies at the
head of Blackwater river, and about three miles
from the 2. e, side of Sunupee lake. ]
[New Lonvon, a post-town of Virginia, and
the chief town of Bedford county. It stands upon
rising ¢round, and contains about 150 houses, a
court-house and gaol. ‘There were here in’ the
late war several workshops for repairing fire-arms.
It is $7 miles w. by s. of Richmond, and 87 w, of
Petersburgh. |
{New Maven, in the 2, part of Louisiana, isa
settlement on the w. bank of the Mississippi, com-
menced some years ago, and conducted by Colo-
nel Morgan ot New Jersey, under the patronage
of the Spanish king. ‘The spot on which the city
was proposed to be built is situated in’ lat. 56°
30’ n. and 45 miles below the mouth of Ohio river.
The limits of the new city of Madrid were to ex-
tend four miles s. and two w. from the river; so
as to cross a beautiful, living, deep lake, of the
purest spring-water, 100) yards wide, and severai
miles in length, emptying itself, by a constant and
rapid narrow stream, through the centre of vie
city. ‘Phe banks of this lake, called St, Annis,
are high, beautiful, and pleasant ; the water deep,
clear, and sweet, and well stored with fish; the
bottom a clear sand, free from woods, shrubs, or
other vegeiables. On each side of this delightful
lake, streets were to be laid out, 100 feet wide,
and a road to be continued round it, of the same
breadth : and the streets were directed to be pre-
served for ever, for the health and pleasure of the
citizens. A street 120 feet wide, on the bank of
the Mississippi, was laid out ; and the trees were
directed to be preserved for the same purpose.
‘Twelve acres, ina central part of the city, were to
be preserved in like manner, to be ornamented, re-
gulated, and improved by the magistracy of the
city for public walks; and 40 halt-acre lots for
other public uses ¢ and one lot of 12 acres for the
the king’s use. We do not hear that this scheme
is prosecuting, and conclude it is given up. ‘The
country in the vicinity of this intended city is ree
398 NEW
presented as excellent, and, in many parts, beyond
description. ‘The natural growth consists of mul-
berry, locust, sassafras, walnut, hickory, oak, ash,
dog-wood, &c. with one or more grape-vines run-
ning up almost every tree; and the grapes yield,
from experiments, good red wine in plenty, and
with little labour. In some of the low grounds
grow large cypress trees. The climate is said to
he favourable to health, and to the culture of fruits
of various kinds, particularly for garden vege-
tables. ‘The prairies or meadows are fertile in
grass, flowering plants, strawberries, and when cul-
tivated produce good crops of wheat, barley, In-
ian corn, flax, hemp, and tobacco, and are easil
tilled. lron and lead mines and salt springs, it is
asserted, are found in such plenty as to afford an
abundant supply of these necessary articles. The
banks of the Mississippi, for many leagues in ex-
tent, commencing about 20 miles above the mouth
of the Ohio, ave a continued chain of lime-stone.
A fine tract of high, rich, level land, s.w., w., and
n.w. of New Madrid, about 25 miles wide, ex-
tends quite to the river St. Francis. ]
New MarceoroveH, a township in Ulster
county, New York. See Marisorouau. |
[New Marxporovau, Berkshire county, Mas-
sachusetts. It is 23 miles s. of Lenox. |
{New Mariporoucn, a town in King
George’s county, Virginia, on the w. side of
Patowmac river, 10 miles e. of Falmouth.
New MEapows River, in the district of Maine,
a water of Casco bay, navigable for vessels of a
considerable burden a small distance. See Casco
Bay.
rw Mexico. Sce Mexico, New. ]}
New Mixrorp, a post-town of Connecticut,
Litchfield county, on the e. side of Housatonick
river, about 16 miles 2. of Danbury, 13 s. w. of
Litchfield, and 45 w. s. w. of Hartford. ]
(New Nort Waues. Sce Wates, and
New Briraty. |
[New Orvrays, the metropolis of Louisiana,
was regularly laid oat by the French in the year
1720, on the e. side of the river Mississipp!, in
lai. 30° 2. and Tong. 90° 12’ w.; 18 miles from
Detour des Anglois, or English Turn, and 117
from the Bella island, and 78 from the mouths of
the Mississippi. All the strects are perfectly
straight, but too narrow, and cross cach other at
right angles. ‘There were, in 1758, 1100 houses
in this town, generally built with timber frames,
raised about eight feet from the ground, with large
gallerics round them, and the ccllars under the
floors level with the ground: any subterraneous
buildings would be constantly full of water. Most
NEW
of the houses have gardens. In March 1788, this
town, by a fire, was reduced in five hours to 200
houses. It has since been rebuilt, and at present
contains, according to Mr. Ashe, near 15,000 in-
habitants. ‘They are a mixture from ail mations,
but chiefly France and Spain. ‘Those from the
other Amcrican states constitute, according to Mr.
Ashe, by far the worst part of the population.
The side of the town next the river is open, and
is secured from the inundations of the river by
a raised bank, generally called the Levee, which
extends from the English Turn to the upper settle-
ments of the Germans, a distance of more than 50
miles, with a good road all the way. ‘There is
reason to believe that in a short time New Orleans
may become a great and opulent city, if we con-
sider the advantages of ifs situation, but a few
leagues from the sea, on a noble river, in a most
fertile country, under a most delightful and whole-
some climate, within two weeks sail of Mexico,
and stiil nearer the French, Spanish, and British
W. India islands, with a moral certainty of ifs be-
coming a general receptacle tor the produce of that
extensive and valuable country on the Mississippi,
Ohio, and its other branches; all which are much
more than sufficient to ensure the future wealth,
power, end prosperity of this city. ‘The vessels
which sail up the Mississippi haul close alongside
the bank next to New Orlcans, to which they
make fast, and take in or discharge their cargoes
with the same ease as ata wharf. Its commerce,
since its acquisition with the rest of Louisiana by
the United States, has very considerably increased ;
nor, indeed, are the whole of the surrounding dis-
tricts in a less flourishing state of population than
the capital itself, since by the census of 1810, the
inhabitants of that portion of country, comprised
ander the tile of the Territorial Government,
amounted to 76,536 souls.
A letter from New Orleans, dated August 21,
1812, gives the following account of a serious
storm, with which this city has lately been visited.
“ On Wednesday night last, about 10 o’clock,
a gale commenced, occasionally accompanied with
rain and hail, and which continued with a most
dreadful violence for upwards of four hours. As
we have never witnessed any thing to equal it,
neither do we believe the imagination can picture
to itself a scene more truly awful and distressing
than that which its consequences present. ‘The
market-house, a large and solid building, entirel
demolished ; its brick columns, of two fect dia-
meter, swept down as though their weighty con-
struction presented no obstacle whatever to the
overwhelming element. ‘The roof carried off from
88, this
s to 200
it present
9,000 in-
| nations,
from the
i to Mr,
tion,
ypen, and
river by
ee, which
per settle-
e than 50
There is
w Orleans
f we con-
jut a few
ina most
ad whole-
f Mexico,
nd British
, of its be-
uce of that
Lississippi,
are much
re wealth,
‘he vessels
> alongside
yhich they
sir cargoes
commerce,
nisiana by
increased ;
nding dis-
lation than
"1810, the
comprised
vernment,
ugust 21,
a serious
n visited.
0 o’clock,
anied with
ith a most
hours. AS
> equal it,
an picture
distressing
nt. ‘The
x, entirely
b fect dia-
ighty cons
er to the
off from
N E W
the church of the convent, the fence surrounding
which, as also the trees in the garden, man
whereof are remarkably large, levelled to the
ground. The tin covering of the theatres, nailed
on in such a manner, as would certainly have re-
siste’ any ordinary force, twisted and torn off as
thowgh it were mere paper. A great part of the
brick wall surrounding the garrison beat down.
1t would be impossible to particularise all the da-
mage that has been done; we believe, however,
we may assert, that there is not a building in the
city or fauxbourgs, but what has been more or
less injured.
‘¢ But the scene presented to us on visiting t'.
shore, who shall attempt to describe? The level
almost entirely destroyed ; the beach covered with
fragments of vessels, merchandise, trunks, &c. and
here and there the eye falling upon a mangled
corpse, All the shipping below town high and
dry in the woods. All the river craft, barges,
market-boats, &c. entirely crushed to atoms. As
far as we have heard from the country, the ravages
have been terrible; the planters dwellings, sugar.
houses, &c. demolished; and we have reason to
fear 7" nearly the whole crop of sugar will be
lost.”
{New Patz, a township in Ulster county,
New York ; bounded e. by Hudson river, s. by
Marlberongh and Shawangunk. It contains 2309
inhabitants, including 302 slaves. ‘The compact
part of it is situated on the e. side of Wall kill,
and contains about 250 houses and a Dutch church.
It is 10 miles from Shawangunk, nine s. of Kings-
ton, 13 s.w. of Rhinebeck, and 67 n. of New
York. ]
New Provipence Island. See Provipence. |
New River, a river of ‘Tennessce, which rises
on the n. side of the Alleghany mountains, and
running a 2. e. course enters Virginia, and is called
Kanuaway; which see. |
[New Rocurnre, a township in W. Chester
county, New York, on Long Island sound. It
conizined 692 inhabitants, of whom 89 were slaves,
in 1790. In 1796, there were 100 of the inhabi-
tants qualified electors, It is six miles s.w. of
Rye, and 20 n. e. of New York city.]
iNew Sauem, or Pequottiy«%, a Moravian
scttlement, formed in 1786, on the e. side of Hu-
ron river, which runs 2, into lake Erie.
[ New Savem, atownship in Hampshire county,
Massachusetts ; bounded e. by the w. line of Wor-
cester county, It was incorporated in 1753, and
contains 1543 inhabit-: >, It is 56 miles w. by 2.
of Boston. |
[New Sanem, a township in Rockingham
N E W 399
county, New Hampshire, adjoining Pelham and
Haverhill. ]
[New Save nau, a village in Burke county,
Georgia, on the s.w. bank of the Savannah, 85
miles °.s.e. of Augusta. |
New Suorenam. See Brock Island. ]
New Smyrna Entrance, or Mosxtrto Inlet,
on the coast of Florida, is about 11 leagues 7.7. w.
one quarter w. from cape Canaverel. |
[New Soutn Wares. See W ates, and New
Britain.
[New Seain. Sce Mexico. ]
[New Srockuripce. See Stocksriner,
New.]
[New Sweprrann was the name oi the terri-
tory between Virginia and New York, when in
possession of the Swedes; and was afterwards pos-
sessed, or rather claimed, by the Dutch. The
chief town was called Gottenburgh. |
New Tuames River. See THames.]
New Urrecut, a small maritime town of New
York, situated in King’s county, Long Istand, op-
posite the Narrows, and seven miles s. of New
York city. ‘The whole township contains 5G2 in-
habitants, of whom 76 are qualified electors, and
206 slaves.
{New Winpsor, a township of Ulster county,
New York, pleasantly situated on the w. bank of
Hudson river, just above the high lands, three
miles s, of Newburgh, and six x. of W. point.
It contains 1819 inhabitants, of whom 261 are
qualified electors, and 117 slaves. A valuable set
of works in this town for manufacturing scythes
was destroyed by fire. In 1795, the legislature
granted the unfortunate proprictor, Mr. Boyd,
1500/. to enable him to re-establish them. The
compact part of the town contains about 40 houses
and a Presbyterian churc’: ; 48 miles 7. of New
York. The summer residence of Governor Clin-
ton was formerly at a rural seat, on the margin of
the river, at this place. ]
[New Weentuan, district of Maine, a town-
ship six miles ¢. of Penobscot river, adjoining Or-
rington, and 15 miles from Buckston. |
[New Year’s Harbour, on the 2, coast of Statea
Land island, at the s. extremity of S. America,
affords wood and good water; was discovered Ja-
nuary 1, 1775; hence its name. Lat. 54° 49’ s,
Long. 64° 1) w.]
[New Yeaa’s Islands, near the above harbour,
within which is anchorage at x. half a. from the
harbour, at the distance of two leagues from it.
[New York, one of the United States of Ame-
rica, is situated between lat. 40° 33’ and 45° ».
and between long, 73° 10’ and 80° w.5 is about
Ae -
i
ilk
ii
400 NEW
[311 miles in length, and 265 in breadth 5 bounded
s. e. by the Atlantic ocean, e. by Connecticut,
Massachusetts, and Vermont, 2. by Upper Cana-
da, s. 2. and w. by Pennsylvania, New Jersey,
and lake Eric. It is subdivided into 21 counties,
as follows, viz New York, Richmond, Suffolk,
West Chester, Queen’s, King’s, Orange, Ulster,
Dutchess, Columbia, Rensselaer, Washington,
Clinton, Saratoga, Albany, Montgomery, Herke-
mer, Onondago, Otsego, Ontario, and ‘Tioga.
In 1790, this state contained 340,120 inhabitants,
of whom 21,824 were slaves. Since that period
the counties of Renssciaver, Saratoga, Herkemer,
Onondago, Otsego, and ‘Tioga have been taken
from the other countics. In 1796, according to
the state census, there were 195 townships, and
64,017 qualified electors. Electors in this state
are divided into the following classes :
Frecholders to the value of 1000/. . . 36,338
Do. to the value of 20/. and under 1000. 4,838
Do. who rent tenements of 40/. per annum 22,598
Other freeholders . . «© 6 2. + 243
64,017
By the census of 1810, its population amounted
to 959,220 souls.
It is diflicult to ascertain accurately the propor-
tion the number of electors bears to the whole num-
ber of inhabitants in this state. In the county of
Herkemer the electors to the whole number of
inhabitants was, in 1795, nearly as one to six, but
this proportion will not hold through the state.
Tn 1740, the number of inhabitants in the state was,
xs already mentioned, 340,120, of whom 41,785
were electors. In 1795, the nuinber of electors was
64,017, which, if the proportion between the
electois and the whole number of inhabitants be
the same, gives, as the whole number of inhabitants
in 1795, 530,177, an increase, in five years, of
190,057.
The chief rivers are Hudson, Mohawk, and
their branches. ‘The rivers Delaware and Susque-
hannah rise in this state. ‘The principal lakes are
Otsego, Oneida, George, Seneca, Cayuga, Salt,
and Chautanghque. ‘The principal bay is that
of York, which spreads to the s. before the city
ot New York. ‘The legislature of New York,
stimulated by the enterprising and active Pennsyl-
yanians, who are competitors for the trade of the
«. country, have lately granted very liberal sums,
towards improving those roads that traverse the
most sctiled parts of the country, and opening such
as lead into the w. and 2. parts of the state, unit-
ing as far as possible the establishments on Hud-
son’s river, and the most populots parts of the
YORK.
interior country, by the nearest practicable dis-
tances, By late establishments of post-roads a
safe and direct conveyance is opened between the
most interior w. parts of this state, and the several
states in the union: and when the obstructions be-
tween Hudson's river and lake Ontario are remov-
ed, there will not bea great deal to do to continue
the water communication by the lakes and through
Illinois river to the Mississippi.
New York, to speak generally, is intersected by
ridges of mountains extending in az.e. and s. w,
direction, Beyond the Alleghany mountains, how-
ever, the country is level, of a fine rich soil, co-
vered in its natural state with maple, beech, birch,
cherry, black walnut, locust, hickory, and some
mulberry trees. On the banks of lake Erie are a
few chesnut and oak ridges. Hemlock swamps
are interspersed thinly through the country. All
the creeks that empty into lake Erie have falls,
which afford many excellent mill-scats. The
lands between the Seneca and Cayuga lakes are
represented as uncormonly excellent, being most
agreeably diversified with gentle risings, and tim-
bered with lofty trees, with little underwood. ‘The
degislature have granted a million and a half acres
offland, as a gratuity to the oflicers and soldiers of
the line of this state. This tract forms the military
townships of the county of Onondago. See Mini-
Tar Townships, and Ononpaco.
Exst of the Alleghany mountains, which com-
mence with the Kaat’s kill, on the w. side of Hud-
son’s river, the country is broken into hills with
rich intervening valleys. The hills are clothed
thick with timber, and when cleared afford fine
pasture ; the valleys, when cultivated, produce
wiicai, hemp, flax, pease, grass, oats, Indian corn,
&c. Ofthe commodities produced from culture,
wheat is the principal. Indian cornand pease are
likewise raised for exportation; and rye, oats,
barley, &c. for home consumption.
The best lands in the state, along Mohawk river
and». of it and w. of the Alleghany mountains,
but a few years ago were mostly in a state of nature,
but have been of late rapidly settling. In the x.
and unsettled parts of the state are plenty of moose,
deer, bears, some beavers, martins, and most other
ofthe inhabitants of the forest, except wolves.
The Ballstown, Saratoga, and New Lebanon
medicinal springs are much celebrated ; these are
noticed under their respective heads. ‘'he salt
made from the Salt springs here is equal in goud-
ness to that imported from ‘Turk’s island. ‘The
weight of a bushel of the salt is 1S61b. A spring
is reported to have been discovered in the Susque-
hannah country, impregnated with nitre, from]
ticable dis-
ost-ronds a
ryetween the
the several
uctions be-
are remov-
to continue
nd through
ersected by
, and s. w.
tains, hows
h soil, co-
eech, birch,
y, and some
2 [rie area
ck swamps
untry. All
have falls,
eats. The
ra lakes are
being most
os, and tim-
wood. ‘The
a half acres
d soldiers of
the military
Sce Mui-
which com-
side of Hud-
to hills with
are clothed
d afford finc
led, produce
Indian corn,
rom culture,
nd pease are
rye, oats,
fohawk river
mountains,
te of nature,
In then.
ty of moose,
d most other
wolves.
ew Lebanon
; these are
The salt
ual in good-
island, ‘The
. A spring
the Susque-
nitre, from]
NEW YORK. 401
[which salt-petre is made in the same manner that
common salt is made from the Onondago springs.
Large quentitics of iron ore are found here. A
sitver mine has been worked at Phillipsburg, which
produced virgin silver, Lead is found in Herke-
mer county, and sulphur in Montgomery. Spar,
zinc or spelter, a semi-metal, magnez, uscd in
glazings, pyrities of a golden hue, various kinds
of copper ore, and lead and coal mines, are found
in this state; also petrified wood, plaster of Paris,
ising-glass in sheets, tales, and crystals of various
kinds and colours, flint, asbestos, and several
other fossils. A small black stone has also been
found, which vitrifies with a small heat, and it is
said makes excellent glass.
The chief manufactures are iron, glass, paper,
pot and pearl ashes, earthen ware, maple sugar
and molasses, and the citizens in general manufac-
ture their own clothing. ‘This state, having a short
and casy access to the ocean, commands the trade
of a great proportion of the best sctiled and best
cultivated parts Uf the United States. ‘Their ex.
ports to the W. Indies are, biscuit, peas, Indian
corn, apples, onions, boards, staves, horses, sheep,
butter, cheese, pickled oysters, beef, and pork.
But wheat is the staple commodity of the state, of
which no less than 677,700 bushels were exported
so long ago as the year 1775, besides 2555 tons of
bread, and 2828 tons of flour. The increase since
has been in proportion to the incre*se of the popu-
lation. In wheat and flour more than a million
bushels are now annually exported. W. India
goods are received in return for the above articles.
Besides the articles already enumerated, are ex-
ported flax-seed, cotton, wool, sarsaparilla, coffee,
indigo, rice, pig-iron, bar-iron, pot-ash, pearl-ash,
furs, deer-skin, logwood, fustic, mahogany, becs-
wax, oil, Madeira wine, rum, tar, pitch, turpen-
tine, whale-fins, fish, sugars, molasses, salt, to-
bacco, lard, &c.; but most of these articles are
imported for re-exportation. The exports to fo-
reign parts, for the year ending September 30,
1791, 1792, &c. consisting principally of the
articles above enumerated, amounted as follows:
in 1791, to 2,505,465 dollars 10 cents ;—1792,
2,535,790 dollars 25 cents ;—1793, 2,932,370 dol-
lars :—1794, 5,449,183 dollars 10 cents ;—1795,
10,504,580 dollars 78 cents. ‘This state owned in
1792, 46,626 tons of shipping, besides which she
finds employment for about 40,000 tons of foreign
vessels.
There are in this state two handsomely endowed
and flourishing colleges, viz. Columbia, formerly
King’s college, in the city of New York, and
Union college, at Schenectady. See New York
VOL. MI.
City, and Scumnectany. Besides these, there
are dispersed in different parts of the state, 14 in-
corporated academies, containing in the whole as
many as 6 or 700 students. ‘These, with the esta-
blishment of schools, one at least in every district
of four square miles, for the common branche; of
education, must have the most beneficial effects on
the static of society. The sums granted by the
legislature of this state for the encouragement of
literature since the year 1790, have been very
liberal, and is evincive of the wisest policy. In
March 1790, the legislature granted to the regents
of the university, who have by law the supcrinten-
dance and management of the literature of the
state, several large and valuable tracts of Jand, on
the waters of lakes George and Champlain, and
also Governor’s island in the harbour of New
York, with intent that the rents and income thereof
should be by them applied to the advancement of
literature. At the same time they granted them
1000/. currency, for the same general purpose.
In April 1792, they ordered to be paid to the re-
gents, 1500/. for enlarging the library, 200/. fora
Chemical apparatus, 1200/. for erecting a wall to
support the college grounds, and 5000/. for erect.
ing a hall and an additional wing to the college ;
also 1500/. annually tor five years to be discretion«
ally distributed among the academics of the state ;
also 750/. for five years, to be applied to the pay-
ment of the salaries of additional professors. In
their sessions since 1795, the sums they have
granted for the support of the colleges, academies,
and of common scltooli throughout the state, have
been very liberal.
The religious sects or denominations in the state
are, English Presbyterians, Dutch Reformed, Bap-
tists, Episcopalians, Friends or Quakers, German
Lutherans, Moravians, Methodists, Roman Catho-
Iics, Shakers, a few followers of Jemima Wilkin-
son at Geneva, and some Jews in the city of New
York.
The treasury of this state is one of the richest in
the union. The treasurer of the state reported to
the legislature in January 1796, that the funds
amounted to 2,119,068 dollars 33 cents, which
yields an annuity of 234,218 dollars. Besides the
above immense sum, there was at that period in
the treasury 134,207/. 19s. 104d. currency. ‘The
ability of the state, therefore, is abundantly com.
petent to aid public institutions of every kind, to
make roads, erect bridges, open canals, and push
every kind of improvement to the most desirable
length. ‘The body of the Six Nations of Indians
inhabit the w. part of this state. See Six Na-
TIONS. |
Sr
402 NEW
[The English language is generally spoken
throughout the state, but is not a little corrupted
by the Dutch dialect, which is still spoken in
some counties, particularly in King’s, Ulster, Al-
bany, and that part of Orange which lies s. of the
mountains, But as Dutch schools are almost, if
not wholly discontinued, that language, in a few
generations, will probably cease to be used at all.
And the increase of English schools has already
had a perceptible effect in the improvement of the
English language.
Besides the Dutch and English, there are in this
state many emigrants trom Scotland, Ireland, Ger-
many, and some few from France. Many Germans
are settled on the Mohawk, and some Scots people
on the Hudson, in the county of Washington.
The principal part of the two former settled in the
city of New York; and retain the manners, the
religion, and some of them the language of their
respective countries. ‘The French emigrants set-
tled principally at New Rochelle, and on Staten
island, and their descendants, several of them, now
fill some of the highest offices in the United States.
The w. parts of the states are settled and settling
principally from New England. ‘There are three
incorporated cities in this state, New York, Al-
bany, and Hudson. }
[New York County, in the above state, com-
prehending the island of New York or Mahattan,
on which the metropolis stands, and the following
small islands: Great Barn, Little Barn, Man-
ning’s, Nutten, Bedlow’s, Bucking, and Oyster
islands. It contained, in 1790, 33,131 inhabitants,
including 2369 slaves. In 1796, the number of
inhabitants amounted to about 70,000, of whom
7272 were qualified electors. |
New York City is situated ci the s. w. point
of York island, at the confluence of Hudson and
Ik, rivers, and is the metropolis of the state of its
name, and the second in rank in the union. ‘The
Jength of the city on E. river is upwards of two
miles, and rapidly increasing, but falls short of
that distance on the banks of the Hudson. Its
breadth on an average is about a mile; and its
circumference four or five miles. ‘The plan of the
city is not perfectly regular,’ but is laid out with
rcterence to the situation of the ground, ‘The
ground which was unoccupied before the peace of
4783, was laid out in parallel strects of convenient
width, which has had a good effect upon the parts
of the city lately built. ‘The principal streets run
nearly parallel with the rivers. ‘These are inter-
sected, though not at right angles, by streets rune
ning from river to river,
‘The government of the city (which was incor-
YORK.
porated in 1696) is now in the hands of a mayor,
alderman, and common-council. ‘The city is di-
vided into seven wards, in each of which there is
chosen annually by the people an alderman and an
assistant, who, together with the recorder, are ap-
pointed annually by the council of appointment.
Che mayor’s court, which is held from time to
time by adjournment, is in high reputation asa
court of law. A court of session is likewise held
for the trial of criminal causes. The situation of
the city is both healthy and pleasant. Surrounded
on all sides by water, it is refreshed with cool
breezes in suminer, and the air in winter is more
et ae than in other places under the same pa-
rallel.
A want of good water is a great inconvenience to
the citizens, there being few wells in the city,
Most of the people are supplied every day with
fresh water, conveyed to their doors in casks, from
a pump near the head of Queen street, which re-
ceives it from a spring almost a mile from the cen-
tre of the city. This well is about 20 feet deep
and four feet diameter. ‘The average quantity
drawn daily from this remarkable well, is 110
hogsheads of 130 gallons each. In some hot sum-
mer days 216 hogsheads have been drawn from it ;
and what is very singular, there is never more or
less than about three feet water in the well. The
water is sold commonly at three-pence a hogshead
atthe pump. Several proposals have been made
by individuals to supply the citizens by pipes, but
none have yet been accepted.
New York has rapidly improved within the last
20 years, and land, whick then sold in that city
for 50 dollars, is now worth 1500; butit is a place
of too much importance, ina political point of view,
to be treated with a general description, Much
has been written concerning it by late travellers,
and we shall divide the remarks we have collected
from their works, (especially from that of Mr.
Lambert, towhom we have been indebted for much
of the information we have given concerning the
United States) under the following heads, viz.
Cuap. I,
The military.—The harbour.—The Broadway.—
Bowery road.—Shops.— Hotels.— Public build-
ings. —The park.—The theatre.—Vauchall.—
Ranelagh. — Wharfs. — Places of worship.—
Public buildings. — King’s or Columbia college.
—State prison. — Courts of law.—- Board «
health.— Quarantine station.—Chamber of con-
merce.—Inspectors of lumber, §c.—Commerce
of New York.—Jncrease of commerce.—Mar
ket places.—Abundance of provisions. —Articles ,
| mayor,
ty is di-
1 there is
n and an
'y are ap-
yintment.
n time to
ation as a
wise held
tuation of
rrounded
with cool
r is more
same pa-
enience to
the city,
day with
isks, from
which re-
n the cen-
feet deep
» quantit
' is 110
2 hot sum-~
n from it;
er more or
vell. The
\ hogshead
yeen made
pipes, but
iin the last
that city
is a place
nt of view,
n. Much
travellers,
collected
at of Mr.
} for much
erning the
8, Viz.
roadway.—
ublic build-
‘auchall.—
eeorship.—
ia college.
Board u ;
er of cont-
Commerce
ce.— Mar
—Articles ,
NEW
(arena to market.-- Fly market.—Bare mar-
ket. ——Price of commodities at New York.—
Charitable institutions —The ladies’ society for
the relief of poor widows with small children. —
The Cincinnati.—Medical society.— Protestant
Episcopal _society.—Columbia college.—News-
papers.—Literary fair.
Cuap. II.
Number of deaths at New York.—Mode of living.
—The yellow fever.— Population of New York.
— Deaths.—Church-yards.— Funerals. —Socie-
ty of New York.— Hlegant women.—Personal
attractions, — Education. -—- Thirst after know-
ledge.—Arts and sciences.—Literature.— Taste
for veading.—Salmagundi.—The Echo.—Bar-
low’s Columbiad.—Smoking.—Style of living at
New York, — Marriages. — Christmas-day.—
Recommendations of the clergy.—New-yeur’s
day. — Political parties. — Duels, — Lat. and
Long.
Cuar. 1.
Tr is well known that the 25th of November is
the anniversary of the evacuation of New York
by the British troops at the peace of 1783. The
militia, or rather the volunteer corps, are accus-
tomed on this day to be assembled from different
parts of the city, on the grand battery by the
water-side, so called from a fort having been for-
merly built on the spot, though at present it is
nothing more than a lawn for the recreation of the
inhabitants, and for the purpose of military parade.
The troops do not amount to 600, and are gau-
dily dressed, ina variety of uniforms, every ward in
the city having a different one: some of them with
helmets appear better suited to the theatre than the
field. The general of the militia and his staff are
dressed in the national uniform of blue, with buff
facings. They also wear large gold epaulets and
feathers, which altogether has a very showy ap-
pearance. ‘The gun-boats, which are stationed off
the battery, fire several salutes in honour of the
day, and the troops parade through the streets
leading to the water-side, ‘They then go through
the forms practised on taking possession of the city,
manoeuvring and firing feus-de-joye, &c. as oc-
curred on the evacuation of New York. One of
the corps consists wholly of Irishmen, dressed in
light green jackets, white pantaloons, and hel-
mets.
York island (or, as it is sometimes called, Man-
hattan) is separated from the continental part of
the state of New York by the Haerlem river. Its
length is about 16 miles, and its breadth varies
from a quarter to a mileand a half. ‘The bay is
about nine miles long and three broad, without
YORK, 403
reckoning the branches of the rivers on cach side
of the town. From the ocean at Sandy hook to
the city, is not more than 28 miles. The water is
deep enough to float the largest vessels. Ships of
90 guns have anchored opposite the city. ‘There
they lie land-locked, and well secured from winds
and storms; and fleets of the greatest number have
ample space for mooring. During the revolu-
tionary war, New York was the great rendezvous
for the British fleet; from the time of its surrender
in 1776 to the peace of 1783, our ships of war
passed all seasons of the year here in security.
It has been often observed that the cold of winter
has less effect upon the water of New York har-
bour, than in several places further to the s.
When Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Alexandria
are choked up by ice in severe winters, as in that
of 1804, New York suffers scarcely any inconve-
nience from it. ‘This is owing partly to the salt.
ness of the sound and the bay ; hile the Delaware,
Patapsco, and Patowmac, at the respective cities
above mentioned are fresh, and consequently more
easy to freeze. ‘The water at New York differs
but little in saltness from the neighbouring Atlan-
tic. The openness of the port is also to be ascribed
in part to the greater ebb and flow of the tide.
Another reason of the greater fitness of New York
for winter navigation is the rapidity of the currents.
The strength of these in ordinary tides, and more
especially when they are agitated by storms, is
capable of rending the solidity of the ice, and re-
ducing it to fragments. And although the whole
harbour was covered by a bridge of very compact
ice in 1780, to the serious alarm of the British
garrison, the like has never occurred since. The
number of vessels that entered from foreign ports
only into this port in 1795 amounted to 941. The
islands in the vicinity of New York are Long
island, Staten island, Governor’s, Bedlow’s and
Ellis’s islands. The first is of very considerable
extent, being 120 miles in length, and about eiglit
miles in breadth. It is a fertile and well cultivated
piece of land; inhabiied chiefly by the descen-
dants of the old Dutch settlers.
The Broadway and Bowery road are the two
finest avenues in the city, and nearly of the same
width as Oxford street in London, The first com-
mences from the grand battery situate at the ex-
treme point of the town, and divides it into two
unequal parts. It is upwards of two miles. in
length, though the pavement does not extend
above a mile and a quarter; the remainder of
the road consists of straggling houses which are
the commencement of new streets, already planned
out. The Bowery road commences from Chatham]
3F2
A04 NEW YORK.
street which branches off from the Broadway to
the right, by the side of the park. After proceed.
ing about a mile and a half it joins the Broadway,
and terminates the plan which is intended to Me
carried into effect for the enlargement of the city.
Much of the intermediate spaces between these
large streets, and from thence to the Hludson and
East rivers, is yet unbuilt upon, or consists only
of unfinished streets and detached buildings.
The houses in the Broadway are lofty and well
built. They are constructed in the English style,
and differ but little from those of London at the
w. end of the town; except, that they are uni-
versally built of red brick, In the vicinity of the
battery, and for some distance up the Broadway,
they are nearly all private houses, and occupied
by the principal merchants and gentry of New
York; after which, the Broadway is lined with
large commodious shops of every description,
well stocked with European and India goods; and
exhibiting as splendid and varied a show in their
windows, as can be met with in London. There
are several extensive book-stores, print-shops,
music-shops, jewellers, and silversmiths; hatters,
linen-drapers, milliners, pastry cooks, coach-
makers, hotels, and coffee-houses. ‘The strect is
well paved, and the foot-paths are chiefly bricked.
In Robinson street, the pavement before one of the
houses, and the steps of the door, are composed en-
tirely of marble.
The city hotel is the most extensive building of
that description in New York; and nearly resem-
bles in size and style of architecture the London
tavern in Bishopgate street. ‘The ground-floor
of the hotel at New York is, however, converted
into shops, which have a very handsome appear-
ance in the Broadway. Mechanic hall is another
large hotel at the corner of Robinson street, in the
Broadway. It was erected by the society of me-
chanics and tradesmen, who associated themselves
for charitable purposes, under an act of the legis-
lature in 1792. ‘There are three churches in the
Broadway ; one of them, called Grace church, is a
plain brick building, recently erected: the other
two are St.Paul’s and Trinity; both handsome
structures, built with an intermixture of white and
brown stone. The adjoining church-yards, which
occupy a large space of ground, railed in from the
street, and crowded with tomb-stones, are far from
being agreeable spectacles in such a populous
city. At the commencement of the Broadway,
near the battery, stands the old government-house,
now converted into offices for the customs. Be-
fore it is asmall lawn railed in, and in the centre
is a stone pedestal, upon which formerly stood a
leaden statue of George III. In the revolutionary
war it was pulled down by the populace, and made
into bullets.
The city hall, where the courts of justice are
held, is situated in Wall street, leading from the
coftee-house slip by the water side into the Broad-
way. It isan old heavy building, and very ina-
dequate to the present population and wealth
of New York. A court-house on a larger scale,
and more worthy of the improved state of the city,
is now building at the end of the park, between
the Broadway and Chatham street, in a style of
magnificence, unequalled in many of the larger
cities of Europe, The exterior consists wholly of
fine marble, ornamented in a very neat and ele-
gant style of architecture, and the whole is to be
surmounted by a beautiful dome, which, when
finished, will form a noble ornament to that part of
the town, in which are also situated the theatre,
mechanic hall, and some of the best private
houses in New York. The park, though not re.
markable for its size, is, however, of service, by
displaying the surrounding buildings to a better
advantage ; and is also a relief to the confined ap-
pearance of streets in general. _1t consists of about
four acres plinted with elms, planes, willows, and
catalpas; and the surrounding foot-walk is en-
compassed by rows of poplars: the whole is in-
closed by a wooden paling. Neither the park nor
the battery are very much resorted to by the fa-
shionables of New York, as they have become too
common, ‘The genteel lounge is inthe Broadway,
from eleven to three o’clock, during which time,
it is as much crowded as the Bond street of Lon-
don: and the carriages, though not so numerous,
are driven to and fro with as much velocity. 'The
foot-paths are planted with poplars, and afford an
agreeable shade from the sun in summer. About
three years ago the inhabitants were alarmed by a
large species of caterpillar, which bred in great
numbers on the poplars, and were supposed to be
venomous ; various experiments were tried, and cats
and dogs were made to swallow them; but it
proved to be a false alarm, though the city for
some time was thrown into the greatest consterna-
tion.
The theatre is on the s. e. side of the park, and
is a large commodious building. The outside is
in an unfinished state, but the interior is hand-
somely decorated, and fitted up in as good style
as the London theatres, upon a scale suitable to
the population of the city. It contains a large
coffee room, and good sized lobbies; and is
reckoned to hold about 1200 persons. ‘I'he scenes
are well painted and numerous; andthe machinery, ]
Nutionary
and made
justice are
from the
he srond-
very ina-
id wealth
4 scale,
the city,
:, between
a style of
he larger
wholly of
tand ele-
le is to be
ch, when
iat part of
1¢ theatre,
st private
th not re-
ervice, by
» a better
nfined ap-
ts of about
llows, and
alk is en-
tole is ine
e park nor
by the fa-
ecome too
Broadway,
hich time,
t of Lon-
umerous,
ity. The
afford an
. About
med by a
in great
losed to be
1, and cats
3 but it
e city for
consterna-
park, and
outside is
is hand-
rood style
suitable to
ts a large
; and is
I'he scenes
hchinery, |
NEW YORK. 405
(dresses, and decorations, are clegant and appro-
priate to the performances, which consist of all the
new pieces that come out on the London boards,
and several of Shakspeare’s best plays. ‘The onl
fault is, that they arc too much curtailed, by which
they often lose their effect ; and the performances
are sometimes over by half past 10, though they
do not begin at an earlier hour than in London.
The drama had been a favourite in New York be-
fore the revolution. During the time the city was
in our possession, threatrical entertainments were
very fashionable ; and the characters were mostly
supported by officers of the ane: After the ter-
mination of the war, the play-house fell into the
hands of Messrs, Hallam and Henry, who for a
number of years exerted themselves with much sa-
tisfaction to please the public. After the death of
Mr. Henry, the surviving manager formed a part-
nership with a favourite and popular performer,
under the firm of Hallam and Hodgkinson. ‘Their
effurts were soon after aided by the addition of
Mr. W. Dunlap. After some time Hallam and
Hodgkinson withdrew from the concern, and Mr.
Dunlap commenced sole manager. In this capa-
city he continued till 1804, During his manage-
ment of the theatrical concerns, he brought forward
many pieces of his own composition, as well as
several translations from the German. He is now
publishing his dramatic works in 10 volumes.
Mr. Cooper succeeded him in the direction of the
theatre, and in his hands it at present remains.
The theatre has been built about 10 years, and of
course embraces every modern improvement.
New York has its Vauxhall and Ranelagh ;
but they are poor imitations of those near Hondne:
They are, however, pleasant places of recreation
for the inhabitants. The Vauxhall garden is
situated in the Bowery road about two miles from
the city hall. It is a neat plantation, with gravel
walks adorned with shrubs, trees, busts, and
statues. Inthe centre is a large equestrian statue
of General Washington. Light musical pieces,
interludes, &c. are performed in a small theatre
situate in one corner of the gardens ; the audience
sit in whatare called the pit and boxes, in the open
air. ‘The orchestra is built among the trees, and a
large apparatus is construced for the display of
fireeworks. ‘The theatrical corps of New York is
chiefly engaged at Vauxhall during summer, ‘The
Ranelagh is a large hotel and garden, generally
known by the name of Mount Pitt, situated by the
water side, and commanding some extensive and
beautiful views of the city and its environs.
A great portion of the city, between the Broad-
way and the E. river, is very irregularly built ;
being the oldest part of the town, and of course
less capable of those improvements which distine
ruish the more recent buildings. Nevertheless,
It is the chief seat of business, and contains see
veral spacious streets crowded with shops, stores,
and warehouses of every description. ‘The wae
ter side is lined with shipping which lie along the
wharfs, or in the small docks called slips, of
which there are upwards of 12 towards the E, river,
besides numerous piers, ‘The wharts are large and
commodious, and the warehouses, which are nearly
all new buildings, are lofty and substantial. The
merchants, ship-brokers, &c. have their offices in
front on the ground floor of these warchouses.
These ranges of buildings and wharfs extend from
the grand battery, on both sides the town, up
the Fiudson and FE. rivers, and encompass the
houses with shipping, whose forest of masts gives
a stranger a lively idea of the immense trade which
this city carries on with every part of the globe.
New York appears to him the Tyre of the new
world.
New York contains 33 places of worship, viz.
nine Episcopal churches, three Dutch churches,
one French church, one Calvinist, one German
Lutheran, one English Lutheran, three Baptist
meetings, three Methodist meetings, one Mora
vian, six Presbyterian, one Independent, two
Quakers’ and one Jews’ synagozue,
Besides the public buildings which we have mene
tioned, there are numerous banks, insurance come
panies, commercial and charitable institutions,
literary establishments, &c. The new state pri-
son is an establishment worthy of imitation in
England. By the law of New York, treason,
murder, and the procuring, aiding, and abetting
any kind of murder, are the only crimes punish.
able by death. ‘The mode of execution is the
same as in England. All otber offences are pue
nished by imprisonment for a certain period in
the state prison. This building is situated at
Greenwich, about two miles from the city hall, on
the shore of the Hudson river. The space in-
closed by the wall is about four acres, and the pri-
son is governed by seven inspectors appointed by
the state council. ‘They meet once a month, or
oftener, together with the justices of the supreme
court, the mayor and recorder of the city, the
attorney-general, and district attomney. ‘I'he in-
spectors make rules for the government of the cons
victs, and other persons belonging to the priscn ;
and appoint two of their own body to be visiting
inspectors monthly, ‘lhe board of inspectors have
charge of the prison, and appoint a keeper or de-
puty, and as many assistants as they find to be ne-]
na eR
te cea =
——
——
eae
A06 NEW YORK.
[cessary, The salaries of the keepers are paid out
of the treasury of the state. ‘The inspectors, or
rather the agents of the prison, are empowered to
purchase clothing, bedding, provisions, too!s,
implements, and raw or other materials for the em-
ployment of the convicts, and keep accounts of
the same: also to open an account with cach con-
vict, charging him with his expences, and credit-
ing him with his labour: and if there should be
any balance due to the convict at the time of his
discharge, to give him a part or the whole of it;
but if the whole should not be given to him, to
convey the residue to the credit ofthe state. If
& convict on entering the prison is unacquainted
with any trade, he has the choice of learning one
most agreeable to him. It is said, that a certain
man who became a shoe-maker in that prison,
came out, at the end of histime, with several hun-
dred dollars in pocket. Hence the country is
benefited; and individuals, instead of being made
worse in prison, are rendered useful members of
society.
‘The expence of conveying and keeping the
convicts is always paid by the state. They are
dressed in uniforms of coarse cloth, according to
their classes and conduct, and kept at some kind
of work, For profane cursing, swearing, inde-
cent behaviour, idleness, negligence, disobedience
of regulations, or perverse conduct, the principal
keeper may punish the convicts by confinement in
the solitary cells, and by a diet of bread and wa-
ter, during such term as any two of the inspectors
advise. For the greater security, there is a de-
tachment of firemen allotted to the prison, also
an armed guard consisting of a captain, a sere
jeant, two corporals, a drummer, a fifer, and
twenty privates.
The laws are administered by the following
courts of justice.
I. The court for the trial of impeachments, and
the correction of crrors. Since the removal of
the seat of government to Albany, this court is
now held in that place. It is the court of dernier
resort, and consists of the president of the senate,
for the time being, and the sena‘ors, chancellor,
and judges of the supreme court, or the major
part of them.
II. The court of chancery. This court, con-
sisting of the chancellor, is held twice a year at
least in New York, and twice in the city of Al-
bany, and at-such other times as the chancellor
may think proper. Appeals lie from the deci-
sions of the chancellor to the court for the cor-
rection of errors.
Ill. The supreme court. This court consists of
a chief justice, and four puisne judges, and there
are four stated and regular terms. ‘The court ap-
points circuit courts to be held in the vacation in
the several counties, before one of the judges, for
the trial of all causes before a jury. Questions of
law which arise on the facts, are argued before the
whole court. Writs of error may be brought on
the judgments of the supreme court, to the court
for the correction of errors.
IV. The court of exchequer. The junior jus-
tice in the supreme court, or, in his absence, any
other of the pnisne jndges, is, ex officio, judge of
the court of exchequer. ‘This court is held du-
ring the terms of the supreme court, and at the
same places. It hears and determines all causes
and matters relating to forfeitures for recognizances
or otherwise, fines, issues, amercements, and debts
due to the people of the state.
V. The courts of oyer and termincr, and gene-
ral gaol delivery, ‘These courts are held pur-
suant to an act of the legislature, without a special
commission, by one or more of the justices of the
supreme court; together with the mayor, recorder,
and aldermen of the city, or any three of them, of
whom a justice of the supreme court must always
be one. They have the power to hear and deter-
mine all treasons, felonies, and other crimes and
misdemeanors, and to deliver the gaols of all pri-
soners confined therein,
VI. 'The court of common pleas, commonly call-
ed the mayor’s court. This is held before the
mayor, aldermen, and recorder, or before the
mayor and recorder only. ‘This court hears and
determines all actions, real, personal, or mixed,
arising within the city of New York, or within
the jurisdiction of the court. Where the sum de-
manded is above 250 dollars, the cause may be re-
moved at any time before the trial, into the su-
preme court. A writ of error lies from all judg-
ments of this court to the supreme court.
VII. The court of general sessions of the peace.
This court is also held by the mayor, recorder,
and aldermen, of whom the mayor or recorder
must always be one. Courts of special sessions
of the peace may also be held at any time the
common council may direct, and may continue
as long as the court may think proper tor the dise
patch of business. ‘These courts have the power
to hear and determine all felonies and offences
committed in the city of New York. There is
also a court of special sessions for the trial of petty
offences ; which consists of the mayor, recorder,
and aldermen,
VIII. The court of probates. Since the re-
moval of the seat of government to Albany the]
and there
court ape
cation in
dges, for
estions of
before the
rought on
the court
unior jus
ence, any
judge of
hekt due
nd at the
ull causes
yenizances
and debts
and gene-
held pur-
ta special
ces of the
, recorder,
f them, of
ist always
and detere
rimes and
of all pri-
nonly call-
before the
»efore the
hears and
lor mixed,
or within
he sum de-
may be re-
o the su-
all judg-
the peace.
recorder,
recorder
al sessions
time the
continue
lor the dis-
he power
id offences
There is
al of petty
recorder,
e the ree
Ibany the]
NEW YORK. 407
| judge of this court is required to reside in that city.
e has all the powers of jurisdiction relative to
testamentary matters, which were formerly exer-
cised by the governor of the colony, as judge of
the prerogative court, except as to the appoint-
ment of surrogates, °
IX. Court of surrogate, Surrogates are ap-
pointed for each county by the council of appoint.
ment, one of which resides and holds his court in
the city of New York. They have the sole and
exclusive power to take proof of the last wills and
testaments of persons deceased, who at the time of
their death were inhabitants of the city, in what-
ever place the death may have happened; to
issue probates, and grant letters of administration
of the goods, chattles, and credits of persons dy-
ing intestate, or with the wills annexed. A Epeee
from the orders and decrees of the surrogate lic to
the court of probates.
X. District court of the United States. This
court, consisting of a single judge, has four regular
sessions in a year, and special sessions are held as
often as the judge thinks necessary. It has ex-
clusive original jurisdiction of civil causes, of ad-
miralty and maritime jurisdiction, including all
scizures under the laws of impost, navigation, or
trade of the United States, on the high seas, and
in the navigable waters, as well as seizures on land
within other waters, and all penalties and fortei-
tures arising under the laws of the United States.
It has also jurisdiction, exclusive of the state
courts, of all crimes and offences cognizable under
the authority of the United States, committed
within the district, or upon the high seas, where no
other punishment than whipping, not excceding
30 stripes, a fine not exceeding 100 dollars, or a
term of imprisonment not exceeding six months,
is to be inflicted. It also has concurrent jurisdic-
tion with the courts of the state, where an alien
sues for a tort only, in violation of the laws of
nations, or treaties of the United States; and
where the United States sue, and the matter in dis-
pute docs not exceed 100 dollars, {t has a juris-
diction over the state courts of all suits against con-
suls and vice-consuls.
XI. The circuit court of the United States for
the district of New York, in the second circuit, is
held in the city on the Ist of April and the Ist of
September in each year. It consists of one of the
judges of the supreme court of the United States,
and the judge of the district court. It has origi-
ginal cognizance of all civil suits, where the mat-
ter in dispute exceeds 500 dollars, and the United
States are plaintiffs, or an alicn is tue party; or
the suit is between citizens of different states. It
has exclusive cognizance of all crimes and offences
cognizable under the authority of the United
States, except where it is otherwise provided by
law ; and a concurrent jurisdiction with the dise
trict court of the crimes cognizable therein.
Of late years a board of health has been estas
blished at New York, under an act of the legisla.
ture, and a variety of regulations are enjoined,
for the purpose of preventing the introduction of
malignant fevers. <A station is also assigned on
Staten island, where vessels perform quarantine ¢
the buildings which constitute the hospital are se-
parated from cach other, and are capable of ace
commodating upwards of $00 sick, ‘I'he situation
is extremely pleasant, and well adapted to the
purpose,
There are five banks and nine insurance come
panies: one of the latter is a branch of the Phoenix
company of London. There is a chamber of
commerce in New York, which has for its object
the promotion and regulation of mercantile con-
cerns; and is alsoa charitable institution for the
support of the widows and children of its members,
The origin of this institution is of a singular nae
ture ; and proves that non-intercourse acts in Amee
rica are not of recent origin, ‘The following is an
account of it.
On the 5th of April 1768, 20 merchants met in
the city of New York, and tormed themselves into
a voluntary association, which they called * ‘The
New York chamber of commerce.” On the 2d
of May 1769, they received a message of thanks
from the house of assembly to the merchants of the
city and colony, for their patriotic conduct in des
clining the importation of goods from Great Bri-
tain at that juncture. The words on this occa
sion were the following: ‘¢ 1 have it in charge
from the general assembly, to give the merchants
of this city and colony the thanks of the house,
for their repeated, disinterested, public-spirited,
and patriotic conduct, in declining the importa-
tion or receiving of goods from Great Britain, un-
til such acts of parliament as the general assem-
bly had declared unconstitutional, and subversive
of the rights and liberties of the people of this
colony, should be repealed.” On the 15th of
March 1770, during the administration of Dr.
Colden, as lieutenant-governor of the province, a
charter was granted to the society, by the name of
‘¢ The corporation of the chamber of commerce
in the city of New York in America.” ‘They are
enabled to hold property not exceeding a clear
yearly value of 3000/. sterling per annum. The
objects are to enable them the better to carry into
execution, encourage, and promote, by just and ]
ages
ti
|
1 eo
Bit
408
[lawful ways and means, such measures as tend to
promote and extend just and lawful commerce ;
and to provide for such members as may be
hereafter reduced to poverty, their widows and
children,
The merchants, in their address to the governor,
for his condescension in allowing the charter, ob-
served, among other things, that they are thereby
enabled to execute many plans of trade, which, as
individuals, they could not before accomplish ;
and promised themselves many and great advan-
tages to the colony from their incorporation, ‘I'he
chamber, by its charter, is authorised to make re-
gulations for the government of its officers and
members, and for regulating all its other affnirs,
with penalties for the violation of them. They
are also empowered to appoint a committee of five
members, at each monthly meeting, to adjust and
determine all mercantile disputes which may be
referred to them: and the secretary is directed to
cause the names of this monthly committee to be
ublished in one of the public newspapers, for the
information of those who may wish to submit any
disputes to their decision. No person can be ad-
mitted as members, but merchants and insurance-
brokers,
The committees must report to the chamber, at
the next stated meeting after their time of service
is ended, the several objects of dispute which
have been referred to their decision, with the
names of the parties, together with the arguments
and pict pies upon which their adjudications
have been founded, in order that they may be re-
corded by the secretary. If the members of the
chamber refuse to submit all disputed matters of
accounts between each other, to the final arbitra.
tion and determination either of a monthly com-
mittee, or such members as may be chosen by the
parties, they may be punished by expulsion.
Bills of exchange drawn upon any of the W.
India islands, Newfoundland, or other foreign pos-
sessions in America, and returned protested for non-
payment, are liable to 10 per cent. damages, on
demand, at the current exchange, when the bill
with the protest is presented either to the drawer
or indorser thereof. Bills of exchange drawn on
any part of Europe, and returned protested, are
liable to 20 per cent. damages, ‘The chamber has
also published regulations for estimating the ton-
nage of bulky articles, for correcting mistakes in
freight, and for fixing inland and foreign commis-
sions. By an act of the state legislature, passed
in the year 1784, all the privileges granted in the
charter were fully confirmed and perpetuated.
Inspectors are Spreinias by the state council to
NEW YORK.
examine lumber, staves, and heading, pot and
pearl ashes, sole leather, flour and meal, beef and
pork, previous to exportation, Persons shipping
the above articles without having them inspected,
are liable to heavy penalties.
New York is esteemed the most eligible sitna.
tion for commerce in the United States. It almost
necessarily commands the trade of one half New
Jersey, most of that of Connecticut, part of that
of Massachusetts, and almost the whole of Ver
mont, besides the whole fertile interior country,
which is penetrated by one of the largest rivers in
America, ‘This city imports most of the goods
consumed between a line of 30 miles e. of Connec-
ticut river, and 20 miles w. of the Hudson, and be-
tween the ocean and the confines of Canada, a con-
siderable portion of which is the best peopled of any
part of the United States; and the whole territory
contains upwards of 1,000,000 people, or one-fifth
of the inhabitants of the union, Besides, some of
the other states are partially supplied with goods
from New York. But in the staple commodity
flour, Pennsylvania and Maryland have exceedec
it, the superfi.ie flour of those states commanding
a higher price than that of New York ; not that
the quality of the grain is worse, but because
greater attention is paid in those states to the in-
spection and manufacture of that article. In
the manufacture likewise of iron, paper, cabinet
works, &c, Pennsylvania excceds not only New
York, but all her sister states. In times of peace,
however, New York will command more com-
mercial business than any town in the United
States. In time of war it will be insecure without
a marine force; but a small number of ships will
be able to defend it from the most formidable at-
tacks by sea.
The commerce of New York, before the late
embargo, was in a high state of prosperity and
progressive improvement. ‘I'he merchants traded
with almost every part of the world, and though
at times they suffered some privations and checks
from the belftgerent powers of Europe, yet their
trade increased, and riches continued to pour in
upon them, They grumbled, but nevertheless
ursued their prosperous career, and seldom failed
in realizing handsome fortunes. What a mortify-
ing stroke, then, was the embargo! a measure
which obliged them to commit a sort of com-
mercial suicide in order to revenge themsclyes of
a few lawless acts, which might have been easily
avoided if the merchants had speculated with
more prudence. ‘The amount of tonnage belong-
ing to the port of New York in 1806 was
183,671 tons; and the number of vessels in the]
vot and
ef and
shipping
ispected,
le sifna.
It almost
alf New
rt of that
. of Ver-
country,
rivers in
he gools
. Connec-
», and bes
la, & Con-
led of any
» terriiory
r one-fifth
, some of
ith goods
mimodity
exceeded
nmanding
; not that
t because
to the ine
ticle. In
r, cabinet
ou New
of peace,
hore come
he United
re without
ships will
idable at-
e the late
erity and
nts traded
1d though
nd checks
, yet their
to pour in
levertheless
dom failed
a mortify-
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t of com-
mscelyes of
een easily
lated Reba
belongs
#806 was
els in the]
NEW YORK. 409
‘harbour on the 25th of December 1807, when
the embargo took place, was 557, The moneys
collected in New York for the national treasury,
on the imports and tonnage, have for several
years amounted to one-fourth of the public reves
nue. In 1806, the sum collected was 6,500,000
dollars, which, after deducting the drawbacks, left
a nett revenue of 4,500,000 dollars ; which was
paid into the treasury of the United States, as the
proceeds of one year. In the year 1808, the
whole of this immense sum had vanished! In
order to shew how little the Americans have suf:
fered upon the aggregate from Berlin decrees and
orders of council; from French menaces, and
British actions; it is only necessary to state, that
in 1803 the duties collected at New York scarcely
amounted to 4,000,000 of dollars ; and that at
the period of laying on the embargo, at the
close of the year 1807, they amounted to nearly
7,000,000 dollars. After this it is hardly fair to
complain of the violation gf neutral rights !
Every day, except Sunday, is a market-day in
New York. Meat is cut up and sold by the
joint or in pieces, by the licensed butchers only,
their agents, or servants. Each of these must sell
at his own stall, and conclude his sales by one
o’clock in the afternoon, between the Ist of May
and the Ist of November, and at two, between the
Ist of November and the Ist of May. Butchers
are licensed by the mayor, who is clerk of the
market. He receives for every quarter of beef
sold in the market, six cents; for every hog,
shoat, or pig above 14 bs. weight, six cents ; and
for each calf, sheep, or lamb, four cents; to be
paid by the butchers and other persons selling the
same, ‘To prevent engrossing, and to favour
housekeepers, it is declared unlawful for persons
to purchase articles to sell again, in any market or
other part of the city, before noon of each day,
except flour and meal, which must not be bought
to be sold again until four in the afternoon ; huck-
sters in the market are restricted to the sale of ve-
getables with the exception of fruits. The sale of
unwholesome and stale articles of provisions, of
blown and stuffed meat, and of measly pork, is ex-
pressly forbidden. Butter must be sold by the
pound, and not by the roll or tub, Persons who
are not. licensed butchers, selling butchers’ meat
on commission, pay treble fees to the clerk of the
market.
The markets are abundantly supplied with every
thing in its season, which the land and water af-
fords. In an enumeration made a few years ago
by several gentlemen of experience, it appeared
that the number of different species of wild qua-
VOL. I
drupeds brought tomarket in the course of the year,
in whole or in part, alive or dead, was cight ; am-
phibious creatures, five; shell fish, 14; birds, 51;
and of fishes proper, 62. ‘Their names are as fol-
low, Quadrupeds: bear, deer, racoon, ground-
hog, opossum, squirrel, rabbit, hare, Amphibi-
ous: green-turtle, hawksbill, loggerhead, snapper,
terrebin, Shell fish : oyster, lobster, prawn, crab,
sea crab, cray fish, shrimp, clam, sea clam, soft
clam, scollop, grey mussel, black mussel, perri-
winkle, Birds: wild goose, brant, black duck,
grey duck, canvas back, wood duck, wigeon, teal,
broad-bill duck, dipper, sheldrake, old-wife, coote,
hell-diver, whistling-diver, redhead, loon, cor.
morant, pilestart, sheerwater, curlew, merlin, wil-
let, woodcock, English snipe, grey snipe, yc'low-
legged snipe, robin snipe, dovertie, siis!l-sand
snipe, green plover, grey plover, kildare, wild
turkey, heath hen, partridge, quail, meadow hen,
wild pigeon, turtle dove, lark, robin, large grey
snow bird, small blue snow bird, blue jay, yellow
tail, clape blackbird, woodpecker, blue crane,
white crane, TVishes: salmon, codfish, blackfish,
streaked bass, sea bass, sheepshead, mackarel,
Spanish mackarel, horse mackarel, trout, pike,
sunfish, lucker, chub, roach, shiner, white perch,
yellow perch, black perch, sturgeon, haddock,
vollock, hake, shad, herring, sardine, sprat, man-
aden, weakfish, smelt, mullet, bonetto, kingfish,
silverfish, porgey, skipjack, angel fish, grunt’s
tusk, red drum, black drum, sheepshead drum,
dogfish, killifish, bergall, tommycod, red gurnard,
grey gurnard, spearings, gariisli, frost fish, blow
fish, toad fish, hallibut, flounder, sole, plaice,
skait, stingray, common ecl, conger eel, lam-
prey.
The principal market in New York is called
the Fly market. A name which might, perhaps,
lead a stranger to expect a market swarming with
flies. ‘This, however, is not the real meaning of
-he term, ‘This part of the city, s.e. of Pearl
street, was originally a saltemeadow, with a ercek
running through it, from where Maiden lane now
is, to the bay or Mast river; forming such a dise
position of land and water, as was called by the
Dutch Vlcie, a valley or wet piece of ground ;
when a market was first held there it was called
the Vlaie market, from which has originated the
name of Fly market.
On the w. side of the city in Greenwich street,
and between it and the Hudson river, is the
market of the second importance. This is known
by as odd and whimsical a name as the former,
It arose in the following manner: During the time
the city was in the hands of the British troops in}
3G
CS me egg
ee ae
a owe
—
a
410
[the revolutionary war, a considerable portion of
the buildings in that neighbourhood was burnt
down, Soon alter the peace a market was esta-
blished there, and in the progress of improvement
it happened that the market-house was finished
long before the streets were rebuilt, or the gene-
rality of inhabitants re-established. As there were
for a considerable time but few housekeepers or
purchasers, so there was but a small number of
sellers of produce to frequent this public place ;
which led the citizens to distinguish it by the
name of Bare market, or the market at which
there was little or nothing brought for sale; and
the name is continued to this day, though it is
now situated in the heart of the town, and the sup-
plies are steady and abundant. Besides these two
fics markeis, there are four others, somewhat
smaller, but elways well stocked with provisions
of every description,
The price of several commodities before the
embargo was as follows, in sterling money : beef
Gid. per Ib, ; matton Sd.; veal 7d. ; butter 10d. ;
bread, the loaf of 24tb. 7d.; cheese 7d.3 tur-
kies 7s. each; chickens 20d. per couple; oysters
7d. per dozen; flour 27s. per barrel of L9GIbs. ;
brandy ts. Gd. per gallon ; coffee Is. Gd. per Ib. ;
green (ea ds.; best hyson 10s.; coals 70s. per
chaldron ; wood 20s. per cord; a coat 7. 10s. ;
waistcoat and pantaloons 4/. LOs.; hat 548.3 pair
of boots 54s.; washing Ss. 6d. per dozen pieces,
Price of lodging at genteel boarding houses, from
I. 11s. Gd. to 3l.3s. per week. After the em-
bargo took place, the price of provisions fell to
nearly half the above sums, and Kuropean com-
modities rose in proportion, ‘The manutactures of
America are yet in an infant state; but in New
York there are seyeral excellent cabinet-makers,
coach-makers, &c. who not only supply the coun-
try with household furniture and carriages, but
also export very largely to the W. Indies, and to
foreign possesssons on the continent. of America.
Their workmanship would be considered clegant
and modern in London, and they have the advan-
tege of procuring mahogany and other wood much
cheaper than we.
Game laws are not wholly unknown in Ame-
rica. ‘There is an act in force for the preservation
of heath hens and other game, which was passed
in the year 1791. ‘This statute makes it penal
to kill any heath hen, within Queen’s or Suffolk
counties, or any partridge, quail, or woodcock,
within Quceen’s, King’s, and New York counties,
in the following manner. Heath hen, partridge,
and quail are protected by the law from the Ist of
April to the 5th of October, and woodccock from
NEW YORK.
the 20th of February to the Ist of July; they who
violate the law are lable to a penalty of two dollars
and a half tor every bird. There is also a society
established called the Brush Club, for the pur-
pose of detecting poachers, and interlopers upon
private property. Laws are also passed for the
protection of deer; persons violating them are sub-
Jectto penalties of seven dollars and a half; 25
dollars if the deer are killed within 30 rods of any
road or hiyhway.
There are SL benevolent institutions in New
York. The names of them are as follows: 'Tam-
many society, freeschool, provident society, mutual
benefit society, benevolent society, Albion benevo-
lent society, ladies’ society for the relief of poor
widows with small children, fire department, New
York manufacturing society, society of mechanics
and tradesmen, the dispensary, lying-in hospital,
sailors’ snug harbour, marine socicty, manumission
society, kine-pock institution, city hospital, alms
house, house carpenters’ society, Bellevue hos-
pital, marine hospital at Staten island, humanc
society, masonic socicty, containing 13 lodges,
German society, society of unitas fratrum, first
Protestant Episcopal charity school, St. George’s
socicty, St. Patrich’s society, St. Andrew’s so-
ciety, the New England society, the Cincinnati,
Most of these institutions are mere benefit societics,
resembling those which are so numerous in Kng-
land. The ladies’ society for the relief of poor
widows with small children merits, however, parti-
cular notice, since it is an institution most honour-
able to the character of the amiable women of
that city; and is worthy of imitation in Great
Britain,
This association, of which gentlemen cannot be
members, though they may be contributors, was
commenced in November 1797, and organised
the 29th December following. At their first stated
meeting in April 1798, it was reported that 98
widows with 225. chiidren had been brought
througi. the severity of winter, with a degree
of comtort, who without this interposition would
probably have gone to the alms house, or have pe-
rished. Relief is given in necessaries, but never
in money, without a vote of the directresses at their
board, It is not granted in any case until after
the applicants shall be visited at their dwellings by
one of the managers, and particular inquiry made
into their character and circumstances. Immo-
rality excludes trom the patronage of the society ;
neither is relief given to any applicant who re-
fuses to put out at service or to trades, such of
her children as are fit, and to place the younger
ones, of proper age, at a charity school ; unless |
they who
wo dollars
ya society
the pur-
vers UpOR
‘d for the
nare sub-
half; 25
ods of any
s in New
ws: ‘lam-
ty, mutual
om benevo-
cf of poor
nent, New
mechanics
1 hospital,
inumission
pital, alms
levue hos-
1, humane
13 lodges,
trum, first
t. George’s
drew’s so-
Cincinnati,
fit societics,
us in bing
ief of poor
ever, parti-
ist honour-
women of
a in Great
1 cannot be
utors, was
organised
r first stated
ed that 98
n brought
» a degree
tion would
or have pe-
but never
sses at their
until after
wellings by
quiry made
‘ss Immo-
he society ;
nt who re-
hs, such of
he younger
ol ; unless |
NEW YORK. 411
[in very particular cases, of which the board
Judges,
The managers are required to exert themselves
to create and maintain habits of industry amone
their applicants, by furnishing them, as far as pos-
sible, with suitable employment. White and
checked linen has been extensively distributed
among the poor widows who could not find em-
ployment clsewhere, to be made into shirts, on
hire, and afterwards sold by the society at first
cost. ‘Phe ladies were incorporated by an act of
the legislature on April 2, 1802, and are allowed
to hold an estate of 50,000 dollars, applicable only
to the relief of poor widows with small children,
Their affairs are managed by a board of direction,
composed of a first and second directress, a secres
tary, treasurer, and not less than six, nor more
than twelve managers, two-thirds of whom make a
quorum. Husbands of married women who are
members or officers of this corporation, are not
liable for any loss occasioned by the neglect or mis-
feasance of their wives, nor for any subscription or
engagement of their wives, except in the case of
their having received from their wives money or
property belonging to the corporation.
The New York manufacturing society was ori-
ginally established for the purpose of furnishing
employmeut for the honest and industrious poor ;
and for several years, spinning, weaving, and some
other branches of business, were carried on at their
manufactory in Vesey street. But the experiment
did not answer the expeciations of the stock-
holders, and the society discontinued their opera-
tions; so that it may now be considered as dis-
solved.
The marine society is established for the pur-
pose of improving maritime knowledge, and to
assist indigent and distressed masters of vessels,
their wives, and orphans, They may hold pro-
perty not exceeding the yearly value of 3000/.
sterling.
‘The mannumission society has for its object the
mitigation of the evils of Negro slavery, to assist
free blacks unlawfully kept in slavery, to prevent
kidnapping, and to better the condition of Negroes,
by teaching them reading, writing, and accounts,
They have a free school for black children, whose
number is about 100.
The humane society is established for a dif-
ferent purpose to that of London, being devoted
to the relief of distressed debtors confined in the
city prison, and for supplying soup to the dis-
tressed poor throughout the city, either gatui-
tously, or for the small consideration of three half-
pence a quart,
The society of unitas fratrum, or united bre-
thren, has for its object the propagation of the
gospel among the heathen, and is composed chiefly
of Moravians,
The society of the Cincinnati was established at
the close of the revolutionary war. Many of the
officers who had meritoriously served their coun-
try, on laying down their commissions, returned to
their original calling, or some other department
of civillife, A respectable number of these, struck
wich the resemblance of their situation to that of
the great Roman dictator Cincinnatus, associated
themselves into a body of military friends, which
they denominated the society ofthe Cincinnati. This
corps of heroic gentlemen. still preserves its origi-
nal organisation, and holds meetings from time to
time, to commemorate public events, perform
deeds of beneficience, and to hold converse on the
defence of the country.
There are also two other socictics not noticed in
the preceding enumeration ; these are the medical
society, and the Protestant Mpiscopal society for
promoting religion and learning in the state of New
York.
The first is a corporate body, and was esta-
blished in I806, by virtue of a law to incorporate
medical societies tor the purpose of regulating
the practice of physic and surgery in the state.
By this statute it is declared lawful for these phy-
sicians and surgeons (not less than five), who
were then authorised by law to practise in their
several professions, to assemble in their respec-
tive counties, and to incorporate themselves by
choosing a president, vice-president, secretary,
and treasurer; and depositing in the clerk’s office
a copy of all their proceedings within the 20 days
immediately succeeding the first Tuesday of July,
or their other time of meeting. Each county so-
ciety may hold an estate, real or personal, to the
amount of 1000 dollars. A county society, thus
organised, is empowered to examine all students,
who shall present themselves for that purpose, and
to grant them diplomas, which allow the possessor
to practse physic and surgery all over the state.
Such a society may also appoint a board of censors,
consisting of not less than three, nor more than
five, whose duty it is to examine students, and re-
port their opinion thereon, in writing, to the pres
sident. After the Ist of September 1806, all
ponent practising physic and surgery without
daving undergone an examination, and received
a diploma, are debarred from collecting any
debts incurred by such practice, in any court of
law.
The Protestant Episcopal society for promoting
8G 28
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aa
Sa
ee Se"
CON IT te
een
ae
— —_
412 NEW
[religion and learning in the state of New York,
is established for the following objects :—The
members are to be in amity with the Protestant
Kpiscopal church ; to adopt measures tor insuring
a sufficient number and succession of pious and
earned ministers of the gospel, attached to the
doctrines and discipline of the Protestant [pisco-
pal church ; to afford assistance to such young
men as are of good character and competent abili-
ties, but in circumstances which do not admit of
prosecuting the study of divinity without aid; to
encourage those who may distinguish themselves
by extraordinary attainments ; to receive all dona-
tions for pious purposes, and to superintend the
application of them ; to provide funds for establish-
ing a theological library, for the establishment of
schools, and for providing one or more fellowships
in Columbia college. In a word, to pursue a
system of measures whereby the situation of the
clergy may be rendered respectable, the church
obtain a permanent support, and learning and piety
be generally diffused throughout the state.
Columbia college was incorporated in the year
1754. The institution was then called King’s
college, and was intended for the instruction and
education of youth in the learned languages, and
liberal arts and sciences. And for their further
encouragement the college was authorised to con-
fer such degrees upon the students and other per-
sons, as are usually granted in the English univer-
sities. Under these powers there have been two
faculties established in the college, viz. the faculty
of the arts, anda faculty of medicine.
The former consists of a president, who is also
a professor of moral philosophy ; of a protessor
of classical literature, who also gives lectures on
Grecian and Roman antiquities ; of a professor of
mathematics, natural philosophy, and astronomy,
who likewise teaches geography and chronology ;
and of a professor of logic, rhetoric, belles lettres,
&e.
The faculty of physic is composed of a pro-
fessor of anatomy and surgery ; of midwifery and
clinical medicine; of botany and materia medica ;
of the theory and practice of physic, and of che-
mistry. ‘The annual commencement is the first
Wednesday in August. Lectures are regularly de-
jivered on all these literary, scientific, and pro-
fessional subjects; and the professors labour with
geal and ability in’ their several departments.
There are some rare books and valuable apparatus
belonging to their institution, Since the revolution
the seminary has been so far altered, as was neces+
sary to adapt it to the new state of affairs; it is
now called Columbia college. ‘The trustees have
YORK.
the power of filling up all vacancies in their body,
occasioned by death, removal, or resignation, The
income of the college is about 1500/. but is ex-
pected to increase with the renewal of some of their
expiring leases of land. ‘To this college Mr. Jo-
seph Murray, an eminent counsellor at law, left his
large library, and almost the whole of his fortune,
anounting to 10,0007.
‘There are upwards of twenty newspapers pub-
lished in New York, nearly half of which are
daily papers ; besides several weekly and monthly
magazines or essays. ‘The high price of paper,
labour, and taxes in Great Britain, has been very
favourable to authorship, and the publication of
books in America, Foreign publications are also
charged with a duty of 13 per cent. ; and foreign
rags are exempted trom all impost. ‘These advan-
tages have facilitated the manufacture of paper,
and the printing of books in the United States ;
both of which are now carried on toa very large
extent. ‘The new works that appear in America,
or rather original productions, are very few; but
every English work of celebrity is immediately
reprinted in the States, and vended for # fourth of
the original price. ‘The booksellers and printers
of New York are numerous, and in geaeral men of
property, Some of them haye published very
splendid editions of the bible, and it was nota
little gratifying to the American patriot to be told,
that the paper, printing, engraving, and binding,
were all of American manufacture, For several
years past, a literary fair has been held alternately
at New York and at Philadelphia. ‘This annual
mecting of booksellers has tended greatly to tacili-
tate intercourse with cach other, to circulate books
throughout the United States, and to encourage
and support the arts of printing and paper-mak-
ing.
A public library is established at New York,
which consists of about 10,000 volumes, many
of them rare and valuable books. The build-
ing which contains them is situated in Nassau
street, and the trustees are incorporated by an act
of the legislature. ‘There are also three or four
public reading-rooms, and circulating libraries,
which are supported by some of the principal
booksellers, from the annual subscriptions of the
inhabitants. There isa museum of natural curiosi-
tics in New York, but it contains nothing worthy
of particular notice.
Cuar. Il.
Ir does not appear that the ma‘ignant or yellow
fever made very great ravages among the inha-
bitants in 1805, the last time of its appearance in |
ir body,
on, The
ut is ex-
e of their
Mr. J O-
vy left his
5 fortune,
yers pub-
hich are
monthly
of paper,
been very
‘ication of
is are also
d foreign
se advan
of paper,
dd States ;
rery large
America,
few; but
mediately
. fourth of
id printers
ral men of
shed very
was nota
to be told,
d binding,
or several
alternately
his annual
to facili-
hlate books
encourage
aper-mak-
w York,
res, Many
She build-
n Nassau
by an act
he or four
libraries,
principal
ions of the
al curiosi«
ig worthy
or yellow
the inha-
Arance In |
NEW YORK. 413
f New York ; for the deaths very little exceeded the
preceding and subsequent years.
In 1804 the deaths were 2064
1805 - = «= = + 9959
1800? <5 = 8959
Of the above number, 51 were suicides; and ace
cording to the statement of Dr, Mitchill, upwards
of one-third of the deaths are occasioned by con-
sumption and debility. ‘Lo the influence of mois-
ture and the sudden changes of the weather, has
been attributed the prevalence of nervous disorders
and debility, among a great number of the inhabi-
tants of the United Siates. Muchmay, no doubt, be
ascribed to those causes ; but it isthought the mode
of living has a more immediate effect upon the hu-
man frame than even the climate of the country.
The higher and middling classes of the Americans
who reside chiefly in the great towns, or their
neighbourhood, live, generally speaking, in a more
Juxurious manner than the same description of
people in England, Not that their tables are more
sumptuously furnished on particular occasions,
than ours; but that their ordinary meals consist of
a greater variety of articles, many of which, from
too frequent use, may perhaps become pernicious
to the constitution. The great consumption of
green tea, which we reckon the most unwholsome,
in consequence (as it is said) of its being dried upon
copper, is most likely very injurious to the consti-
tution. ‘The Americans use scarcely any other
than this tea, while in England, the souchong, and
other black teas, are most in request. ‘The con-
stant use of scgars by the young men, even from an
early age, may also tend to impair the constitution,
and create a stimulus beyond that which nature re-
quires, or is capable of supporting. ‘Their dread
of the yellow fever has induced a more frequent use
of tobacco of late years; but it is now grown into a
habit that will not be readily parted with. ‘Phe
other classes of the community who reside in the
interior, and back parts of the country, are often
obliged to live upon salt provisions the greatest
part of the year, and sometines on very scauty
fare; besides which, they gencrally dwell in mise-
rable log huts, incapable of defending thein eflec-
tually from the severity of the weather. ‘Those
who have the means of living better are great
eaters of animal food, which is introduced at every
meal, together with a variety of hot cakes, and a
profusion of butter: all which may more or less
tend to the introduction of bilious disorders, and
perhaps lay the foundation of those diseases which
prove fatal in hot climates. The cffects of a
Juxurious or meagre diet are equally injurious to
the constitution, and together with the sudden and
2
violent changes of the climate, may create a scries
of nervous complaints, consumption, and debility,
which in the states bordering on the Atlantic, carry
off at least one third of the inhabitants in the prime
of life.
The malignant or yellow fever generally com-
mences in the confined parts of the town, near the
water side, in the month of August or September.
It is commonly supposed to have been introduced
by the French refugees from St. Domingo during
the French revolution ; though some are of opinion
that it originsied in the States ; and many physi-
cians were puzzling their brains about its origin,
ata time when they ought to have been devising
means to stop its ravages. As soon as this dread-
ful scourge makes its appearance in New York,
the inhabitants shut up their shops, and fly from
their houses into the country, Those who cannot
go far, on account of business, remove to Green-
wich, a small village situate on the border of the
Hudson river, about two or three miles from town.
Here the merchants and others have their offices,
and carry on their concerns with little danger from
the fever, which does not seem to be contagious
beyond a certain distance. The banks and other
public offices also remove their business to this
place: and markets are regularly established for
the supply of the inhabitants. Very few are left in
the confined parts of the town except the poorer
classes and the Negroes. ‘The latter not being
affected by the fever, are of great service at that
dreadful crisis ; and are the only persons who can
be found to administer the hazardous duties of at-
tending upon the sick, and burying thedead. Up-
wards of 26,000 people removed from the interior
parts of the city, and from the streets near the
water side, in I805, Since then, the town has
happily been free from that dreadful scourge ;
and trom the salutary regulations which have since
been adopted, it isto be hoped, that it will never
make its appearance again, ‘The finest cities in
America were no doubt preserved from depopu-
lation, during the prevalence of the fever, by the
timely retreat of the inhabitants into the country.
It were to be wished that the same practice was
permitted in Spain, and other parts of the conti-
nent, which are sometimes visited by pestilential
fevers, instead of surrounding the towns by a
cordon of troops, and cutting off all conmunica-
tion between the unfortunate inhabitants and the
country,
The following census of the population of
New York was taken in £807, and laid before
the mayor, aldermen, and commonalty of the city
in 180s. }
powent- Geren
=
3
At
5
414 NEW
[Census
YORK.
ror 1807.
a nn eee
| Electors posses:
a | Free ' Total |
Wan Péreons Sythe talaisieanite,
| upwards.
| fins. tee St Lee
First | 7,584 370 | 7,954 | STA
Second | 73424| 197| 73551 |) 385
Third | 7,303} 406 , 7,709 | 337
Fourth | 9,089} 147 | 9,236 || 351
Fifth 12,603 136 | 12,789 | A462
Sixth | 9,749] 112 9,861 258
Seventh |19,363) 124 | 19,487 AlS
Kighth | 5,959] 108] 6,067 | 302
Ninth | 2,680} 246 2,926 | 158
HTotal '81,754| 1776 | 83,530 | 3,010
Of the preceding number of inhabitants 42,881
are females, and 40,649 are males: making a
total of 83,530. In 1805 the population of New
York was 75,770, thus in the course of onc year
and ten months there has been an increase of inha-
bitants to the amount of 7760; and withi: the
same period, the number of slaves has decreased
272. The following table exhibits the population
of this city at different periods from its earliest
settlement.
In the year 1697 there were 4,302 inhabitants.
1756. . » 15,000
W77t. . «621,863
1786... «(23,614
1791... (83,131
1801 . . . 60,489
1805. . « «75,770
1807. . . 83,530
fence it appears that the population of New
York has, in a period of 20 years from 1786 to
1805, more than tripled itself; and should the po-
pulation continue to increase at the rate of five
per cent. per annum, it will, in 1855, amount to
705,650, a population nearly equal to that of Paris.
At this day it is equal to the whole number of in-
habitants in the state of Now York fifty years ago,
There are about 4000 Nexroes and people of
colour in New York, 1700 of whom are slaves,
These people are mostly of the Methodist persna-
sion, and have a chapel or two of their own with
preachers of their colour; though some attend
other places of worship according to their inclina-
Census of the Electors and total Population of the City of New York.
ee aaaaeaemnmeenl
Ditto not posses
‘lee > Pac, [Ditto possessed of S64 of Frecholds, Ditto who were
mae oa oe Frochelis of 2oo/, Dut who rent ‘Te-}Freemenon the} Total.
lue of 1001. anil and under 100d, (Mements, of theligth October, Electors.
ed
ivearly Value of]1775,
403.
7107
i 5 1,086
es 687 i 1,042
1 779 1 1,118
_ 976 4 1,331
4 1,429 6 1,901
ed 1,163 6 1,497
5 9,718 4 3,140
6 715 ei 1,093
4 174 3 339
19,407
NS
So
tion. All religious sects in the United States are
upon an equal footing, wo one has any established
prerogative above another ; but in any place, on
particular occasions, where precedence is given to
one over another, the Episcopal church, or that
sect which is most numerous, generally takes the
lead.
If any estimate can be formed of the salubrity
of the climate, and the healthiness of the inhabi-
tants of a town, by the number of deaths, Lon-
don must be reckoned to have the advantage of
New York in those respects. The amount of
deaths in the former city is about a fiftieth part
of its population, while in New York it is at least
one thirtieth ; the number of deaths ranging be-
tween 2500 and 3000 per annum. Weare, however,
more inclined to attribuie this great mortality to
improper diet and mode of living, than to the in-
salubrity of the climate. The church-yards and
vaults are also situate in the heart of the town, and
crowded with the dead. If they are not prejudi+
cial to the health of the people, they are, at least,
very unsightly exhibitions. One would think
there was a scarcity of land in America, by seeing
such large pieces of ground in one of the finest
streets of New York occupied by the dead. But
even if no noxious eflluvia were to arise (and
we rather suspect there must in the months of July,
August, and September), still the continual view
of such a crowd of white and brown tomb-stones
and monuments as is exhibited in the Broadway,
must, at the sickly season of the year, tend very ]
X
Total.
slectors.
1,086
1,042
1,118
1,331
1,901
1,497
3,140
1,093
339
}2,407
States are
established
r place, on
is given to
sh, or that
y takes the
salubrity
the inhabi-
aths, Lon-
vantage of
amount of
tiieth part
t is at least
anging be+
le, however,
ortality to
to the in-
-yards and
town, and
ot prejudi-
re, at least,
ould think
, by seeing
F the finest
lead. But
arise (and
hs of July,
inual view
ombestones
Broadway,
tend very }
NEW YORK. Ald
[much to depress the spirits, which should rather
be cheered and enlivened ; for at that period much
is effected by the force of imagination. ‘There is
alarge burying ground a short distance out of
town; but the cemeteries in the city are still used
at certain periods of the year.
They bury their dead within 24 hours; a cus-
tom probably induced by the heat of the climate
during the summer months ; but we see no reason
why it should be extended to the winter months,
which are cold enough to allow of the dead being
kept for three or four days, if nothing else pre-
vents it.
Funerals at New York, as well as in almost
every other part of the United States, are attended
by a numerous assemblage of the friends and ac-
quaintances of the deceased, who are invited, by
advertisements in the newspapers, to attend their
departed friend to the grave ; it is common to see
upwards of 500 people attending on such occa-
sions, and the larger the number the more the de-
ceased is supposed to be respected and valued.
We cannot help thinking, however, that these nu-
merous meetings savour somewhat of ostentation,
though certainly there is no parade of hearses,
nodding plumes, and mourning coaches. ‘The
people attend, for the most part, in their ordinary
dress, except those who are nearly related, or par-
ticularly intimate with the deceased. ‘The clergy-
man, physician, and chief mourners, wear white
scarts, which it isalso the custom to wear on the fol-
lowing Sunday. ‘The deceased is interred with or
without prayers, according to the faith he pro-
fessed,
The society of New York consists of three dis-
tinct classes. ‘The first is composed of the con-
stituted authorities and government officers ; di-
vines, lawyers, and physicians of eminence ; the
principal merchants, and people of independent
property. ‘The second comprises the small mer.
chants, retail dealers, clerks, subordinate oflicers
of the government, and members of the three pro-
fessions. ‘The third consists of the inferior orders
of the people. ‘The first of these associate toge-
ther in a style of elegance and splendour little inte-
rior to Europeans. ‘Their houses are furnished
with every thing that is useful, agreeable, or or-
namental; and many of them are fitted up in the
tasteful magnificence of modern style. ‘The dress
of the gentlemen is plain, elegant, and fashion-
able ; and corresponds in every respect with the
English costume. ‘The ladies in general scem
more partial to the light, various, and dashing
drapery of the Parisian belles, than to the elegant
and becoming attire of our London beauties, who
improve upon the French fashions. But there are
many who prefer the English costume, or at least
a medium between that and the French.
The young ladies of New York are in general
handsome, and almost universally fine, genteel
figures, Fair complexions, regular features, and
fine forms, seem to be the prevailing charactcris-
tics of the American fair sex. ‘They do not, how-
ever, enjoy their beauty for so long a period as Eng-
lish women, neither do they possess the blooming
countenance and rosy tinge of health so predomi-
nant among English women. ‘Their climate is,
however, not so favourable to beauty as that of
England, in consequence of the excessive heat,
and violent changes of the weather peculiar to
America.
Most travellers who have visited America have
charged the ladies of the United States, univers
sally, with having bad teeth. This accusation
is certainly very erroneous, when applied to the
whole of the fair sex, and to them alone. That
the inhabitants of the state are often subject to a
premature loss of teeth, is allowed by themselves,
and the cause has even been discussed in the pae
pers read before the American philosophical so-
ciety; but it does not particularly attach to the
females, who are, in truth,-much more exempt
from that misfortune than the men.
Much has also been said of the deficiency of the
polite and liberal accomplishments among both
sexes in the United States. Whatever truth there
may have formerly been in this statement, we do
net think there is any foundation for it at present,
at least in New York, where there appears to be a
great thirst after knowledge. The riches that
have flowed into that city, for the last 20 years,
have brought with them a taste for the refinements
of polished society; and though the inhabitants
cannot yet boast of having reached the standard of
European perfection, they are not wanting in the
solid and rational parts of education; nor in many
of those accomplishments which ornament and
embellish private life. It has become the fashion
in New York to attend lectures on moral philoso-
phy, chemistry, mineralogy, botany, mechanics,
&c, and the ladies in particular have made consi-
derable progress in those studies. Many young
men who were so enveloped in business as to ne-
glect or disdain the pursuit of such liberal and po-
lite acquirements, have been often laughed trom
the counting-house to the lecture-room. by their
more accomplished female companions. ‘The de--
sire for instruction and information, indeed, is not
confined to the youthful part of the community ;
many married ladies and their families may be}
Le ct mai
SS ERS.
416 NEW YORK.
| seen at philosophical and chemical lectures, and
the spirit of inquiry is becoming more general
among the gentlemen, The majority of the mer-
chants, however, still continue more partial to the
rule of three, than a dissertation upon oxygen or
metaphysics. Most of them have acquired large
fortimes by their regular and plodding habits of
business, and loath to part with any portion of
it, at their time of life, in the purchase of know-
Jedge, or the encouragement of the arts and
sciences. Some, it must be allowed, are excep
tions; and others, if they will not partake of in-
struction themselves, are not sparing of their mo-
ney in imparting it to their children, ‘The im-
mense property which has been introduced into
the country by commerce, has hardly had time to
circulate and diffuse itself through the community.
It is at present too much in the hands of a few in-
dividuals, to enable men to devote the whole of
their lives to the study of the arts and sciences.
Farmers, merchants, physicians, lawyers, and di-
vines, are all that America can produce for many
years (o come; and ifauthors, artists, or philoso-
phers, make their appearance at any time, they
must, as they have hitherto done, spring from one
of the above professions.
Colleges and schools are multiplying very ra-
pidly all over the United States ; but education is
in many places still defective, in consequence of
the want of proper encouragement and better
teachers, A grammar-school has recently been
instituted at New York, for the instruction of
youth, upon a similar plan to the great public
schools in England. This seminary, says an Ame-
rican writer, is founded on the principle of train-
ing the students to become sound and accurate
classical scholars, according to the old plan of ac-
quiring the elements of ancient learning by gram-
mar; discarding the learning by rote. ‘The suc-
cess of this institution will compel the colleges to
adopt a less superficial and defective plan of ine
struction ; and it will follow that when once libe-
ral and sound education is permanently introduced,
literature will revive; the trading spirit will be
checked or modified; literary rewards and ho-
nours will flow rapidly, and the public will even-
tually become the promoters of genius and learn-
ing, by creating an extensive demand for books.
A taste for reading has of late diffused itself
throughout the country, particularly in the great
towns ; and several young ladies have displayed
their abilities in writing. Some of their novels and
fugitive pieces of poetry and prose are written with
taste and judgment. ‘T'wo or three at New York
have particularly distinguished themselves. It
seems, indeed, that the fair sex of America have
within these few years been desirous of imitating
the example of the English and French ladies,
who have contributed so much to extend the plea-
sures of rational conversation and intellectual en-
jeyment., ‘They have cast away the frivolous and
gossiping tittle tattle, which before occupied so
much of their attention; and assumed the more
dignified and instructive discourse upon arts,
sciences, literature, and moral philosophy.
Many of the young men, too, whose minds have
not. been wholly absorbed by pounds, shillings,
and pence, have shewn that they possess literary
qualifications and talents, that would, if their time
and fortune permitted, rank them among some of
the distinguished authors of Europe. ‘The most
prominent of their late productions is the Salma-
gundi, published in monthly essays at New York.
This litle work has been deservedly a great fa-
vourite with the public, and bids fair to be handed
down with honour to posterity. It possesses more
of the broad humour of Rabelais and Swift, than
the elegant morality of Addison and Steele, and
therefore less likely to become a classical work ;
but as a correct picture of the people of New
York, and other parts of the country, though
somewhat heightened by caricature, and as a hu-
morous representation of their manners, habits,
and customs, it will always be read with interest
by a native of the United States.
A publication called the Echo is a smart pro-
duction of detached poetry, commenced for the
purpose of satirizing the vices and follics of the
political intriguers of the day, who broached their
revolutionary dogmas through the medium of the
public prints. Several other publications of merit
have originated in America, and are well known
in England. Mr. Barlow’s Columbiad_ has lately
made its appearance ina very splendid form, It
is an enlargement of his vision of Columbus.
Dancing is an amusement that the New York
ladies are passionately fond of, and they are said
to excel those of every other city in the union.
Many of the young ladies are well accomplished
in music and drawing, and practise them with
considerable success; but they do not excel in
those acquirements as they do in dancing. Among
the young men those accomplishments are but little
cultivated. Billiards and smoking seem to be their
favourite amusement, A segar is in their mouth
from morning to night, when in the house, and
not untrequently when walking the street. A box
full is constantly carried in the coat pocket, and
handed occasionally to a friend, with a degree of
interesting familiarity and nonchalance. Billiards}
ica have
mitating
1 ladies,
he plea-
‘tual en-
lous and
ipied so
he more
on arts,
nds have
shillings,
; literary
heir time
x some of
Che most
ie Salma-
ew York,
great fa-
¢ handed
‘sses more
vift, than
eele, and
al work ;
> of New
, though
las a hu-
s, habits,
ih interest
mart pro-
sd for the
ics of the
hed _ their
um of the
is of merit
rell known
has lately
form, It
bus.
Jew York
are said
he union.
omplished
hem with
excel in
. Among
fe lut little
to be their
eir mouth
ouse, and
t. A box
bcket, and
degree of
Billiards }
NEW
fare played with two red balls. This is called the
American game, and differs in no other respect
from the mode of playing in England. New
York contains several excellent tables.
Tie style of living in New York is fashionable
and splendid, many of the principal merchants
and people of property have elegant equipages,
and those who have none of their own, may be ac-
commodated with handsome carriages and horses
at the livery stables ; for thereare no coach stands.
The winter is passed in a round of entertain-
ments and amusements ; at the theatre, public as-
semblies, philosophical and experimental lectures,
concerts, balls, tea and card parties, cariole ex-
cursions out of town, &c. ‘The American cariole,
or sleigh, is much larger than that of Canada,
and will hold several people. It is fixed upon
high runners, and drawn by two horses in the cur-
ricle style. Parties to dinner and dances are fre-
quently made in the winter season when the snow
is on the ground. ‘They proceed in carioles a few
miles out of town to some hotel or tavern, where
the entertainment is kept up to a late hour, and
the parties return home by torch light.
arriages are conducted in the most splendid
style, and form an important part of the winter’s
entertainments. For some years it was the fashion
to keep them only among a select circle of friends ;
but of late the opulent parents of the new-married
lady have thrown open their doors, and invited
the town to partake of their felicity. The young
couple, attended by their nearest connections and
friends, are married at home ina magnificent style,
and if the parties are Episcopalians, the bishop
of New York is always procured, if possible ; as
his presence gives a greater zest to the nuptials.
For three days after the marriage ceremony, the
new-married couple see company in great state,
and every genteel person who can procure an in-
troduction may pay his respects to the bride and
bridegroom. It is a sort of levee ; and the visitors,
after their introduction, partake of a cup of coffee
or other refreshment, and walk away. Sometimes
the night concludes with a concert and ball, or
cards, among those friends and acquaintance who
are invited to remain.
Several young ladies in New York have for-
tunes of 100 or 150,000 dollars; and often bestow
their hand upon a favourite youth, who has every
thing to recommend him but money. Unhappy
marriages are by no means frequent, and parents
are not apt to force the inclinations of their chil-
dren from avaricious motives. Summer affords
the inhabitants the diversions of hunting, shoot-
VOL. IU.
YORK. AlZ
ing, fishing, and horse-razing ; excursions upon the
water to the island in the bay, and to Sandy hook,
and a variety of beautiful tours within 20 miles of
the city. Among the most distinguished are those
of New Utrecht, Rockaway, Islip, the Passaick
falls, and Kingsbridge. A place called Ballston,
within 200 miles of New York, in the interior of
the state, contains some mineral springs ; and of
late years has become a fashionable place of resort
for invalids. Like most places of that kind in
England, it is visited by the gentry, who go there
more for amusement and fashion than to drink the
waters. Ballston possesses but few natural attrac.
tions, except its mineral springs.
The inhabitants of New York are not remarks
able for carly rising, and little business secms to
be done before nine or ten o’clock. Most of the
merchants and people in business dine about two
o’clock, others, who are less engaged, about three ;
but four o’clock is usuaily the fashionable hour
for dining. The gentlemen are partial to the bot-
tle, but not to excess ; and at private dinner parties
they seldom sit more than two hours drinking wine.
in consequence of there being no established
form of worship, the clergy are accustomed only
to recommend to the people the religious observance
of certain festivals. The following is one of their
resolutions for Christmas day, 1807.
‘6 In common council, December 21, 1807.
The following communication having been received
from the reverend clergy of this city :
‘¢ A number of the clergy, of different denomi-
nations, of this city, at a meeting held on Wed-
nesday the 16th inst. having taken into considera-
tion the merciful dispensations of Divine Provi-
dence towards this city, during the last season, and
also the present aspect of public affairs :
« Resolved, That it is proper to take public
and solemn notice of the divine goodness, and as
i people, to implore the continued protection, and
those temporal and spiritual blessings, which are
so essential fo our welfare.
¢¢ Resolved, ‘That it be recommended to the se-
veral congregations under our pastoral care, to sct
apart Friday the 25th instant, asa day of solemn
thanksgiving and prayer ; and that abstaining from
all kinds of servile labour and recreations on that
day, they come together to acknowledge the
mercy of God, in again exempting us from the
scourge of pestilence, to praise him for the mul-
tiplied favours of his gracious providence, to be-
seech him to preserve us in peace, and to conti-
nue and extend our national prosperity ; and above
all, to pray for the so ks influences of the}
3
SSO ao ee 2 ee ate
sate
ie
————
= -
418 NEW
(Holy Spirit on our churches, and that we may
be favoured with all spiritual and heavenly bles-
sings in Christ Jesus.
‘¢ Signed by order of the meeting,
6 Joun Roncers, Chairman.”
6¢ Resolved, ‘That the board unite in the recom.
commendation of the reverend clergy of this city,
upon the above occasion, and accordingly recom-
mend, that Friday the 25th day of December be
observed and set apart as a day of public and
special thansgiving and prayer to Almighty God,
for his benevolent dispensations of mercy to this
city: and we accordingly recommend to our fel-
low-citizens, that they carefully abstain from all
recreations and sccular employments on that day.
‘¢ By the common council,
“ Joun Pinranp, Clerk.
“¢ New York, Dec. 22, 1807.”
The shops are accordingly shut, the people at-
tend at public worship, and the day is religiously
and strictly observed. It is not, however, to be
understood, that roast beef and plum-pudding,
turkey and chine, mince pies, &c. smoke on the
American tables as they do in England on that fes-
tival; though, perhaps, those Americans who yet
retain a spice of the English character about
them, may continue the old practice of their an-
cestors.
New year’s day is the most important of the
whole year. All the complimentary visits, fun,
and merriment of the season seem to be reserved
for this day ; though much is now worn away by
the innovations of fashion. Many of the shops
are shut up; and the Presbyterians and a few
other religious dissenters, attend public worship.
The mayor of the city, and others of the consti-
tuted authorities, advertise, two or three days be-
fore, that they will reciprocate the compliments
of the season, with the inhabitants at their house
on new year’s day.
The bakers on this day distribute to their cus-
tomers small cakes made in a variety of shapes and
figures; and the newspaper editors greet their
readers with a poetical retro. pect of the events of
the old year: it accords with their political prin-
ciples, and is gencrally a severe party philippic.
New York, like the other large cities of the union,
is a prey to the violent spirit of the two parties,
who are known under the titles of federalists and
democrats. The newspapers are almost equally
divided between the two, to whose views they are
of course subservient, and have the effect of keep-
ing up a continual warfare, in which they belabour
each other, their rulers, and the English and
NEW
French nations, without mercy. ‘ Every day,”
as Mustapha Rubadub observes in Salmagundi,
(the work to which we have before alluded) * have
these slang-whangers made furious attacks on each
other, and upon their respective adherents, dis-
charging their heavy artillery, consisting of large
sheets, loaded with scoundrel! villain ! liar! ras-
cal! numskull! nincompoop! dunder-head ! wise-
acre! blockhead! jackass! and I do swear by my
beard, though I know thou wilt scarcely credit
me, that in some of these skirmishes the grand ba-
shaw himself has been wofully pelted! yea,
most ignominiously pelted! and yet have these
talking desperadoes escaped without the bati-
nado !””
The drinking of toasts at public dinners is a
very common method of venting party spleen in
America, and of drinking destruction to their ene-
mies, ‘The newspapers publish long lists of these
toasts the next day, as so many poofs of patriot-
ism and virtue; and take a pride in shewing how
brilliantly their partisans can blackguard public
characters in their cups,
[New York, an Indian town of the Creek nas
tion; situated on ‘Tallapoose river, in Georgia;
and so named by Col. Ray, a New York British
loyalist. ]
(New York Island, on which the city of that
name stands, is about 15 miles long, and does not
extend twoin any part in breadth, It is joined to
the mainland by a bridge called King’s bridge, 15
miles 2. of New York city. ]
{[NEWARK, a township in Essex county, in
Vermont. |
[Newark Bay, in New Jersey, is formed by
the confluence of Passaick and Hackensack rivers
from the 2. and is separated from that part of
North river opposite to New York city, by Bergen
neck on the e. which neck, also, with Staten island
on the s. of it, form a narrow channel from the
bay to North river e. Newark bay also commu.
nicates with Rariton bay, at the mouth of Rariton
river, by a channel in a s. by w. direction along
the w. side of Staten island. The water passage
from New York to Elizabeth Town point, 15 miles,
is through this bay. ]
[Newark, a post-town of New Jersey, and
capital of Essex county, is pleasantly situated at a
small distance w. of Passaick river, near its mouth
in Newark bay, and nine miles w. of New York
city. It is a handsome and flourishing town, cele.
brated for the excellence of its cider, and is the
seat of the largest shoe manufacture in the state:
the average number made daily throughout the]
ry day,”
nagundi,
1) §* have
s oneach
nts, dis-
tof large
iar! rase
ad ! wisc-
“ar by my
ly credit
yrand bas
ed! yea,
ave these
the bati-
ners is a
spleen in
their ene-
; of these
f patriot-
wing how
rd public
Creek nae
Georgia ;
‘k British
y of that
does not
; joined to
ridge, 15
ounty, in
lormed by
ck rivers
t part of
y Bergen
ten island
I from the
commu-
bf Rariton
ion along
oY passage
, 15 miles,
rsey, and
uated ata
its mouth
Jew York
wn, cele-
nd is the
the state:
thout the |
NEW
year, is estimated at about 200 pairs. ‘The town
is of much the same size as Elizabeth town, and is
six miles n.e. of it. ‘There is a Presbyterian
church of stone, the largest and most elegant build-
ing of the kind in the state. Besides these is an
Episcopal church, a court-house, and gaol, The
academy which was established here in June 1792,
promises to be a useful institution. In Newark
and in Orange, which joins it on the 2.w. there
are nine tanneries, and valuable quarries of stone
for building. The quarries in Newark would
rent, it is said, for 1000/. a year, and the number
of workmen limited. ‘This town was originally
settled by emigrants from Branford, Connecticut,
as long ago as 1662. |
Newank, a village in Newcastle county, De-
laware ; situated between Christiana and White
Clay creeks, nine miles w. of New-Castle, and 10
s. w. of Wilmington. }
[ Newark, a town lately laid out by the British
in Upper Canada, on the river which connects
lake Wirie and Ontario, directly opposite Niagara
town and at
[NEWBERN, one of the e. maritime districts
of N. Carolina; bounded e. and s.e. by the At-
lantic, s. w. by Wilmington, w. by. Fayette, 2. w.
by Hillsborough, nv. by Halifax, and 2.e. by
Edenton district. It comprehends the counties of
Carteret, Jones, Craven, Beaufort, Hyde, Pitt,
Wayne, Glasgow, Lenoir, and Johnston ; and con-
tains 55,540 inhabitants, including 15,900 slaves,
[ Newsern, the capital of the above district, is
a post-town and port of entry ; situated in Craven
county, ona flat, sandy point of land, formed by
the confluence of the rivers Neus on the x. and
Trent on thes. Opposite to the town, the Neus
is about a mile and a half, and the Trent three
quarters of a mile wide: Newbern is the largest
town in the state, contains about 400 houses, all
built of wood except the palace, the church, the
gaol, and two dwelling-houses, which are of brick.
‘The palace was erected by the province before the
revolution, and was formerly the residence of the
governors. It is large and elegant, two stories
high, with two wings for offices, a little advanced
in front towards the town; these wings ure con-
nected with the principal building by a circular
arcade. It is much out of repair; and the only
use to which this once handsome and well fur-
nished building is now applied, is for schools.
One of the halls is used for a school, and another
for a dancing room. ‘The arms of the king of
Great Britain still appear in a pediment in front
of the building, ‘The Episcopalian church is a
small brick building with a bell. It is the only
N E W 419
house for public worship in the place. ‘The court.
house is raised on brick arches, so as to render the
lower part a convenient market-place ; but the
principal marketing is done with the people in
their canoes and boats at the river side. In Sep-
tember 1791, near one third of this town was con-
sumed by fire. It carries on a considerable trade
to the W. Indies and the different states, in tar,
pitch, turpentine, lumber, corn, &c. ‘The ex-
ports in 1794 amounted to 69,615 dollars. It is
7 miles x. e. from Raleigh, 54 s. by w. of Eden-
ton, 78 ne. by mn. of Wilmington, 120 s, of
Petersburgh in Virginia, and 305 s. s. w. of Phila-
delphia, Lat. 35° 17' 30" n._ Long. 77° 18! w.]
NEWBURGH, a township in Ulster county,
New York; bounded e. by Hudson’s river, and
s. by New Windsor, and contains 2365 inhabitants;
of whom 373 are electors, and 57 slaves. ‘The
compact part of the town is neatly built, and pleas
santly situated on the w. bank of the Hudson, 50
miles 7. of New York, opposite Fish Kill landing,
five miles from Fish Kill, 19 from Goshen, and
13 s. from Poughkeepsie. It consists of between
50 and 60 houses and a Presbyterian church, si-
tuated on a gentle ascent from the river. ‘I'he
country 2. is well cultivated, and affords a rich
prospect. Vessels of considerable burden may
load and unload at the wharfs, and a number of
sae are built annually at this busy and thriving
place.
[NEWBURY, a county of Ninety-six dis-
trict, S. Carolina, ‘vhich contains 9342 inhabitants,
of whom 1144 ar: slaves. Newbury court-house
is 37 miles from. Columbia, and 23 from Laurens
courtehouse. |
[Newsury, a township in York county, Penn-
sylvania. ]
[Newsury, the capital of Orange county, Ver-
mont, pleasantly situated on the w. side of Con-
necticut river, opposite to Haverhill, in Grafton
county, New Hampshire, and from which it is five
miles distant. It contains about 50 houses, a gaol,
a court-house, and a handsome church for Con-
gregationalists with a steeple, which was the first
erected in Vermont, ‘The court-house stands on
an eminence, and commands a pleasing prospect
of what is called the Great Oxbow of Connecticut
river, where are the rich intervale lands called the
Little Coos. Here a remarkable spring was dis-
covered, about 20 years since, which dries up once
in two or three years. It has a strong smell of
sulphur, and throws up continually a peculiar
kind of white sand ; and a thick yellow scum rises
upon the water when settled. This is the more
noticeable as the water of the ponds and rivers in;
Su 2
420 NEW
Vermont is remarkably clear and transparent. — It
is 87 miles 2. e. of Bennington, and 287 n.¢. by n.
of Philadelphia, Lat. 44° 5’ n. Long. 72° 2
w. Number of inhabitants 873. ]
{Newnury, a township in Essex county, Mase
sachusetts, incorporated in 1635; situated on the
s. bank of Merrimack river, and contains 3972 ine
habitants. It formerly included Newbury port,
and with Merrimack river encircles it. It is di-
vided into five parishes, besides a society of
Friends or Quakers, Dummer academy, in this
township, is in a flourishing state ; it was founded
by Lieutcnant-governor Dummer in 1756, opened
in 1763, and incorporated in 1782. ‘The inhabi-
tants are principally employed in husbandry.
The land, particularly in that part of the town
which lies on Merrimack river, and is here called
Newbury Newton, is of a superior quality, under
the best cultivation, and is said by travellers to be
little inferior to the most improved parts of Great
Britain. Some of the high lands aftord a very ex-
tensive and variegated view of the surrounding
country, the rivers, the bay, and the sea-const,
from cape Ann to York in the district of Maine.
Some few vessels are here owned, and employed in
the fishery, part of which are fitted out from Parker
river. Itt'scs in Rowley, and after a course of a
few miles, ; 1sses into the sound which separates
Plumb islana trom the mainland, It is navigable
about two miles from its mouth. A woollen ma-
nufactory has been established on an extensive
scale in Byfield parish, and promises to succeed.
This township is connected with Salisbury by
Essex Merrimack bridge, about two miles above
Newbury port, built in 1792, At the place where
the bridge is erected, an island divides the river
into two branches: an arch of 160 feet diameter,
AO fect above the level of high water, connects this
island with the main on the opposite side. The
whole length of the bridge is 1030 feet; its breadth
84; its contents upwards of 6000 tons of timber.
The two large arclics were executed from a model
invented by Mr. ‘Vimothy Palmer, an ingenious
house-wright in Newbury port. The whole is
executed ina style far exceeding any thing of the
kind hitherto essayed in this country, and appears
to unite clegance, strength, and firmness. ‘The
day before the bridge was opened for the inspec-
tion of the public, a ship of 350 tons passed under
the great arch. ‘There is a commodious house of
entertainment at the bridge, which is the resort of
parties of pleasure, both iit summer and winter. |
{Newsvry Port, a port of entry and post-town
in Essex county, Massachusetts ; pleasantly sitte
ated on the s. side of Merrimack river, about three
NEW
miles from the sea. In a commercial view it is
next in rank to Salem; but it suffered considerably
of late, by a fire which broke out on the evening
of the 3lst of May 181], and which consumed
200 houses, stores, &c. the loss being stated at
2,000,000 of dollars. It contains 4837 inhabi-
tants, although it is, perhaps, the smallest town-
ship in the state, its contents not exceeding 640
acres. It was taken from Newbury, and incorpo-
rated in 1764. 'The churches, six in number, are
ornamented with steeples ; the other public build-
ings are the court-house, gaol, a bank, and four
public school-houses. ‘To the honour of this town,
there are in it 10 public schools, and three print.
ing offices. Many of the dwelling houses are ele-
ant. Before the war there were many ships built
ere ; but some years after the revolution the busi-
ness was on the decline: it now begins to revive,
The Boston and Hancock continental frigates
were built here, and many privateers during the
war. The harbour is safe and capacious, but dif-
ficult to enter. See Merrimack River. ‘The
marine society of this town, and other gentlemen
in it, have humanely erected several small houses
on the shore of Plumb island, furnished with fuel
and other conyeniencies, for the relief of ship-
wrecked mariners. Large quantities of rum are
distilled in Newbury port, there is also a brewery ;
and a considerable trade is carried on with the
W. Indies and the s. states. Some vessels are
employed in the freighting business, and a few in
the fishery. In November 1790, there were owned
in this port, six ships, 45 brigantines, 39 schooners,
and 28 sloops; making in all 11,870 tons. The
exports for a year, ending September 30, 1794,
amounted to 363,380 dollars, A machine for cut-
ting nails has been lately invented by Mr. Jacob
Perkins of this town, a gentleman of great mecha-
nical genius, which will turn out, if necessary,
200,000 nails ina day. Newbury port is 32 miles
n.n.e. of Boston, 16s. by w. of Portsmouth, nine
n. of Ipswich, and 264 n.e. of Philadelphia. The
harbour has 10 fathoms water: high water at full
and change 15 minutes after 11 o’clock. ‘The
light-house on Plumb island lies in lat. 42°47! n.
and long. 70° 47! w.
([NEWENHAM, Cape, is the x. point of Bris-
tol bay, on the 2.w. coast of N. America. All
along the coast the flood tide sets strongly to the
n. w. and it is high water about noon on full and
change days. Lat. 58°42 n. Long. 162° 24’ w.]
NEWFOUNDLAND, a large island of the
N. sea, in N. America; discovered by John Gabot
in 1494, who took possession of it for the English,
and to these it at present belongs. It is of a trian-
view it is
nsiderably
e evening
consumed
stated at
37 inhabi-
[lest town-
eding 640
1 incorpos
imber, are
blic build.
and four
this town,
ree print.
es are cle-
ships built
1 the busi-
to revive,
al frigates
during the
8, but dif-
yer, ‘The
gentlemen
all houses
1 with fuel
f of ship-
f rum are
» brewery ;
1 with the
yessels are
a few in
ere owned
schooners,
ns. The
30, 1794,
e for cuts
Mr. Jacob
at mechas
ecessary,
s 32 miles
yuth, nine
hia. The
er at full
ck. The
42°47! n.
t of Bris-
ica. All
rly to the
In full and
2° 24! w. |
hd of the
hn Gabot
English,
bf a trian-
NEWFOUNDLAND. 421
gular figure, and is 930 miles in circumference.
On the x. it is separated from the land and country
of Labrador or New Britain by the straits of Belle.
isle; surrounded on the w. by the guilt of 8S, Law.
rence, and s. and ¢. by the Atlantic ocean, The
most s, part of the island is cape Race, which is
in lat. 46° 45’, the most w. is cape Anguille in
A7° 54’, and its most n. point is in lat. 51° 40/,
This island is full of mountains covered with firs ;
so that it is only passable in such parts as where
the inhabitants hove cut paths through the middle
of its woods. The trees seldom exceed 18 or 20
feet in height, excepting those which grow in the
valleys, being sheltered from the winds ; and here
they will rise to 40 feet.
The cold is excessive in the winter, and the
frosts, which are very severe, begin about Novem-
ber, when after a short time all the ports and bays
become frozen. With these the whole of the
island is surrounded, and they are very large and
well sheltered by the mountains, so that vessels
may lie in them in perfect security. Some are a
league and an half or two leagues deep, and nearly
half a league wide; and into them flow several
rivers and streams of sweet water which descend
from the mountains ; many are so close together as
to be separated merely by a point of land; there
are very few that are two leagues apart from each
othor, and thus is the whole coast a continued line
of ports, although in the very principal only are
there any settlements or towns, and this too where
the natural advantages of the country have induced
the inhabitants to form establishments.
The population, with respect to the extent of
coast, is very small. ‘ite cod-iishery is here
the only occupation; and theve are large store-
houses where they mreserve their tackle and ac-
coutrements againsi ihe season when tbe fisheries
commence, and which. they use for laying up their
merchandize, which tlcy export, either on their
account, or by foreign vessels, taking in exchange
or payment such goods as these vessels, which are
very numerous, may bring. In every settlement
there is a battery, for its defence in time of war,
the coast being much frequented by pirates.
Thiscountry was first peopled by arace of Indian
savages, who retired to the continent, sometimes
however visiting their old abodes. They lived
by hunting, there being foxes, bears, and other
quadrupeds here, the same as in Canada, but these
animals, being in great request on account of their
skins, are not so numerous as they were. In spite
of the severity of the climate the inhabitants are not
without flocks, but the difficulty of preserving them
through the winter is great. In the gardens no-
thing is produced but a few pot-herbs, all other
necessary fruits being brought from the other co-
lonies of Europe. ‘Although cod-fish is caught
along the whole const of Newfoundland, all parts
are not equally abundant in these fish: they lie
mostly in sandy bottoms, are found less in sca-weed y
laces, and never in rocky parts; the best depth
or them is a little above 30 fathoms. As soon as
a vessel anchors here, the crew form cabins on the
shore, which soon have the appearance of a small
village; and at the water’s edge they build a kind
of wharf, where arrive the innumerable fishing-
boats; the above habitations being allowed to re-
main for the next season, the lawful property of the
first comer. With regard to the above fishery,
the necessarics being provided, the boats divide
themselves into comuanies, each having their re-
spective crews with che different services entrusted
to each man, some being employed in the actual
taking of the fish, others in cutting it open, others
in pa tl it, and others in heaping it up. The
fishermen leave the coast at diassleotle, and do not
return before the evening, unless, indeed, their
boats should be filled. ‘They catch the fish with
un hook, and every boat goes well provided with
these and lines to guard against losses. As soon as
they arrive at the shore, it is heaped up in piles,
and turned and salted and cleansed for some suc-
ceeding days, after which, when quite dry, it is
done up in small packets with the skins outward ;
though it still continues to be turned and salted till
the time of embarkation. As the boats are con-
tinually out, the fatigue of the fishermen is very
great, and they frequently go with little rest for
nights and days.
The great bank of Newfoundland is a large
heap of sand 580 miles long, and 233 wide, the
depth of the water varying from 15 to 60 fathoms,
and the bottom strewed with shells, and abounding
with small fish serving as food for the cod, the
numbers of which here are incredible; though
some idea may be formed when it is known that
500 vessels were laden annually with it for some
time past, and that, although the pie consumpe-
tion be much greater, their abundance is not found
to be the Icast diminished ; and it is indeed doubted
whether this fishery is not a mine of greater wealth
than those either of Mexico or Peru.
[In illustration of what our author has advanced,
we have to observe, that in 1785, Great Britain
and the United States, at the lowest computation,
used to employ 3000 sail of small craft in this
fishery ; on board of which, and on shore to cure
and pack the fish, were upwards of 100,060 hands ;
so that this fishery is not only a very valuable
—
Ah
|
Ht
|
- , . near a
aati sh SE eS tee oe
422 NEW
branch of trade tothe merchant, but a source of
livelihood to many thousands of poor people, and
a most excellent nursery to the royal navy. This
fishery is computed to increase the national stock
300,000/, a year in gold and silver, remitted for
the cod sold in the North, in Spain, Portugal,
lialy, and the Levant, Not only plenty of cod,
but several other species of fish, are caught in al-
most equal abundance along the shores of Nova
Sco'ia, New England, and the isle of Cape Breton ;
and very profitable fisheries are carried on upon
ali their coasts,
This island, after yarious disputes about the
property, was entirely ceded to England by the
treaty of Utrecht, in 1713; but the French were
left at liberty to dry their nets on the 2, shores of
the island; and by the treaty of 1763, they were
permitted to fish inthe gulf of St. Lawrence, but
with this limitation, that they should not approach
within three leagues of any of the coasts belonging
to England. The small islands of St. Pierre and
Miquelon, situated to the s. of Newfoundland,
were also ceded to the French, who stipulated to
erect no fortifications on these islands, nor to keep
more than 50 soldiers to enforce the police, By
the last treaty of peace, the French are to enjoy
the fisheries on the n. and on the w. coasts of the
island; and the inhabitants of the United States
are allowed the same privileges in fishing, as be-
fore their independence, The chief towns in New-
foundland are, Placentia, Bonavista, and St.
John’s; but not above 1000 families remain here
in winter, A small squadron of men of war are
sent out every spring to protect the fisheries and
inhabitants, the admiral of which, for the time
being, is governor of the island; besides whom,
there is a lieutenant-governor, who resides at Pla-
centia.
In June of this year, 1812, the British had on
the Halifax, Newfoundland, and W. India stations,
three sail of the line, 21 frigates, 19 sloops of war,
and 18 smaller yessels, making a total of 61 armed
vessels,
Vessels, it has been stated, lie in the bays and
harbours of this island in perfect security, being
well sheltered, except at the entrance, by the moun-
tains. Some of these bays, (the whole circuit of
the island being full of them) it should appear, are
a league or two leagues in length, and near half
a league in breadth; and it is a subject of curious
inquiry for the philosopher to determine the causes
of their contiguity and depth, and the conse-
quent narrowness of the slips by which they are
separated. The towns and villages are only on
the larger and more commodious bays. ‘The num-
NEW
ber of fowls called penguins, are certain marks for
the bank of Newfoundland, and are never found off
it; these are sometimes scen in flocks, but more
usually in pairs, The French used to employ in
this fishery YO4 ships, tonnage 27,439; and 9403
men, ‘Total value 270,000/, sterling.
The spaces of ground called ships rooms in
Newfoundland, were by an act passed last year,
181), exempted from the clause hitherto attached
to them by the first comers, and are now let out
as private property, for building dwelling houses
and store houses, and for other uses necessary to
the trade and fishery. 1t was also lawful under
the same act for the governor to institute surrogate
courts in the adjacent islands,
([NEWICHWAWANICK,
QUA.
* EK WINGTON, «a township ; formerly part
of Portsmouth and Dover, in Rockingham county,
New Llampshire, five miles distant from the former.
It contains 542 inhabitants.
{NEWLIN, a township in Chester county,
Pennsylvania. |
gen ial cage Pennsylvania; situate
in Dauphin county, on the e. side of Mill creek.
It contains about 30 houses, and is 14 miles e. by”.
of Harrisburg, and 72 n. w. by w. of Philadelphia, }
[NEW MARKET, a township in Rockingham
county, New Hampshirs. n. of Exeter, of which it
was formerly a part, ar miles w. of Portsmouth,
It was incorporated ir and contains 1137 in-
habitants, Fossil sh... .ave been found near
Lamprey river in this town, at the depth of 17
feet; and in such a situation as that the bed of the
river could never have been there. The shells
were of oysters, muscles, and clams intermixed. |
| Newmarket, a village in Frederick county,
Maryland, on the high road to Frederickstown,
from which it lies nearly 13 miles w. s. w. and
about 30 miles 7. w. of the Federal city. ]
(Newmarket, a village in Dorchester county,
Maryland, three miles 2. e. of Indian town, on
Choptank river, nine 2. e. of Cambridge, and as
far n.w. of Vienna. ]
(Newmarket, a town in Virginia, Amherst
county, on the 2. side of James river, at the mouth
of Tyeriver. It isa small place, contains a tobacco
warehouse ;_ is 68 miles above Richmond. ]
NEWNHAM Cape. See Newrnuam. |
NEWPORT, a township in Cheshire county,
New Hampshire, ¢. of Claremont. It was incor-
porated in 1761, and contains 780 inhabitants. ]
[Newrorr, atownship of Nova Scotia in Hants
county, onthe river Avon. The road from Halifax
runs partofthe way between this township and
See Piscata-
marks for
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but more
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and YA03
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ing houses
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nerly part
m county,
the former,
ry county,
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Vill creek.
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adelphia. |
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of which it
ortsmouth.
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bed of the
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rmixed, }
k county,
rickstown,
. s. w. and
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town, on
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d. |
1AM. |
re county,
was incor
itants. |
ia in Hants
bm Halifax
nship and
NEW
Windsor ; and has settlements on it at certain dis-
tances. |
[Newrorrt, a maritime county of the state of
Rhode Island, comprehending Rhode island,
Canonicut, Block, Prudence, and several other
small islands, Itis divided into seven townships,
and contains 14,300 inhabitants, including 366
slaves. |
(Newrorr, the chief town of this county, and
the semi-metropolis of the state of Rhode Island,
stands on the s, w. end of Rhode island, about five
miles from the sea. Its harbour (which is one of
the finest in the world) spreads w. before the
town. ‘The entrance is easy and safe, and a large
fleet may anchor in it and ride in pertect security.
It is probable this may, in some future period, be-
come one of the man-of-war ports of the American
empire. The town lies n. and s. upon a gradual
ascent as you proceed e. from the water, and ex-
hibits a beautiful view from the harbour, and from
the neighbouring hills which lie w. upon the main,
West of the town is Goat island, on which is fort
Washington. It has been Jitely repaired and a
citadel erected init. The furt has been ceded to
the United States. Between Goat island and
Rhode island is the harbour, Newport contains
about 1000 houses, built chiefly of wood. It has
10 houses for public worship, four for Baptists,
two for Congregationalists, onc for Episcopalians,
one for Quakers, one for Moravians, and one for
Jews. ‘The other public buildings are, a state-
house, and an edifice for the public library. ‘The
situation, form, and architecture of the state-house,
give it a pleasing appearance. It stands sufli-
ciently elevated, and a long wharf and paved pa-
rade lead up to it from the harbour. Front of
Water street isa mile in length. Here is a flou-
rishing academy, under the direction of a rector
and tutors, who teach the learned languages, Eng-
lish gammar, geography, &c. A marine society
was established here in 1572, for the relief of dis-
tressed widows and orphans, and such of their
socicty as may need relief. This city, far famed
for the beauty of its situation and the salubrity of
its climate, is no less remarkable for the great
varicty and excellent quality of fresh fish which
the market furnishes at all seasons of the year. No
less than 60 different kinds have been produced in this
market. ‘The exccllentaccommodations and regula-
tions of the numerous packets which belong to this
ort, and which ply thence to Providence and
Rew York, aré worthy of notice. They are said,
by European travellers, to be superior to any
thing of the kind in Europe. This town, although
greatly injured by the late war, and its conse-
NEW 423
uences, has a considerable trade, A cotton and
duck manufactory have been lately established.
The exports for a year, ending September 30,
1794, amounted to 311,200 dollars, It was first
settled by Mr. William Coddington, afterwards
governor, and the father of Rhode island, with 17
others, in 1659, It is 23 miles s. by e. of Provi-
dence, 10s, of Bristol, 54s. w. by s. of Boston,
75 e.n, e.of New Haven, and 201 n, e. by e. of
Philadelphia, Lat, 41° 25’, Long. from Green-
wich 71° 14 30’.
(Newport, a small post-town in Newcastle
county, Delaware; situated on the nx. side of
Christiana creck, three miles w. of Wilmington.
It contains about 200 inhabitants, and carries on a
considerable trade with Philadelphia in flour, It
is six miles 2. e. by x. of Christiana bridge, and 28
s. w. of Philadelphia. ]
[Newporr, a township in Luzerne county,
Pennsylvania. }
[Newrorrt, asmall post-town in Charles couns
ty, Maryland, 11 miles s. e. of port ‘Tobacco, 50
s. by w. of Perenientet
[Newrort, See Iste or Wicut County,
Virginia. ]
(Newport, avery thriving settlement in Li-
berty county, Georgia ; situated on a navigable
creek, 34 miles s, of Savannah, and seven or eight
s. w. trom Sunbury. This place, commonly known
by the name of Newport Bridge, is the rival of
Sunbury, and commands the principal part of the
ei of the whole country. A post-office is kept
ere.
(NEWTON, a pleasant township in Middle-
sex county, Massachusetts; situated on Charles
river, and is nine miles w. of Boston, It was in-
corporated in 1791, and contains 1560 inhabitants. ]
[Newron, a small town in Chester county,
Pennsylvania, 22 miles from Philadelphia. ]
Newton, atownship in Rockingham county,
New Hampshire, on Powow river, adjoining
Amesbury in Massachusetts, 10 or 12 miles s. of
Exeter, and 20 from Portsmouth, It was incor-
porated in 1749, and contains 530 inhabitants,
(NEWTOWN, a post-town in Fairfield coun-
ty, Connecticut, nine miles e.2.e. of Danbury,
20 w. n. w. of New Haven, 34s. w. of Hartford,
and 59 n. e. of New York. ‘I'he town stands pleas
santly on an elevated spot, and was settled in! 708.
{Newrtown, on Staten island, New York, is
three miles n. e. of Old town, as far e, of Rich-
mond, and nine s. w. of New York. ]
[Newrown, a township in Queen’s county,
New York, includes all the islands in the sound
opposite the same. It is about cight miles e. of
AQ4 NE X
New York, and contains 2111 inhabitants, in-
cluding 533 slaves. |
[Newrtown, a township in W. Chester county,
New York; of whose inhabitants 276 are electors. ]
[Newrown, a township in Tioga county, New
York, lies between the s. end of Seneca lake and
Tioga river; having Chemung township e. from
which it was taken, and incorporated in 1792. In
1796, 169 of its inhabitants were electors. |
[Newtown, a township in Gloucester county,
New Jersey. |
[Newrown.: the seat of justice in Sussex coun-
ty, New Jersey, is about LO miles e. of Sandyston. |
(Newtown, the capital of Bucks county, Penn-
sylvania. It contains a Presbyterian church, a
stone gaol, a court-house, an academy, and about
50 houses. It was settled in 1795, and is eight
miles w. of Trenton in New Jersey, and 19 2, e.
by n. of Philadelphia. There aretwoother town-
ships of this name, the one in Delaware county,
the other in that of Cumberland.
Newtown, a small town of Virginia, situated
in Frederick county, between the . and s, branches
of Shenandoah river ; seven miles s. of Winches-
ter, and 104 2, 2. w. of Richmond. |
NEXAPA, a jurisdiction and alcaldia mayor
of Nueva Espaiia, in the province and bishopric
of Oaxaca, one of the best peopled, largest, and
most lucrative. It comprehends also the district
of Los Mistepeques, where there is a lieutenant
and alcalde mayor. It enjoys different tempera-
tures from being in the s‘erra, though some parts of
it consist of a dlano or plain land, watered by se-
veral rivers, which render it extremely fertile in
cochineal, indigo, and sugar-cane, of which it has
a great commerce, and which causes it to be one
of the most considerable alcaldias in the kingdora.
The capital is the settlement of San Pedro de
Quiechapi, and the other settlements of the juris-
diction are,
S. Baltasar, Sta. Ana,
S. Francisco, S. Juan de Lachixila,
S. Pedro Lespi, S. Juan Beca,
S. Domingo, S. Pedro Acatlan,
S. Thomas Quiri, Santiago Tuctla,
Santiago Lachivea, Sta. Cruz,
S. Juan Xanagueche, —S. Pedro,
Sta. Catalina, Sta. Maria Lagicojani,
Quiquitane, S. Agustin Mistepec,
S. Pedro, S. Joseph Lachiguiri,
S. Juan, S. Andres Mixtepec,
S. Lorenzo, Santiago,
Nexapa, S. Juan 'Tepalcaltepec,
S. Bartolomé Yautepec, S. Pablo Topiltepec,
S, Juande la Xarcia, Sta. Maria,
NE X
8. Pedro Martir, S. Lorenzo,
Sta. Cruz Huilotepec, Acatepec,
Chiltepec, S. Lucas Hiscotepec,
Sta. Lucia, S. Juan, 2,
Santiago 'Tecolotepec, | Santo Tomas,
Santiago, 2, S. Dowingo,
Sta. Maria Coatlan, S. Andres,
Iscuintepec, Sta. Maria Quieguelani,
S. Lucas Cocatlan, Santiago, 3,
Sta. Margarita, S. Juan, 3,
S. Miguel Quezaltepec, S. Juan Xicula,
S. Juan Mazatlan, S. Pedro Ocotepec,
Sta. Maria Nizagui, Sta. Maria Cacalotepec,
Sta. Maria Totolapa, Sta. Maria Acatlazinto,
Zoquitlan, Santiago Malacatepec,
Candelaria, Chimaltepec,
Zuchiltepec, Santiago Xilotepec,
S. Matias, S. Sebastian.
Nexara, SANTIAGO DE, a town of this juris-
diction, situate in a flourishing plain, through
which passes the royal road from Mexico to the
kingdom of Guatemala ; inhabited by 27 families
of Indians, and 15 of Negroes and Mulattoes. It
contains a convent of the religious order of S.
Domingo, and its population was formerly nume-
rous, but it suffered much by the epidemic dis-
temper, called there matlazuaga, in 17386. Five
leagues w. of its capital.
NEXAPAM, San Anrtonto bE, a settlement
of the province and kingdom of Guatemala ; situate
in the valley of this name. It is large and inha-
bited by 1730 Indians, who speak the Xachiquel
idiom ; but amongst the above are counted the
Indians of the two settlements annexed to its
curacy, called San Bernabé Acatenango and San
Pedro Yepocapa. The curacy of this settlement
belonged to the religious order of San Francisco,
before it was put under the clergy by decree of
his Majesty, with the exception, however, of the
reduccions made by the missionaries.
Nexapam, another settlement, in Nueva Es-
paiia, close to which runs a river rising froma
volcano and passing near the settlement. It is said
of this river by the 7, Juan de Torquemada, that
it only runs between the hours of seven and eight
in the day, and loses itself near the mountain of
San Juan.
NEXPA, a settlement of the head settlement
of the district of Xoxutla, and alcaldia mayor of
Cuernavaca, in Nueva Espaia.
NEXQUIPAYAC, San Ciristovat pe, a
settlement of the head settlement of the district and
alcaldia mayor of Tezcoco in Nueva Espaiia;
situate in a plain fertile in wheat and other seeds,
which the natives cultivate, It is reduced to 58
l
cotepec,
juieguelani,
ula,
plepec,
acalotepec,
.catlazinto,
lacatepec,
9
lotepec,
f this juris-
in, through
xico to the
27 families
ilattoes. It
order of S.
nerly nume-
pidemic dis-
1736. Five
a settlement
1ala ; situate
and inha-
Xachiquel
counted the
exed to its
go and San
s settlement
Francisco,
y decree of
ver, of the
Nueva Es-
ising from a
t. Itissnid
emada, that
n and eight
mountain of
(settlement
ia mayor of
IVAL DE, &
district and
a Espaiia ;
rather seeds,
duced to 58
NIA
families of Indians and six of Spaniards. Two
leagues 7. of its capital.
NEXTIPAC, a settlement of the province of
Mexico in the time of the Mexican Indians, who
established themselves in it, having fled from those
of Mexiltcatzinco. It stood about half a league
from the capital of Mexico, on which account it
was abandoned,
NEXTLALPAN, a settlement of the alcaldia
mayor of Tula in Nueva Espaiia; annexed to the
curacy of this settlement, from whence it lies one
league tothe x. containing 145 Indian families.
NEYBE. See Nriva.]
IAGARA, a large and abundant river of
the country of the Ilroqucees Indians in Canada and
N. America. It is, properly speaking, the great
river of St. Lawrence, which runs from the lake
Erie and enters the lake Ontario by a large channel
of 20 milvs in Jength, and at 19 miles in this course,
it forms the celebrated falls of its name, the largest
known in the world, where the water rushes down
a precipice of 140 fect. The French geographer
DePIsle, by the relation of the Baron de la Hon-
tan and the Father Hennepin, makes it 600 feet,
and *{r. Bowen above 700, but this exaggeration
arises from the difficulty of measuring it, as it is
not possible to approach very near to, or to regard
it otherwise than by a profile view: what we have
given respecting it is the best received and believed
by the most intelligent of those who have scen it.
The river, at this cascade, is nearly half a league
wide, and just before it comes to it, the stream is
sorapid that animals attempting to cross it are
sometimes hurried away by its impetuosity and pre-
cipitated down the abyss to certain destruction.
At the top of the cascade and in the centre of the
river, isan island which divides the falling water
into two large sheets, and when it has reached the
bottom, it dashes up with a white foam like snow,
and is in constant agitation just as if it were boil-
ing, The vapours ascending from it have the ap-
pearance of a thick smoke, but when the sun shines
rainbows are formed of the most beautiful colours.
[Niagara river receives Chippeway or Welland
river from the w. and ‘Tonewanto creek trom the e.
and embosoms Great and Navy islands, Fort
Slusher stands on the e. side of this river near
Navy island ‘The falls, in this river, are oppo-
site fort Slusher, about seven or cight miles s, of
lake Ontario, and form the greatest curiosity
which this, or indeed any other country, affords.
In order to have a tolerable idea of this stupendous
fall of water, it will be necessary to conceive that
part of the country in which lake Ene is situated,
to be clevated above that which contains lake On-
VOL. It
NIA 425
tario abont 300 feet; the slope which separates
the upper and lower country is generally very
steep, and in many places almost perpendicular ;
it is formed by horizontal strata of stone, great part
of which is lime-stone. ‘The slope may be traced
by the n. side of lake Ontario, near the bay of 'To-
rento, round the w. end of the lake; thence the
direction is generally e. Between lake Ontario
and lake Erie it crosses the strait of Niagara and
the Gennessee river; after which it becomes lost
in the country towards Seneca lake. It is to this
slope the country is indebted both for the cataract
of Niagara and the great falls of Gennessce. The
cataract of Niagara, some have supposed, was
formerly at the x. side of the slope near the land-
ing; and that from the great length of time, and
the quantity of water, and distance which it falls,
the solid stone is worn away for about seven miles
up towards lake Erie; but for this latter opinion,
observes General Lincoln, who visited and examin-
ed these falls in 1794, 6* on a careful examina-
tion of the banks of the river, there appears to be
no good foundation.”
There isa chasm down which the water rushes
with a most astonishing noise and velocity, after
it makes the great pitch. Here the fancy is con-
stantly engaged in the contemplation of the most
romantic and awful prospect imaginable ; when
the eye catches the falls, the contemplation is in-
stantly arrested, and the beholder admires in si-
lence. ‘The river is about 742 yards wide at. the
falls. The perpendicular pitch of this vast body
of water produces a sound that is frequently heard
at the distance of 20 miles, and ina clear day, and
fair wind, 40 and even 50 miles. A_ perceptible
tremulous motion in the earth is felt for several rods
round, Just below the Great pitch, the water and
foam may be seen puffed up in large spherical
figures ; they burst at the top, and project a column
of the spray to a prodigious height, and then sub-
side, and are succeeded by others which burst in
like manner. ‘This appearance is most remarkable
about half way between the island that divides the
falls and the w. side of the strait, where the largest
column of water descends. The descent into the
chasm of this stupendous cataract is very difficult,
on account of the great height of the banks; but
when once a person has descended, he may go up
to the foot of the falls, and take shelter behind the
descending column of water, between that and the
precipice, where there is a space sufficient to cone
taina numberof people in perfect safety, and where
conversation may be held withoutinterruption from
the noise, which is less here than at a considerable
distance. On Christmas 1795, a severe shock of
34
ee. ae
Se
So ee a
~~
heh coal
ie at
ee
3 re a -
a?
mae
SS
- _—
426 NIC
an earthquake was felt here, and by which a large
piece of the rock that forms the famous cataract
was broken off.
Whatever else is curious in this stupendous
fall has been qccurately stated by Algado. 1
Niacara, a fort built by the French in 1687,
near the former river, under the direction of Mr.
Denonville, governor of New France, in spite of
the opposition made by the English and the go-
vernor of New York, Colonel Dongan. Mr. de
Troye, with a detachment, was nominated gover-
nor, but the greater part of his men dying from the
badness of the climate, it was abandoned and
ruined. In 1721 it was rebuilt by Mr. de Joncayre,
who also met with some opposition from the Eng-
lish, who at last took it, being headed by William
Johnson, in 1759. [It was delivered up to the
United States, according to the treaty of 1794, by
the British in 1796.
Niagara is now a post-town as well as fort, and
is situate on the e. side of Niagara river, at its
entrance into lake Ontario, and opposite to Newark
in Canada, Niagara fort is a most important post,
and secures a greater number of communications
through a large country, than probably any other
pass in interior America. It is about nine miles
below the cataract, 63 2. w. of Williamsburgh on
Gennessee river, 266 ». w. of Philadelphia, and
305 w. by x. of Boston. Lat. 43° 16’. Long.
79° A'w. Although it is a degree 2. of Boston,
yet the season is quite as mild here as at that town,
and vegetation quite as early and forward. — It is
thought that the climate meliorates in the same
latitude as one proceeds from the Atlantic w.]
NIBEQUETEN, a river of the kingdom of
Chile. It is abundant, and rises in the cordillera,
and enters the Biobio, gives its name toa tribe of
valorous Indians, amongst the Araucanos, who
dwell on its shores.
NICAGUA, a small river of the island of S,
Domingo, which rises in the e. head of the island,
and enters the sea in the great bay of Samana.
NICARAGUA, a province and government of
the kingdom of Guatemala in N. America;
bounded x, by the province of Guatemala, s. by
that of Costa Rica, e. by the N. sea, and w. by
the S. sea. It is 50 leagues long frem e. to w. and
nearly as many wide from x, tos. of an hot tems
perature, and the most woody part of Nueva Es-
pafia, although not without many Hana: as.
This province has very few rivers, and is sube
ject to tempests in the winter; extremely fertile,
and abounding in all the productions that can be
mentioned, except wheat, so that it provides itself
with flour from the provinces of Peru. It has
NIC
large breeds of neat cattle, swine, and goats, but
particularly of mules and horses, carrying ona
great trade in these with the kingdom of Tierra
Firme, supplying the drovers of Costa Rica, who
are employed in carrying goods from Panama to
Portobelo; but this trade was much greater when
the galleons used to arrive. To the above it adds
the considerable branches of commerce of cotton,
honey, pita, wax, maize, agi, and French beans.
It produces also indigo, sugar, cochineal, and
cacao, quantities of fish and fine salt, the whole
being sold here at a very reasonable price. In the
woods are found excellent sorts of timber, namely,
Brazil wood, and some zeibas, so large that 10 men
with their arms extended cannot encompass them.
Inthis province there is likewise found amber,
turpentine, pitch, naptha, and various balsams
and medicinal drugs much esteemed in Lurope.
It abounds in deer and animals of the chase of
all kinds, as well as in birds ; but it is not without
snakes, vipers, scorpions, bats, lizards, mice, and
mosquitoes of various sorts, which render in some
degree disagreeable a country which some Spa-
niards of consequence have called the paradise of
Mexico, and others, with greater justness, the
paradise of Mahomet.
This province was conquered by Gil Gonzalez
Davila and Francisco Fernandez de Cordoba. It
has a large lake called Del Desaguadero, seen into
the waters of the great lake Nicaragua empty them-
selves; and at three leagues from this lake is a
very lofiy volcano, continually vomiting smoke
and stones; also at the distance of four leagues is
another lake which is small and round, and may
rather be denominated a well, as from the surface
of its water to the top of its bank there is no less a
distance than 2000 yards, and although the de-
scent is nearly perpendicular, yet will the Indians
go down to tetch water, climbing by certain holes
which they have made in the rock, and ascend
with the pitcher on their heads with a velocity
truly surprising. This is one of the provinces of
the greatest number of inhabitants, and the natives
are ingenious and diligent in the pursuit of the
arts, in which they excel the other Americans,
especially in their silversmiths and musicians, to
which employments they have a natural turn.
‘The capital is the city of Nicaragua, in lat. 11°
16’ x. and long. 85° 4! w.
Bishops who have presided in Nicaragua.
1. Don Diego Alvarez Osorio, native of Ame-
rica, although we know not of what settlement ;
he was chanter of the church of Panama when he
was elected first bishop of this diocese, in 1531.
2. Don Fr. Antonio de Valdivieso, of the order
goats, but
ying ona
of Tierra
Rica, who
‘anamd to
ater when
yve it adds
of cotton,
nch beans.
neal, and
the whole
. In the
, namely,
at 10 men
yiss them.
id amber,
s balsams
urope.
e chase of
ot without
mice, and
“r in some
ome Spa-
yaradise of
tness, the
| Gonzalez
rdoba. It
, seen into
pty them-
lake is a
ng smoke
leagues is
and may
re surface
s no less a
h the de-
he Indians
tain holes
d ascend
h velocity
ovinces of
he natives
uit of the
mericans,
sicians, to
tral turn.
r lat. 11°
agua.
of Ame-
‘ttlement ;
when he
n 1531,
the order
NICARAGUA. 427
of 8S. Domingo, native . Villa-hermosa in the
archbishopric of Burgos , » ‘sented to the bishop-
ric of Nicaragua ; he died of some blows he re-
ceived from Juan Bermejo, one of the partisans of
the two rebel brothers the Contreras, who had rob-
bed the treasury, whilst manifesting his zeal in the
king’s cause, in 1549,
3. Don /r, Gomez Fernandez, de Cordoba, of
the order of San Geronimo, native of Cordoba, of
whom we have treated amongst the bishops of
Guatemala, to which place he was promoted in
1574,
4. Don Fernando de Menavias, of the same
order as the former, a preacher of great repute ;
he died here.
5. Don Fr. Antonio de Zayas, of the order of
San Francisco, native of Eeija; presented to the
bishopric of Nicaragua in 1574; entered to take
possession in 1577, according to Gil Gonzalez Da-
vila; although the J. Antonio Daza says that at
this timethe bishop of that place was /’r. Geronimo
Villa Carrillo, of the order of San Francisco.
6. Don Fr. Domingo de Ulloa, of the order of
S. Domingo, of the house of the Marquises of
Mota, collegiate in the college of San Gregorio de
Valladolid and its rector, prior of various convents
of his order, vicar-general of the province of Cas-
tilla, and presented by his Majesty Philip II. to
the bishopric of Nicaragua in 1584, and promoted
to the church of Popayan, 1591.
7. Don Fr. Gerénimo de Escobar, native of
Toledo, of the order of San Agustin, a celebrated
preacher; elected bishop of Nicaragua in 1592,
but, after having embarked to go to its church,
he was forced to put into the port of Cadiz, where
he died.
8. Don Fr. Antonio Diaz de Salcedo, of the
order of San Francisco ;_ promoted from the bishop-
ric of Cuba to this in 1597.
9, Don Fr. Gregorio Montalvo, of the order of
S. Domingo, native of Coca in the bishopric of
Segovia, prior of his convent at Placencia ; elected
bishop, and afterwards promoted to Yucatan.
10. Don Pedro de Villareal, native of Andujar,
visitor of the archbishopric of Granada, and pre-
sented to the bishopric of Nicaragua, where he
died in 1619.
11. Don Fr, Benito de Valtodano, of the order
of San Benito, collegiate of the college of San
Vicente of Salamanca, abbot of San Claudio,
visitor of its order; elected bishop in 1620; he
died in 1627.
12, Don Fy, Agustin de Hinojosa, of the order
of San Francisco, native of the court of Madrid,
guardian of his convent at Sevilla, jubilee lecturer,
definidor, and preacher of great fame ; elected bi-
shop of Nicaragua in 1630; he died in Villanueva
de la Serena before that he passed to his destina-
tion in the following year of 1631.
13. Don Juan de Baraona Zapata, also native
of Madrid, where he studied in the imperial col-
lege arts and philosophy, and in the university of
Salamanca canons and laws, graduating as licen-
tiate and doctor; chaplain of the royal chapel of
Alcala, an honest, pious, and charitable man, and
a great observer of silence, presented to the bi-
shopric in 1631 ; he died before he departed for it,
in 1632.
14. Don Fr. Hernando Nuiiez Sagredo, of the
order of La Santisima Trinidad, native of Rodilla
in the archbishopric of Burgos, lecturer in his con-
vent of Toledo at Alcala and Valladolid, calificador
of the inquisition of Cuenca and of the supreme
council of the same, minister of his order in the
convents of Santa Maria del Campo, Segovia, Cu-
enca, and Burgos, provincial and vicar-general of
the province of Castilla, presented to the bishopric
of Nicaragua in 1633; he died in 1659.
15. Don Fr. Alonso Brecefio, of the order of
San Francisco, native of Santiago of Chile, a lec-
turer and philosopher of great talents, twice jubi-
list and grand theologist, guardian of the college
of Lima, definidor of the province, commissary and
visitor of those of Charcas and Chile, vicar-general
in Xauxa and Caxamarca, guardian of this con-
vent, definidor of the province of Lima: he as-
sisted at the general chapter in Rome, was nomi-
nated calificador of the holy office, presented to
the bishopric of Nicaragua in 1644, of which he
took possession in 1646 ; promoted to the bishopric
of Charcas in 1659.
16. Don Andres de las Navas Quevedo, of the
order of Nuestra Sefiora de la Merced, native of
the city of Baza: after having received different
prelacies in his order, he was presented to the bi-
shopric of Nicaragua in 1667, and promoted to
that of Guatemala in 1682.
17, Don Fr. Diego Morcillo Rubio, of Auiion,
of the order of La Santisima Trinidad Calzada,
native of Villa Rolledo in La Mancha, a man of
great virtues and powers of government ; elected
bishop of Nicaragua, from whence he was pro-
moted to that of Lia Paz ; afterwards archbishop of
Charcas and Lima, where he by a special autho-
rity from his Majesty was endowed with the vice-
royship of that kingdom, and where he governed
with address.
18. Don Fr. Benito Garrat, premostratensian
canon of the order of San Noberto ; nominated bi-
shop of Nicaragua in 1708,
312
a
—— ee ~
———.
428
19. Don Fr. Andres Quiles Galindo, of the
order of San Francisco, native of Zelaya in the
bishopric of Mechoacan: he studied in the uni-
versity of Mexico, and in the Colegio Maximo of
San Pedro and San Pablo, Latin, rhetoric, philo-
sophy, and theology ; after adopting the religion,
he maintained the professorships for 15 years, was
consultor and calificador of the holy office ; destined
to be pro-ministro provincial to Nurope, when he
was elected bishop of Nicaragua, in 171s.
20. Den Fr. Dionisio de Villavisencio, of the
order of San Agustin, in 1725.
21. Don Domingo Antonio Zeratain, chanter of
the church of La Puebla de los Angeles in 1736.
22. Don Isidro Marin Bullon y Figueroa, of the
order of Alcantara, rector of its college at Sala-
manca, of the lap and cloister of that university,
honorary chaplain to his Majesty in 1743 ; he dicd
in 1749,
23, Don Pedro Agustin Morel of Santa Cruz,
dean of the holy church of Santiago of Cuba;
elected bishop of Nicaragua in 1749, and pro-
moted to that of Santiago in 1753.
24, Don Joseph Florez de Rivera, elected bi-
shop of this church of Nicaragua in 1753; he died
in (757.
25. Don. I'v. Mateo de Navia y Bolaiios, of the
order of San Agustin, native of Lima, master in
his religion ; immediately upon his coming to Eu-
rope he was presented to the bishopric of Nicara-
gua in 1757 ;_ he died in the city of Granada in
1762, whilst on the visitation.
96. Don Juan de Vilches y Cabrera, dean of the
same holy church of Nicaragua, elected bishop in
1763 ; he died in 1774,
27. Don Esteban Lorenzo de Tristan, native of
Jaen in Andalucia, nominated chanter of the holy
church of Guadix, and before he took possession,
elected to that of Nicaragua in 1775; afterwards
promoted to the church of Durango in 1783.
28. Don Juan Felix de Villegas, native of Co-
breces in the bishopric of Santander, elected bishop
of Nicaragua in 1784, being then inquisitor of
Cartagena,
NicaraGua, a lake of fresh water of the above
province, being in extent 120 miles long, and 41
wide, navigable by the largest vessels, as it is of
an immense depth. On its coasts are many estates
of large cattle, and in each a small port for the
canoes and vessels which run in to lade with the
productions of the country, and which are em-
ployed for the expediting traflic.
In this lake are several isles, and it enters the
sea by the e. through a channel called the river
San Juan, or Del Desaguadero, of 64 miles direct
NICARAGUA.
distance lone. In this channel sail flat-bottomed
vessels of the size of bilanders ; also very large
canoes laden with tallow and other effects, which
they carry to Portovelo, 256 miles from the port of
S. Juan de Nicaragua; and in the time when the
galleons arrived, they carried, under a licence,
clothes and other articles for the supply of the pro-
vince, though not without great risk from the at-
tacks of the Zambos and Mosquitos Indians, who
used to be making continual depredations on this
lake, and who still infest it, as also on the coast of
Honduras, near to which they live dispersed on the
numerous islands. The above vouals make this
voyage under a necessity of discharging their bur-
then in these shallow parts, called the raudales,
since there is not depth of water for them other-
wise. On one of these raudales is situate the castle
of Nuestra Seiiora dela Concepcion, upon a moun-
tain of living rock, and although this castle be not
of any considerable size, it serves to guard the pass
of the river against an enemy ; it is furnished with
36 cannon, and has a very well constructed mound,
from whence, although the enemy should take the
fortress, such an attack might be continued against
him as to make him abandon his purpose. At the
water’s edge is a platform with six cannons, and on
the land side it is fortified by a ditch and estacade
which reaches as far as the river. It is ordinarily
defended with 100 men, besides 16 artillery-men,
a constable, 40 musketeers, a governor, chaplain,
lieutenant, and 20 militia-men, for the manage-
ment of the champanes or barks, two of which are
posted every night on guard above and below the
fort upon the river ; also with 18 slaves, men and
women, to do the cooking, &c. of the garrison, a
supply of maize, meat, vegetables, fowl, and other
things being sent from the city of Granada, 60
leagues distance, and a six months supply being
always reserved,
The temperature here is very sickly, the rain
falling continually; and thus it is usual every
two years, or earlier if necessary, for the governor
to demand at the capital of Guatemala a fresh sup-
ply of 50 men, to restore the loss occasioned by the
fatality of the place ; and the governor of the pro-
vince has strict injunctions to send whatever num-
ber may be required.
This castle is called the antemural, or great wall
and barrier, of the kingdoms of Nueva Espaiia and
of Peru; tor should an enemy make his way up
this river, as was twice effected, namely, by the
pirates Lolonois and John Morgan, they might
go on to occnpy Nueva Fspaiia, and, having
established themselves in the port of Realejo, which
is 30 leagues from the city of Granada, to make
Ag ib
ary large
> which
1c port of
when the
. licence,
f the pro-
m the at-
ians, who
ns on this
c coast of
sed on the
nake this
their bur-
raudales,
em other-
the castle
namoun-
stle be not
d the pass
ished with
2d mound,
d take the
ed against
e. At the
ns, and on
d estacade
ordinarily
lery-men,
chaplain,
> manage-
which are
below the
men and
rarrison, a
and other
anada, 60
ply being
, the rain
hual every
2 governor
fresh sup-
ned by the
bf the pros
ever num-
great wall
spaiia and
tis way up
y, by the
ey might
» having
ejo, which
» to make
NIC
themselves masters of the S. sea; where also, by
the facilities offered by abundance of fine timber,
and of every other requisite, save that of iron
bolts and nails, they might soon construct a noble
flect. The castle of La Concepcion has, for these
reasons, been an object of great jealousy with the
Spanish government.
NIC.ASIA, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Lampa in Peru, distinct from the
following.
NICASIO, a settlement of the same province
and kingdom as the former,
NICK, Bernanpo pe, a settlement of the pro-
vince and corregimicnto of Caxamarca in Peru ;
annexed to the curacy of Chalique.
[NICHOLA, or Nicnoua Town Gut, on the
n. e. coast of the island of St, Christopher’s. }
[NICHOLAS, Cape Sr. the n.w. extremity of
the island of St. Domingo, in the W. Indies. It
is four miles w. of the town of its name, but more
commonly called the Mole, 40 miles e. of cape
Mayzi, at the e, end of the island of Cuba, and 94
miles n.e. by 2. of cape Dame Maric, and, with
this last cape, forms the entrance into the large
bay called the Bight of Leogane.
In the beginning of July last, a severe shock
of an earthquake was experienced at cape Nicho-
las Mole, which threw down cight houses. 'I'wo
lives were lost. See The More. ]
[-Nicnou.as, Port Sr. on the coast of Peru in
S. Amcrica, lies 2. of port St. John, about a league
to leeward of the river Masca, and six leagues
s.s.e. of port Cayallo, It is safer than St. John’s
harbour, but affords neither wood nor water. |
Nicuonas. See Nicouas. |
MICLIOLSON, a fort of the English, in the
province and colony of New York; situate on
the shore of the river Fludsou, near the confines
of the country of the Lroquees Tudians.
NICKAJACK, an Indian town on the s.e. side
of 'Tenessee river, at the point of a large bend,
about 53 miles v.e. of the Creeks crossing place.
Half way between these lies the Crow town, on the
same side of the river. |
NICKER, a small island of the N. sea, inha-
bited by the English, and one of those called the
Virgin isles, It lies between the Ancgada and the
Virgen Gorda, on which it is dependent.
NICLETON, a small river of the island of San
Christoval, one of the Autilles. It runs e. and
enters the sea on the coast, running from 2. w. to
s.e. in the district of the parish of Cing Combles,
NICODEL, a small river of Canada in N. Ame-
rica. It runs 2. w. and cnters the $. Lawrence,
opposite the ‘Three Rivers.
2
NIC 429
NICOLAO, Baxo, a shoal or isle of the N. sea,
near the coast of this rhumb, of the island of Cuba,
between cape Blanco and that of La Cruz.
NICOLAS, S. asetilement of the head settlement
of the district of Tantima, and alcaldia mayor of
Tampico, in Nueva Espaiia, of a warm and moist
temperature ; situate amongst uncultivated woods.
It contains 83 families of Indians, who cultivate
much cotton, of which they make several kinds of
woven stuffs. [t is three leagues from its head set-
tlement, and 15 s. of the capital.
Nicoras &, another settlement, in the head set.
tlement of the district and alcaldia mayor of ‘Tes
yeaca of the same kingdom, It contains 27 fami-
ies of Indians, and lies a little more than two
leagues from its capital.
Nicoras, 8. another, of the head settlement and
alcaldia mayor of Marinalco in the same kingdom ;
situate at a league and an_half’s distance from the
foot of a very lofty mountain,
Nicoxas, 8, another, of the head settlement of
the district and a/caldia mayor of Guejozingo in
the same kingdom. It contains 54 families of In-
dians, and lies s. of its capital.
Nicotas, 8. anoiher, of the head settlement of
Armadillo, and alcaldia mayor of San Luis de Po-
tosi, in the same kingdom. It contains 32 families
of Indians, whose trade and employment is re-
duced to the dressing of hides and making of har-
ness and riding equipage. Three leagues from its
head settlement.
Ntconas,S. another, of the same alcaldia mayor
and kingdom as the former, Six leagues to the e.
of Santa Maria del Rio.
Nicoras, 8. another of the same, which is the
real of silver mines of the province of Ostimuri,
formerly a large and rich town, but at present re-
duced to great poverty. Seven leagues e. n. e. of
the real de Rio Chico,
Nicoras, S. another, of the missions which
were held by the Jesuits in the province of Tepe-
guana and kingdom of Nueva Vizcaya, on the
shore of the river Las Nasas.
Niconas, 8. another, of the province and go-
vernment of Darien, and kingdom of ‘Tierra Firme ;
situate on the coast, on the shore of the Rio Grande
de 'Tuira, near the gulf of San Miguel.
Niconas, S. another, called De la Barranquilla,
in the province and government of Cartagena, and
Nuevo Reyno de Granada; situate in the extre.
mity or point of the island in which that cit
stands, and at the entrance or mouth of the Rio
Grande de la Magdalena,
Ntcoxas, S, another, of the same province and
kingdom as the former, in the district of Zinu ;
430 NIC
situate on the shore of the river of its name, and
near its mouth or entrance into the sea,
Nicowas, 8. another, of the province and go-
vernment of Venezuela in the same kingdom ; si-
tuate in an extensive anura, which extends from
the coast on the shore of the river Area, and is al-
most to the 7. of the town of San Felipe.
Niconas, S, another, of the province and go-
vernment of Antioquia in the same kingdom ; si-
tuate on the Rio Grande de la Magdalena.
Nicowas, 8S. another, of the province and go-
vernment of Moxos in the kingdom of Quito; a
reduccion of Indians of this nation, made by the Je-
suits, to the s. of the mountains of Oro, and on the
shore and at the source of the river Bauras or Gua-
zumuri.
Nicoas, 8. a town of the province and go-
vernment of Buenos Ayres; situate on a small %
river, about 130 miles ».w. of Buenos Ayres, ‘
in lat. 33°19’. Long. 60° 25' 4”.
Ntcouas, S. a settlement of Indians, also of the
province and government of Buenos Ayres; si-
tuate on a small branch of the river Piratiny, on
the s. side of the Uruguay, Lat. 28° 12’ s, Long.
55° 19! 53” w.
Nicoxas, S. another, called Mole de S. Nicolas,
a parish of the French, in the part they possess in
the island S. Domingo; situate at the w. extremity
of the island, by the cape of its name.
Nieotas, S. another, of the province and cor-
regimiento of Cuenca in the kingdom of Quito ;
annexed to the curacy of the settlement of Delec.
Niconas, S. another, of the Nuevo Reyno
de Leon in N, America, near the town of Ca-
dereita.
Nicotas, S. a large river of Nueva Espaiia,
called thus from an estate of this name on its
shores. It rises 10 leagues x. of the settlement
of Mascota, in the alcaldia mayor of Ostotipac,
and runs into the S. sea, through the valley, of
Vanderas, at the cape of Corrientes; its mouth
being of the settlement of Ostotipac, 20 leagues to
the w.
Nicoras, 8. another, a small river of Canada
in N. America, It runs w. between those of Mar-
quet and Sable, and enters the lake Michigan.
Nicoras, 8. a bay on the 2. coast of the strait
of Magellan, between cape Galand and the bay of
Pico, according to the voyage and description of
Nodales.
Niconas, S. another port, on the x». coast of
the river St. Lawrence in Canada, between the port
S. Pancras and Trinité bay.
Nicouas, 8. See 8. Nicnoras. |
JICOPERAS, AsPerezas, some rough and
NIE
impassable mountains of the province and captain.
ship of Rey in Brazil.
NICOYA, a province and alcaldia mayor of
the kingdom of Guatemalajin N. America: bounded
e. by the province of Costarica, x. by the lake of
Nicaragua, w. and s. by the Pacific ocean. It is
of limited extent, and is looked upon as a district
of the province of Nicaragua, the governor of it
being nominated by the alcaldia mayor. ‘The po-
pulation is contained in only three settlements ;
which are Cantrén, Orotina, and Chorote, besides
the capital, which is the town of the same name,
situate on the shore of the river Capanso, near its
entrance into the S, sea.
This province produces much maize, honey,
pulse, and herbs, with which, by means of the sea,
it carries on a great trade with Tierra Firme. It
has a very good port and dock, where many fine
vessels have been built. Here is also gathered
much cotton, of which various stuffs are made,
being dyed with the juice of the caracol caught in
the bay of Las Salinas, and which cannot be
washed out, and is much esteemed in all parts;
cotton thread, which is likewise made here, is dyed
in the same manner, In the above port are found
arls of a very fine quality. In lat. 9° 46’ ».
ong. 84° 55! 30" w.
[NICTAU, a river of Nova Scotia, which waters
the township of Annapolis ; on its banks are quan-
tities of bog and mountain ore. A bloomery has
been erected in the town. ]
{[NICUESA, Gulf of, is on the e. coast of the
country of Honduras, on the Spanish main, having
cape Gracias a Dios for its 2. limit, and cape Blan-
co on the s.; Catharine, or Providence, is due
e. from Aa
NICULLIPAT, a small river of the kingdom
of Chile. It runs s. very near the coast, and
enters the Valdivia near its entrance into the sea,
NILBE Bay. See Nerva.
NIERUIN, a settlement of the province and
government of Santa Marta in the Nuevo Reyno
de Granada; situate 7, e. of the valley of Tene.
rife.
NIEUA, Nuestra Senora DE, a small city of
the province and government of Mainas in the
kingdom of Quito; founded by Captain Juan de
Salinas, in 1541, on the shore of the river of its
name, to the s.w. of the Maraiion. It is destroyed,
and nothing but its ruins remain.
Nueva. The aforesaid river rises in the centre of
the mountains of the province, and runs nearly due
n. till it enters the Maraiion or Amazonas between
the narrow pass of Guaracayo and the Pongo of
Manseriche.
id caplain.
mayor of
1: bounded
the lake of
pan. It is
is a district
‘ernor of it
. ‘The po-
ettlements ;
ote, besides
aime name,
so, near its
ize, honey,
s of the sea,
Firme. It
e many fine
30 gathered
; are made,
of caught in
cannot be
Nall parts ;
1ere, is dyed
rt are found
at. 9° 46! n.
which waters
ks are quan-
oomery has
coast of the
ain, having
l cape Blan-
ace, is duc
he kingdom
coast, and
o the sea,
rovince and
uevo Reyno
y of Tene-
small city of
hinas in the
ain Juan de
river of its
s destroyed,
the centre of
snearly due
nas between
he Pongo of
NIG
(NIEVA Island lies s. w. of Mistake bay, and
on the n. e. side of Hudson’s arte
[Nueva ‘Terra, near the e. end of Hudson’s
straits, in N. America, in lat. 62° 4/ 2. and long.
67° 7 w. and has high water on the spring-tide
days at 50 minutes past nine er olsind)
NIEVE, Banta pe Mucua, or Bay of Much
Snow, on the coast of the strait of Magellan, and at
the third narrow pass called the Passage.
NIEVES, Nuestra Senora DE LAs, a settle-
ment of the province and government of Mainas
and kingdom of Quito.
Nitves, Santa Marta DE LAs, another settle-
ment, of the head settlement of the district and a/-
caldia mayor of Guejozingo in Nueva Espaiia. It
contains 60 families of Indians, and is a very short
league w. of its capital,
NIEVIS. See Nevis.
NIGANDARI, a settlement of the province
and corregimiento of Caxamarquillain Peru.
NIGANICHE, a small island of the N. sea,
near the e. coast of Cape Breton, between the port
of Achepe and cape Fume.
Nicanicne, a large and convenient bay of the
same coast.
{NIGUA, a river on the s. side of the island of
St.Domingo. Its mouth is seven leagues e. of the
Nisao. The rivers Nigua and Jayna are not very
far apart. But as they advance from their springs
they recede from each other, the former running
w. from the latter. Between them lies an exten-
sive and fertile plain. ‘The quantity of pure gold
that was dug from its cavities, its sugar, cocoa,
indigo, and other plantations, paid duties of a
greater amount than those now paid by all the
Spanish part of the island puttogether. All these
rivers might be easily rendered navigable. ‘The
parish and small town of Nigua contain about 2500
persons, pact y free people of colour. |
NIGUAS, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Ksmeraldas in the kingdom of Quito,
It is small, situate in a wood of an hot and moist
climate ; surrounded by some small rivers, in
which are caught excellent skates, which are car-
ried to be sold at Quito. It produces many and
delicate plantains, is annexed to the curacy of
Mindo. In lat, 5° 8! 2.
Nicuas, another settlement, in the same pro-
vince and kingdom ; situate to the w. 12 leagues
from the capital, on the 2. shore of the river Coca;
annexed to the curacy of Yambe. Its territory is
full of woods; and it produces abundance of wild
wax, sarzaparilla, plantains, and some tobacco
and cotton. In lat. 44! 52" n.
NIGUATA, a port of the coast of the province
NIN 431
and government of Venezuela in the Nuevo Reyno
de Granada; between those of Guaira and Cara-
coli. On its shore is a small settlement and a fort
tor the defence and security of merchant vessels.
NIGUE, a point on the coast of the kingdom of
Chile, between the mouths of the rivers Tolten and
Queuli.
NIJAQUE, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Chachapoyas in Peru; annexed
to the curacy of Soritor.
NIKESA, a river of the colony and government
of Surinam, in the part of Guayana possessed by
the Dutch, It runs 7. making many windings,
and enters the sea very close to the river Corentin,
NILHAUE, a large, fertile, and beautiful val-
ley of the district of Chanco in the kingdom of
Chile, between the river of its name and that of
Martaquino.
Nituaur. The aforesaid river runs ton, 2. w.
and enters the sea near the quebrada of Lora.
NILCOS, a port of the N.sea, on the coast of
the gulf of Uraba, of the province of Darien and
kingdom of Tierra Firme ; the only port in that
part capable of receiving large vessels. It lies to-
wards the e. near San Sebastian de Buena Vista, in
lat. 6° 50’ x.
NIMAIMA, a settlement of the corregimiento of
Panches in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada ; of an
hot temperature, and abounding in sugar canes,
plantains, yucas, and some tobacco, It is poor ;
its population of Indians is scanty, and the Spa-
aan are very few. Sixteen leagues w. of Santa
*é,
NINACACA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Tarma in Peru.
NINDASOS, a barbarous nation of Indians of
the province of Guanuco in Peru. It is divided
into various tribes, who wander about through the
woods without fixed abode. ‘They are bounded 2.
by the Guatahuagas and e. by the Panataguas.
[NINETY-SIX, a district of the upper country
of S. Carolina, w. of Orangeburg district, and
comprehends the counties of Edgeficld, Abbeville,
Laurens, and Newbury. It contains 33,674 white
inhabitants, sends 12 representatives and four se-
nators to the state legislature, three of the former
and one of the latter for each county, and one
member to congress. It produces considerable
quantities of tobacco for exportation. Chicftown,
Cambridge, oras it was formerly called, Ninety-six,
which is 48 miles w. by x. of Columbia, 127 n, w.
of Charleston, and 49 x. of Augusta in Georgia.
In May 1781, this town was closely besieged by
General Greene, and bravely defended by the
British, commanded by Colonel Cruger. |
432 NIR
NINHUE, a settlement of Indians of the kings
dom of Peru; situate at the source of the river
Biobio.
NIO, a settlement of the missions which were
held by the Jesuits in the province and govern-
ment of Cinaloa in N. America,
NIOUE, a settlement of Indians of the province
of Sagadahock in N. America ; situate on the shore
of the river Penobscot,
NIOURE, Bay of, on the e. const of the lake
Ontario, of the province and country of the Iro-
quees Indians.
NIPE, a settlement of the French, in their part
of the island of St. Domingo; on the n. coast, at
the w. head, and on the shore of the river of its
name,
Nipe. This river runs 7. and enters the sca op-
posite the island of Goanava,
[NIPEGON, a large river which empties into
Jake Superior from the 2. It leads to a tribe of
the Chippewas, who inhabit near a lake of the
same name. Not far from the Nipegon is a small
river, that, just before it enters the lake, has a
perpendicular fall, from the top of a mountain of
600 feet. It is very narrow, and appears like a
white garter suspended in the air. |
NIPES, a bay on the n. coast of the island of
Cuba, between port Altabonita and the river Pla-
tanos; with a settlement between the points of
Mulas and Maisi.
NIPISIGUIT, a river of Nova Scotia or Aca-
dia, which rises from lake Nipisigouche, runs e.
for many leagues, and enters the sea in the bay of
Chaleurs.
[Nivistauit, a small village of New Bruns-
wick, on the s. side of Chaleur bay, inhabited by
Roman Catholics ; above 12 leagues w. of Cara-
quit island ; between which and point Masanette,
are the capes of Poiquchaw. At this village a
number of coasting traders touch during the sums
mer, where they purchase of the inhabitants cod-
fish and salmon, as also feathers, peltry, and some
furs.
FNIPISSINS, Indians inhabiting near the head
waters of the Ottowas river. Warriors 300. ]
NIPISSING, a small lake of the province and
country of the Iroquees Indians in N. America ;
formed by the river Francois, and running out by
a large arm into the Utawas.
NIQUE, ariver of the province and government
of Darien, and kingdom of ‘licrra Firme, which
rises in the centre of the same province and enters
the river Cupa.
NIRUA per Contano, a town of the province
and government of Venezucla, in the Nuevo
NIT
Reyno de Granada; founded -in 1553 from the
fugitives of the city of Las Palmas, which was
abandoned on account of the invasion of the
infidel Indians. This town was rebuilt in the
neighbourhood of the mines called Villa Rica, after
which its situation was thrice removed ; but such
was the distress it expericnced from the repeated
attacks of the Indians, and so great were the dif-
ficulties of procuring Negroes to work the mines,
that there remained of this unfortunate settlement
nothing but the name, when it was at last founded
by Francisco Faxardo in 1560, on the spot where
it now stands, two leagues from the port of
Guaira,
[he environs of this city (says Depons) are
fertile, but the air is unwholesome, and the inha-
bitants are subject to agues, which always end fa-
tally. ‘There are not more than four or five white
families, All the offices in the cabildo are held by
the Sambos. 'The lieutenant ‘de justicia mayor,”
appointed by the governor, is the only person whe
can be a white, ‘The city appears completely in
decay. The populution is about 3200 souls, chiefly
Sambos, who are the offspring of the Indians and
Negroes. ‘They are robust, strong, and healthy,
but lazy, addicted to drunkenness, theft, and every
species of vice. Nirua is in lat. 10° and long.
71° 10' from Paris. It is 48 leagues from Ca-
racas.
[NISAO, a river which rises in the centre of
the island of St. Domingo, and falls into sea on
the s. side, and on the w. side of the point of its
name ; seven leagues w. of Nigua river, |
([NISQUEUNIA, a settlement in the state of
New York, above the city of Albany. This is
the principal seat of the society called Shakers.
A few of this sect came from England in 1774 ;
and a few others are scattered in different parts of
the country. |
NISUCO, or Nisetco, as some call it, a river
of the province and government of Yucatan,
which runs into the sea close to the island of Co-
zumeél.
NITAHAURITS, a settlement of Indians of
S. Carolina ; situate on the shore of the river Al-
bama or Cousas.
NITO, a settlement of the province and govern-
ment of Honduras, the spot where the fair or
market of the whole province used to be celebrated,
and consequently very rich. It was conquered by
by Gil Gonzalez Davila, who pulled down the
greater part of it and built it up anew. It stood upon
thesea-coast, and formed a pleasing retreat to Her-
nan Cortes, alter all his perils in his journey from
Mexico, undertaken to chastise the rebellious
3 from the
which was
ion of the
uilt in the
Rica, after
1; but such
he repeated
vere the dif.
‘the mines,
e settlement
last founded
2 spot where
the port of
Jepons) are
d the inha-
vays end fa-
r five white
are held by
ia mayor,”
person whic
mpletely in
muls, chiefly
ndians and
nd healthy,
, and every
and long.
s from Ca-
e centre of
into sea on
point of its
r.
he state of
ry. This is
d Shakers.
l in 1774;
nt parts of
it, a river
Yucatin,
and of Co-
Indians of
e river Al-
nd govern-
the fair or
celebrated,
nquered by
down the
stood upon
eat to Her-
urney from
rebellious
NOB
Christéval de Olid, who, before he arrived, had
suffered death at the hands of Francisco de las
Casas,
{NITTANY Mountain, in Pennsylvania, is
between the Juniatta and the w. branch of Sus-
quehannah river. |
(NIVERNOIS, a large bay at the e. end of
lake Suan:
{[NIXONTON, a post-town of N. Carolina,
and capital of Pasquotank county, lies on the x.
water of Albemarle sonnd, and contains a court-
house, gaol, and a few dwelling-houses. It is
12 miles ¢. of Edenton. |
NIZAQUI, a settlement of the alcaldia mayor
of Nexapa in the province and bishopric of Oax-
aca, and kingdom of Nueva Espaiia; situate on
the middle of a lofty plain. Of a cold tempera-
ture, and inhabited by 62 families of Indians, de-
voted solely to the commerce of cochineal. Twelve
leagues e. of the capital.
NIZAO, asettlement of the island of Cuba ;
situate on the n. coast, between the Caragaya and
the Jagua Grande.
Nizao, ariver of the island of S. Domingo,
which rises in the mountains of the ccutre of the
same, runs s. and enters the sca at the point of
its name, between the point of Palenque and the
river Bani.
Nizao. The aforesaid point is on the s. coast
of the same island, between the points Salina and
Palenque.
NOADAN, ariver of the province and govern-
ment of Vera Cruz in Nueva Espaiia, which runs
w. and enters the sea between the settlements of
Almeri and Zempoala,
NOAINAMA, San JosernH ve, a settlement of
the province and government of Choco in the
Nuevo Reyno de Granada ; situate on the shore
of the river S. Juan.
NOASI, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Tucuman in Peru, of the jurisdiction
of Santiago del Estero ; situate on the shore of the
river Choromoros,
NOBANI, a settlement of the head settlement
of the district of ‘Teotalzinco and alcaldia mayor
of Villalta in Nueva Espana; of an hot tempe-
rature. {[t contains 17 families of Indians, and is
18 leagues n. of its capital.
{[NOBLEBOROUGH, a township in Lincoln
county, district of Maine, incorporated in 1788,
and contains 516 inhabitants. It is 10 miles s. e.
of Newcastle. |
NosBLeEsorouGH, a township in the n. e. part
of Herkemer county, New York ; situated on the
n. w. side of Canada creek. }
VOL. U1.
NOC 433
NOCAIMA, a settlement of the jurisdiction of
the town of Honda inthe Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada; of an hot temperature, abounding in cot-
ton, sugar-canes, maize, yucas, plantains, &c.
annexed to the curacy of the settlement of La
ba
OCATABURI, a settlement of the province
of Taraumara and kingdom of Nueva Vizcaya ;
situate at the source of the river Hiaqui.
NOCHIHA, a settlement of the province of
Itza in the kingdom of Guatemala.
NOCHITLAN, a settlement of the alcaldia
mayor of 'Tixtlan in Nueva Espaiia; of a hot
temperature, very fertile and pleasant, and abound-
ing in fruit and sugar-canes. It contains 233 fa-
milies of Indians.
NOCHIZTLAN, a jurisdiction and alcaldia
mayor of Nueva Espaia, in the province and
bishopric of Oaxaca. It is very fertile in cochi-
neal and cotton, and a place of great traffic, as
lying in the direct and high road from Mexico to
axaca. Its jurisdiction consists of the following
settlements,
Nocu1ztLan, the capital, which is of the same
name, contains in it a convent of the religious or-
der of S. Domingo, 30 families of Spaniards, Mus-
tecs, and Mulattoes, and 134 of Mistecos Indians,
engaged in the cultivation and commerce of grain,
and in the manufacture of woven cotton stuffs.
It is 155 miles e. with an inclination to the s. of
Mexico, in lat. 17° 14’. Long. 97° 36’. The
settlements are,
Santa Cruz Mitlatongo, Guautla,
Xaltepec Texultepéc
Santiago Mitlatongo, Tilte a i
Tilantongo San Juan Tamazula,
Santiugo Yucunduche, Cachuapa.
Nocuiztian, another settlement of the head
settlement of the district and alcaldia mayor of
Cuquio in the same kingdom. Its population is
very large, and it is three leagues n. one-quarter to
n. e. of its head settlement.
[NOCKAMIXON, atownshipin Buck’s coune
ty, Pennsylvania.
NOCUPETAJO, a settlement of the alcaldia
mayor of Cinagua in Nueva Espajia. It conatins
24 families of Indians, who trade in large cattle
and maize, which they grow. Its population con-
sisted formerly of more than 4000 families, and it
was fertilized by a river which passed through it ;
but it is said that the inhabitants having ill treated
and beaten their curate after having stripped him,
received the vengeance of heaven by the river
drying up; so that their fields became parched
and barren, and a noxious heat arose, which caused
3K
A34 NOI
an epidemical distemper, which soon swept off
this numerous people. Thirty-seven leagues s. e.
of its capital.
([NODDLE’S Island, a small, pleasant, and fer-
tile island in Boston harbour, Massachusetts. It
is about two miles e, 2. ¢. of the town, on the
Chelsea shore, It is occupied as a farm, and
yields large quantities of excellent hay. |
(NODDWAY, a river or rather a long bay
which communicates with James bay, at thes. e.
extremity of Rupert’s river.
NOEL, a settlement of Nova Scotia or Acadia
in N. America; situate on the shore of the Basin
des Mines, in the interior part of the bay of
Vundy.
NOGALES, San Juan Baptista ne, a set-
tlement of the head settlement of the district of
Maltrate, and alcaldia mayor of Orizayva, in Nueva
Espaiia, it contains 124 families of Indians and
50 of Mustees, Mulattoes, and Negroes, includ-
ing those of its wards, which are at about a
league and a half’s distance; the greater part
of the inhabitants employing themselves as dro-
vers. One league and a half from its head set-
tlement.
NoGa es, another settlement, of the province and
government of Tucuman in Peru, of the jurisdic-
tion of the capital ; on the shore of the river Cho-
romoros.
NOGUERA, a settlement of the missions which
were held by the Jesuits in the province and go-
vernment of Cinaloa.
NOGUNCHE, a settlement of the Indians of
the province and corregimiento of Itata in the
kingdom of Chile; situate on the coast, near the
mouth of the river Itata,
NOHUKUN, or Rio Granpe, a great river
of the province and government of Yucatin, which
runs e. and enters the sea in the gulf of Honduras,
passing through the city of Salamanca.
| NOIR, Cape, on thes. w. coast of the island
of Tierra del Fuego, at the entrance of the straits of
Magellan. Lat. 54° 30's. Long. 73° 13! w.]
[Noir, Cape, or Brack Cape, on the n. side
of Chaleur bay, is about seven leagues w. 7, w. of
Bonaventure. |
NOIRE, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Neiva in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada,
which runs w. between those of Cobo and Otaz,
and enters the Grande de la Magdalena.
Notre, another, a small river of S. Carolina,
in the county of Craven. It runs s. e. and unites
itself with the Blackmingo to enter the Pedi.
Noire, another, also a small river of the same
province, which runs e. and enters the Congari.
NOM
Noire, another, a small river of the province
and government of Louisiana, It runss. ¢. be-
tween those of Ailes and Quiovecovet, and enters
the Mississippi.
None, another, a small river of Canada, which
runs s, w, and enters the lake Michigan at the end
of the e, coast.
Noire, another, a small river of the province
and country of the Lroquees Indians in New
France. lt runs 2m, and enters the lake Ontario.
Noire, a cape or point of land on the e. coast
of the island of Newfoundland, close to §,
T'rancis.
[NOIX, Ise av, or Nut Isle, a small isle of
50 acres, near the n, end of lake Champlain, and
within the province of Lower Canada, Here the
British have a garrison containing 100 men. It is
about five miles n. 2. e. of the mouth of La Cole
river, 20 x. of isle La Motte, and 12 or 15 s. of
St. John’s.
[NOLACHUCKY, a river in the e. part of the
state of ‘Tennessee, which runs w. s. w. into French
Broad river, about 26 miles from Holstein river.
Near the banks of this river Greenville college is
ba epg
[NOLIN Creek, a branch of Green river in
sreneianye The land here is of an inferior quae
ity.
[NOMAN’S Lanp Island lies a little s. w. of
Martha’s Vineyard, and is about three miles long
and two broad. It belongs to Duke’s county,
Massachusetts, Lat. 41° 14’ n. Long. 70° 45!
30! ae
NOMBRE pe Dios, a town of the province
and bishopric of Guadalaxara in N. America, It
is populous and rich froin the abundance of the
silver mines in its district. It has a very good:
pores church, besides a convent of the order of
San Francisco. It has this name, because, when
Pedro de Espinareda came to preach the gospel to
these Indians, by order ofSt. Francis, he said, * Let
us begin this work in the name of God ;”’ and from
this time this title was always given to the settle-
ment, the which, from its concourse of inhabie
tants, was raised into a city. It is situate a little
n. of the tropic of Cancer. One hundred and se-
venty miles 7. of the city of Guadalaxara, in long.
103° 7’, Lat. 24°.
[Ffombes de Dios is (according to Hum-
boldt) in the intendancy of Durango, on the road
from the famous mines of Sombrerete to Durango ;
and he states its population at 6800 souls. |
Nompre be Dios, another city, formerly in
the prorat and kingdom of Tierra Firme, with a
good port in the N. sea, discovered by Admiral
province
g.¢. bee
ind enters
Ja, which
at the end
province
; in New
Ontario.
le é. coast
se to §,
vall isle of
alain, and
Here the
en. It is
’ La Cole
or 15 8, of
yart of the
to French
stein river,
college is
1 river in
erior quae
e s.w. of
miles long
s county,
r. 70° 45!
province
erica. It
e of the
ery good’
order of
se, when
gospel to
id, ** Let
and from
the settle.
bf inhabie
e a little
bd and ses
» in long.
o Hum-
h the road
Durango ;
merly in
e, witha
Admiral
NON
Christdval Colon at the same time as was that of
Portobelo, and founded by Diego de Albitez in
1510. It is of bad temperature, moist, and rainy ;
for which reason, and also because the port of Por-
tobelo was preferable, the city was removed to this
last-mentioned place, by order of Philip II, in
1585, by Don Tijigo de Ta Mota, when the former
city became reduced to a miserable village, its
port being frequented by foreign vessels, which
carried on a contraband trade. The English pirate
Francis Drake sacked the city in 1598, The
Admiral Don I'rancisco Cornejo had off the coast
a combat with two Dutch frigates, in 1724, and
the Count de Clavijo, who was commander of the
vessels for guarding the coast, had also two other
engagements in the following years of 1725 and
1726. The English admiral Hosier blockaded
in this port, for a whole year, some galleons under
the command of the General Don Bias de Leso,
in 1538, It is five leagues from Portobelo.
Nompre be Dios, a settlement of the missions
whieh are held by the religious order of San I’ran-
cisco, in the province of Taraumara, and kingdom
of Nueva Vizcaya; situate 12 leagues w. n. w. of
the town and real of mines of San Felipe de Chi-
guagua.
omBReE pE Dros, another city, founded in
the strait of Magellan by Pedro Sarmiento, in
1582; but it had only existed three years when
all its inhabilants perished of hunger, except Fer-
nando Gomez, who was taken up by ‘Thomas
Cavendish, who passed that strait in 1587. Since
that time the port has been called De Hambre or
Famine.
Nomsre bE Dios, a river of the province and
corregimiento of Arequipa in Peru; called also
Tambapalla, since it traverses the valley of this
name, It runs w, and enters the sea opposite the
island of Chile.
NOMSCOT, a small river of the province of
New Hampshire in N. America; one of New
England. It rises from a lake, runs s, forming in
its course various other lakes, and enters the
Amariscoggin.
(NONESUCH, a river of Cumberland county,
district of Maine. It passes to the sea through
the town of Scarborough; and receives its name
from its extraordinary treshets. |
(Nonesucn, a harbour at the e. end of the
island of Antigua, ‘The road is foul and full of
rocks ; and it has not more than six or eight fect
water, except in one place, which is very dif-
ficult. |
NONET, a port of the s. coast cf the island of
NO O 43h
S. Domingo, and w. head, in the part of the
French, between points Cascajo and Abact.
NONO, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Esmeraldas in the kingdom of Quito.
NONURA, a small island of the S. sea, near
the coast of the province and corregimiento of
Piura in Pera, tothe x. of that of Lobos. It is
barren and uninhabited, in lat, 5° 48! s.
Nonura, a point of land on the same coast and
province,
NOODLE, a small island of the N. sea, in
Boston bay.
[NOOHEVA, one of the Ingraham or Mar-
quesas islands, said to be the parent of them all;
situate about 10 leagues s. w. of Ooahoona. Capt.
Roberts named it Adams; it is the same which
Ingraham called Federal island. ‘The lat. of the
body of the island is 8° 48's. and nearly in the
same meridian with Wooapo, between 139° 53'
and 140° 4’ w. long. from Greenwich, All ac-
counts of the natives concurred, says Captain Ro-
berts, in representing it as populace and fruitful,
and to have a large bay with good anchorage.
NOORT Point, on the coast of Chile, is the
n. point of the bay or port of Coquimbo, the other
is called point ‘Tortugas. ]
[NOOTKA or Kina Gronce’s Sound, on
the 7. w. coast of N. America, is very extensive.
That part of it where the ships under Capt. Cook
anchored, lies in lat. 49° 36! n. and long. 126° 42!
w. from Greenwich, Capt. Cook judged the sound
to occupy a degree and a half in latitude, and two
of longitude, exclusive of its arms and branches
unexplored. ‘The whole sound is surrounded by
high land, in many places broken and rugged, and
in general covered with wood to the very top.
The natives were very numerous, and were in pos-
session of iron and beads; which probably were
conveyed to them across the continent from Hud-
son’s bay. ‘They are rather below the middle size,
and besmear their bodies with red paint, but their
faces are bedaubed with various colours.
Notwithstanding the accurate information which
we owe to the English and French navigators, it
would still be interesting to publish the observa.
tions of M. Moziiio on the manners of the Indians
of Nootka, ‘These observations embrace a great
number of curious subjects, viz. the union of the
civil and ecclesiastical power in the person of the
srinces or tays; the struggle between Quautz and
fatlox, the good and bad principle by which the
world is governed ; the origin of the human spe-
cies at an epocha when stags were without horns,
birds without wings, oe dogs without tails ; the
K 2
436 N OP
Eve of the Nootkians, who lived solitary in a
flowery grove of Yucuatl, when the god Quautz
visited her in a fine copper canoe ; the education
of the first man, who, as he grew up, past from
one small shell to a greater ; the genealogy of the
nobility of Nootka, who descend from the oldest
son of the man brought upin a shell, while the
rest of the people (who even in the other world
ave a separate paradise called Pinpula) dare not
trace their origin farther back than to younger
branches; the calendar of the Nootkians, in which
the year begins with the summer solstice, and is
divided into 14 months of 20 days, and a great
number of intercalated days added to the end of
several months, &c. &c.
The strait De Fuegoencompasses the large cluster
of islands among which this sound is situated.
See Fuca, Pintanp, Wasuineton Islands,
and NontueWest Coast; also Index to new
matter respecting Mexico, Chap, XI
All pretcnsions to this sound were abandoned by
Spain in favour of the court of London, by a treaty
signed at the Escurial on the 28th October 1790 ;
and it was formally taken possession of by Lieute-
nant Pearce of the British navy, in 1795, in the
name of his Britannic Majesty.
NOPALLAN, a province of Nueva Espaiia in
the time of the gentilism of the Indians; con-
quered by Mocthcutzuma in the 12th year of his
reign, and six before the entrance of the Spaniards,
NOPALUCA, a settlement and head settlement
of the district of the alcaldia mayor of 'Tepeaca in
Nueva Espaiia; situate on the top of a lofty and
extensive plain. Is is of a cold and dry tempera-
ture, scanty of water, having no other than such
as is preserved in two cisterns made for this pur-
pose. It contains 10 families of Spaniards, 63 of
Mustees and Mulattoes, and 176 of Mexican In-
dians. In its district are 17 estates, in the tillage
of which the inhabitants are employed, as also in
making saltpetre from a lake close to the settle.
ment. It happened here in the year 1740, that
the earth experienced a trembling shock for the
space of three months unremittin ays Six leagues
to the n. one-fourth to the 7. e. of its capital.
NOPSA, a settlement of the province and corre-
gimiento of Tunja in the Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada. It is of a cold temperature, abounding in
wheat and other fruits of a cold climate. It is very
dangerous to be out in the evening air on account
of the vapours which exhale from the lakes with
which the settlement is surrounded. In the dise
trict is an estate of the religious order of San
Agustin, where there is a chapel, in which is ve-
NOR
nerated an image of Nuestra Sefiora de Belen. It
contains more than 100 white and as many black
inhabitants; also us many Indians. Seven lenges
n, of Tunja,
NOQUETS, a river of New France or Canada
in N. America, It runs ¢. and enters the bay of
Puants of the lake Michigan.
Noquvets, a bay on the w. coast of the lake
Michigan, in the same province.
Noguets, a barbarous nation of Indians of Ca-
nada in N. America, dwelling by the gulf or bay
of its name. It once was on the shore of the lake
Superior, but established themselves in the former
place when they had fled from a war in which
they were almost all exterminated. It-consists now
of nothing but some dispersed families,
NORD, or Nontu, Petancs ofthe, some islands
of the w. coast of Cape Breton. ‘They are two,
and situate opposite to the e. point of St. John’s
island.
Norn, a cape or point of land, the e. extre-
mity of the island S. John in Nova Scotia or
Acadia,
i Norp, another, on the e. coast of Hudson's
ay.
Norp, another, the extremity of Cape Breton,
which looks upon Newfoundland.
Norp, a small river of Virginia, which runs
n. e. in the county of Albemarle.
Norp, Rio nex, or RioBravo. See Nortn
River, in the gulf of Mexico. }
Norp, another, of the same province, called
the n. branch or arm.
NORDESTE, or Nortu-Easzt, a point or exe
tremity of the island of Jamaica, which looks
upon S. Domingo, between Long bay and Cold
bay.
Nori ELD, a city of the province of Massa-
chusetts, one of those of New England, on the
shore of the river Connecticut.
(NORFOLK, a populous maritime county of
Massachusetts, lately taken from the s. part of
Suffolk cou::ty, and lies to the s. around the town
and harbour of Boston. It contains 20 townships,
of which Dedham is the seat of justice. Number
of inhabitants 24,280. ]
[NorFonk, a populous county of Virginia,
bounded 2. by James’s river, which divides it trom
Warwick. It contains 14,524 inhabitants, includ-
ing 5345 slaves. |
Nonro.k, a port of entry and post-town and
seat of justice in the above county, on the e. side
of Elizabeth river, immediately below the con-
fluence of the e, branch. It is the most consider-
Belen. It
any black
¢
n leagues
rr Canada
ie bay of
the lake
ins of Ca-
lf or bay
. the lake
he former
in which
insists now
ne islands
are two,
it. John’s
e. extre-
Scotia or
Hudson's
ye Breton,
hich runs
2e NorTH
e, called
bint or exe
ich looks
and Cold
of Massa.
d, on the
county of
s. part of
the town
ownships,
Number
Virginia,
es it from
s, includ-
town and
he e. side
the con-
consider-
NOR
able commercial town in Virginia. The channel
of the river is from 350 to 400 yards wide, and at
common flood tide has 18 feet water up to the
town, The harbour is safe and commodious, and
large enough to contain 300 ships. It was burnt
on the Ist of January 1776, by the Liverpool man
of war, by order of the British governor Lord Dun-
more, and '' ¢ loss amounted to 300,000/, sterliug.
It now comuins about 500dwelling-houses, a court-
house, goal, an Episcopal and Methodist church
a theatre, and an academy. In 1790, it contained
2059 inhabitants, including 1294 slaves. The
town is governed by a mayor and several alder-
men, It carries on a brisk trade to the W. Indies,
Europe, and the different states, and constitutes,
with Portsmouth, which stands on the opposite
side of the river, a port of entry. ‘The exports
for one year, ending Sept. 30th, 1794, amounted
to 1,660,752 dollars, A canal of 16 miles in
length is now cutting from the n. branch of Albe-
marle sound in N. Carolina, to the waters of the s.
branch of Elizabeth river. It will communicate
with Elizabeth river nine miles from Norfolk,
Merchant vessels of the Jargest size may go within
a mile from the mouth of the canal; and here, the
water being fresh, the worm, which does such da-
mage to vessels in Norfolk and Portsmouth, will
not affect them. It is 74 miles e.s.¢. of Rich-
mond, 29 from Williamsburgh, 13 e. of Suffolk,
and 195 s. by w. of Philadelphia, Lat, 36° 55’
n. Long. 76° 23! w. |
[Norro.x, a township in Litchfield county,
Connecticut, 15 miles n. of Litchfield, on the Mas-
sachusetts line. }
NORI, a large, fertile, and beautiful valley of
the government of Antioquia in the Nuevo Reyno
de Granada, between the rivers Cauca and ‘To-
nusco,
NORIA, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Tucuman in Peru; situate on the
shore of the river Dulce.
[NORMAN Cape, on the w. coast of New-
foundland island, is on the gulf of St. Lawrence,
and the w. entrance of the narrow bay of Mauco,
20 leagues from cape Ferrol. Lat. 51° 39 n,
Long. 55° 58’ w. High water at full and change
days at nine epee,
YORONA, an island of the N. sea, opposite
the Brazil coast, discovered in 1517, by Fernando
Norofa, a Portuguese, who gave it this name.
It is two leagucs long, and has two very good ports,
one to the n. detended by three forts, and another
to the n. w. defended by two, the one of which is
ina lofty and inaccessibie spot. The Portuguese
NOR 437
abandoned this island as useless and barren, and
it was taken possession of by the French company
of the W. Indies, but was recovered by the for-
mer, who fortified it. It produces nothing, and
the food is brought from Pernambuco, ‘The coasts
are full of rocks and shoals which render its access
difficult. The principal settlement is San Pablo,
distant a mile and a half from the sea, being the
residence of the Portuguese governor, before that
it was ceded by these to the Spaniards, its present
ossessors. ‘The fort of Los Remedios is the best.
he island is 70 leagues e. of the coast, in Jat.
38° 31’,
NOROSI, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Santa Marta in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada; situate on the shore of the cape of La
Loba, where the river Grande de la Magdalena
communicates with the Colorado.
[NORRIDGEWALK, or Norrincewock,
a post-town in Lincoln county, on Kennebeck
river, Maine, incorporated in 1788, and contains
876 inhabitants. It is 12 miles w. of Canaan, and
160 n. by e. of Boston. Tl Indian town of this
name stood about 40 miles above fort Halifax,
where Kennebeck river, as you ascend it, after
taking a s. w. course, turns to the ”. and forms a
point where the town stood, It was destroyed by
a party under Colonal Harman, in hays
[NORRITON, the principal town in Montgo-
mery county, Pennsylvania, is about 15 milesn. w.
of Philadelphia, on the n. bank of the Schuylkill,
having about 20 houses, a court-house and gaol,
and a handsome edifice of stone for the preserva-
tion of records, and an Vt aga
This town was the residence of that celebrated
hilosopher and philantrophist, Dr. David Ritten-
Howse In his observatory, near his mansion-house,
he was interred, agreeably to his request, June 1796,
His tomb-stone contains nothing but his name and
the simple record of the days and years of his birth
and death. ‘‘ Here,” says the elegant writer of
his eulogy, Dr. Rush, ‘ shall the philosophers of
future ages resort to do homage to his tomb, and
children yet unborn shall point to the dome which
covers it, and exultingly say, ¢ There lics our
Rittenhouse.’ 1
NORTE, a large and abundant river of Nuevo
Mexico, the last boundary of the known lands or
countries of N. America, being also called the
river Colorado, It runs towards the s. and enters
the sea at the n. end of the gulf of California or
Mar Roxo de Cortes, in lat. 32° 35’ n.
[For further account of this river, see King--
dom of Mexico, Nuevo, (new matter). ]
~ = = = —
= = : ~ = ~
—— > = : , - =
ar lag eB = eee r.
a ee
438 NOR
Norte, a bay of the island of S. Domingo, in
the e. rhumb and at the cape of Samana, between
the river Limones and port Gozier.
Norte, a settlement and garrison of the pro-
vince of Taraumara and kingdom of Nueva Viz-
caya in N. America, where there is a captain and
sufficient number of troops to restrain the incursions
of the infidel Indians.
Norte, acape or point of land on the coast of
the province and country of Las Amazonas, one
of those which form the mouth or entrance of the
river Marajion or Amazon, and that which looks
tothe x. from whenee it is thus called. Lat. 1°
49' 30" n. Long, 49° 48’ w.
Norre, another, of the island Margarita; and
it is one of those extremitics which form the bay
here.
Norte, a port of the island in which is the
above point.
NORTH, a small river of the province of Mas-
sachusetts, which runs e. and enters the sea close
to cape Cod.
Nortn, another, also a small river in the dis-
trict of Carteret in S. Carolina. It runs s. and
enters the sea.
{Norrn America comprchends all that part of
the continent of America which lies . of the isth-
mus of Darien, extending x. and s. from about the
9 of n. lat. to the x. pole, and e. and w. from
the Atlantic to the Prcific ocean, between the 52°
and 168° of w. long. trom Greenwich. Beyond
the 70° 2, lat. few discoveries have beer made.
North America was discovered in 1495, in the
reign of Henry VII. by John Cabot, a Venetian,
and was then thickly inhabited by Indians. In July
1779, Captain Cook proceeded'as far as lat. 71°, when
he came to a solid body of ice from continent to con-
tinent. The vast tract of country, bounded w. by
the Pacific ocean, s. and e. by California, New
Mexico and Louisiana, the United States, Ca-
nada and the Atlantic ocean, and extending as
far n, as the country is habitable, (1. few scattered
British, French, and some other [uropean settle-
ments excepted), is inhabited wholly by various
nations and tribes of Indians, ‘The Indians also
possess large tracts of country within the Spanish,
American, and British dominions. ‘Those parts of
N, America, not inhabited by Indians, belong (if
we include Greenland) to Denmark, Great Britain,
the American states, and Spain. Spain claims E.
and part of W. Florida, and all w. of the Missis-
sippl, and s, of the n. boundaries of Louisiana,
ew Mexico, and California. Great Britain
claims all the country inhabited by Europeans,
NOR
lying 2. and e. of the United States, except Green-
land, which belongs to Denmark. ‘The remaining
art is the territory of the Sixteen United States,
Phe particular governments, provinces, and states
of N. America, are exhibited in the table at the be-
ginning of this work, vol. i.
On casting one’s eyes upon the map of N. Ame-
rica, it is immediately perceived that the English
still possess vast possessions on the continent, the
most important parts of which are Canada and
Nova Scotia. asters of Canada, they command
the navigation of the river St. Lawrence, from
Montreal to Quebec. ‘This river is navigable for
large ships, which transport either to England or
to the English Antiiles, articles of the first neces.
sity. ‘The navigation of these rivers is protected
by the maritime station of Halifax, considered as
the capital of Nova Scotia. This is not the only
advantage which the English derive from the pos-
session of Canada; it affords them the means of
eluding the non-intercourse laws passed by the
American congress. [From Montreal to fort St,
Jean the distance by land is very inconsiderable,
therefore this town has become an entrepot for
English goods, which by lake Champlain are
easily introduced into the states of Vermont and
New York.
We proceed to insert An alphabetical list of the
mountains of N. America, a corresponding list of
those of Spanish America being given under article
Mountains; and conclude the article, of which
we treat, with 4 summary account of the first dis-
covery and settlement of N. America, arranged in
chronological order. N. B. The discoveries re-
specting Spanish N. America will be found under
article Mexico, (new matter, Chap. XI.)
Alphabetical list of the mountains of N. America,
acorresponding list of those of Spanish America
being given under article MOUNTAINS.
Acha, sierra de Blacklog mountains
Agamont hill Bonabeag hills
Allegany or Apallachian Bostan, volcano de
mountains Bradeard mountains
Broad mountains
Brushy mount..ins
Burros, cerro de las
Camaron, alta del
Carcay, sierra de
Carieboef mountains
Carmilo, sierra del
Chanate, sierra del
Chesnut mountains
Chigni, sierra de]
Almagre, sierra de
Amilpas, volcano de la
Ararat mountains
Bald mountains
Baker mountains
Barigan, sierra de
Battle hills
Bearstooth hill
Beaver hills
Blue mountains
| Green-
maining
| States.
nd states
t the be-
VN. Ame-
English
nent, the
ada and
ommand
ce, from
zable for
igland or
‘st neces-
protected
idered as
the only
the pos-
means of
1 by the
fort St.
siderable,
repot for
plain are
mont and
list of the
ing list of
der arlicle
of which
p first dise
ranged in
erties re-
nd under
America,
h America
itains
o de
ntains
ins
sins
le las
del
de
ntains
del
del
tains
de]
[ Clinches mountains
Clara, cerro de
Cola del Aguila, sierra
de la
Colima, volcano de
Coronel, cerro del
Cosinas, sierra de las
Cumberland mountains
Diablo, sierra de
Elias, St. mountain
Encomiendo, sierra de la
Enfado, sierra de
Evits mountaiis
Fairweather mountains
Flattop mountains
Florida, sierra de la
Gauley mountains
Genela, cerro de la
Grandfather’s mountains
Grun mountains
Grullas, sierra de las
Guacaros, sierra de las
Guadalupe, sierra de
Guatemala, volcano de
Hart mountain
Hood mountain
Horn mountain
Iron mountains, Great
Jack’s mountains
Jackson’s mountains
Jere mountains
Jurillo or Juruyo, vol-
cano de
Iztacibath, sierra de
Katskill mountain
King mountain
Laurel mouniains
Long mountains
Lucerno, sierra del
Mahony mountains
Maiz, cerro del
Maraval, volcano de
Martinez, cerro de
Miguel, St. volcano de
Mimbres, sierra de los
Mixes, cerro de los
Montague mountains
Nevada, sierra
North mountains
‘unic mountains
Obscura, sierra de
Occonec mountains
Organos, sierra de los
Orizabo pico
Orosi, volcano de
Palma, sierra de
Papagayo, volcano de
Penobscot hills
Perpetua, cerro de
Peter’s mountans
Piernas de Dona Maria,
sierra de las
Pilares, sierra de
Plata, sierra de la
Popocateptl de la cordil-
lera Inahuac
Powel’s mountains
Rainier mountains
Rattlesnake mountains
Rocky mountains
Sacatuoluca, volcano de
Sacramento, sierra de
Sadcl» mountains
San Gaba, montanas de
Sapanza, cerro de
Savage mountains
Scuttock hills
Sel Geine, montanas de
Sentualtepec pico
Sewel mountains
Shade mountains
Shavungunk mountains
Sideling mountains
incoque, cerro de
Slate mountains
Soconusco, volcan de
Sonsonate, volcano de
Sopotitlan, volcano de
South mountains
Stone mountains
Suchetepec, volcano
‘Tacon mountains
Tancitaro, pic de
‘Tecapa, volcano de,
‘Tenonco, volcano de
'Timpingos, sierra de
'Tlica, volcano de
‘Tuscarora mountains
Tussey mountains
Valle, cerro del
Varu, volcano de
Verde, sierra
Vergines, volcans de las
Viego, volcans del
Volcano mountain
Wambacho, volcano de
White mountains
W hite Oak mountains
W ills mountains
Yellow mountains
NORTH AMERICA.
A39
A summary account of the first discovery and set-
tlement of N. America, arranged in chronologi-
cal order. N.B. The discoveries respecting
Spanish America will be found under article
MExico, (new matter).
North America was discovered in the reign of
Ifenry VII. a period when the arts and sciences
had made very considerable progress in Europe.
Many of the first adventurers were men of genius
and learning, and were careful to preserve au-
thentic records of such of their proceedings as
would be interesting to posterity. ‘These records
afford ample documents for American histecians,
Perhaps no people on the globe can trace the his
tory of their origin and progress with so much
precision as the inhabitants of N. America; par-
ticularly that part of them who inhabit the terri-
tory of the United States.
The fame which Columbus had acquired by
his first discoveries on this w. continent, spread
through Europe, and inspired many with the
spirit of enterprise. As early as 1495, four years
only after the first discovery of America, John
Cabot, a Venetian, obtained a grant or commission
from Henry VII. to discover unknown lands and
annex them to the crown. (See Hazard’s His-
torical Collection, vol. i. p.9, where this grant
is recited at large. ‘It is dated AwD. 1495.)
In the spring of 1496, he sailed from England
with two ships, carrying with him his three sons.
In this voyage, which was intended for China, he
fell in with the n. side of ‘Terra Labrador, and
coasted n, as far as the 67° of latitude.
1497. ‘The next year he made a second voyage
to America with his son Sebastian, who afterwards
proceeded in the discoveries which his father had
begun. On the 24th of June he discovered Bona-
vista, on the 2. ¢. side of Newfoundland. Before
his return he traversed the coast from Davis’s
straits to cape Florida.
1502. Scbastian Cabot was this year at New-
foundland ; and on his return, carried three of the
natives of that island to King Henry VII.
1513. In the spring of 1513, John Ponce
sailed from Porto Rico n. and discovered the
continent in lat. 30°8’ n. He landed in April,
a season when the country around was covered
with verdure, and in full bloom. ‘This circum.
stance induced him to call the country Florida,
which, for many years, was the common name for
N. and S. America,
1516. In 1516, Sir Sebastian Cabot and Sir
Thomas Pert, explored the coast as far as Brazil
in S. America.
This vast extent of country, the coast of which]
citi
yee ee
ro “a
=
oe
ow lai tlt
— or
=; a
ae
440
[was thus explored, rernained unclaimed and un-
settled by any European power (except by the
Spaniards in S. America) for almost a century
from the time of its discovery.
1524. It was not till the year 1594 that France
attempted discoveries on the American coast. Sti-
mulated by his enterprising neighbours, Francis I.
who possessed a great and active mind, sent John
Verazano, a Florentine, to America, for the pur-
of making discoveries. He traversed the
coast from lat. 28° to 50° n. Ina second voyage,
some time after, he was lost.
1525, ‘The next year Stephen Gomez, the first
Spaniard who came upon the American coast for
discovery, sailed from Groyn in Spain, to Cuba
and Florida, thence . to cape Razo, in lat. 46° x.
in search of a n. passage to the E. Indies. ;
1534. Inthe spring of 1534, by the direction
of Francis I. a fleet was fitted out at St. Malo’s in
France, with design to make discoveries in Ame-
rica. The command of this fleet was given to
James Cartier, He arrived at Newfoundland in
May of this year; thence he sailed n.; and on the
day of the festival of St. Lawrence, he found him-
self in about lat. 48° 30/ n. in the midst of a broad
gulf, which he named St. Lawrence. He gave the
same name to the river which empties into it. la
this voyage he sailed as far n. as lat. 51°, expect-
ing in vain to find a passage to China. (In Ha-
zard’s Historical Collections, vol.i. p.19, is a
commission from Francis I. to James Cartier or
Quartier, for making an establishment in Canada,
dated October 17, 1540. Probably this commis-
sion was given him in consequence of his former
discoveries. ) '
1535. The next year he sailed up the river St.
Lawrence 300 leagues, to the great and swift fall.
He called the country New France; built a fort,
in which he spent the winter, and returned in the
following spring to France.
1539. On the 12th of May 1539, Ferdinand
de Soto, with 900 men, besides seamen, sailed from
Cuba, having for his object the conquest of Flo-
rida. On the 30th of May he arrived at Spirito
Santo, from whence he travelled 7. to the Chicka-
saw country, in about lat. 55° or 56°. He died
and was buried on the bank of Mississippi river,
May 1542, aged 42 years: Alverdo succeeded
him.
1542. In 1542, Francis la Roche, Lord Robe-
well, was sent to Canada by the French king, with
three ships and 200 men, women, and children.
They wintered here in a fort which they had built,
and returned in the spring. About the year 1550,
a large number of adventurers sailed for Canada,
NORTH AMERICA.
but were never after heard of. In 1598, the king
of France commissioned the Marquis de la Roche
to conquer Canada, and other countries not pos-
sessed by any Christian prince. We do not learn,
however, that La Roche ever attempted to execute
his commission, or that any further attempts were
made to settle Canada during this century.
January 6, 1548-49. This year King Henry VII,
granted a pension for life to Sebastian Cabot, in
consideration of the important services he had ren-
dered to the kingdom by his discoveries in Ame-
rica, (See Hazard’s Hist. Coll. vol. i. p. 23.
Hackluyt calls this, ‘* the large pension granted by
King Edward V1. to Sebastian Cabot, constituting
him grand pilot of England.”) Very respectable
descendants of the Cabot family now live in the
commonwealth of Massachusetts,
1562, The admiral of France, Chatillon, early
in this year, sent out a fleet under the command
of John Ribalt. He arrived ut cape Francis on
the coast of Florida, near which, on the Ist of
May, he discovered and ente: 2d a river, which he
called May river. It is more than probable that
this river is the same which we now call St. Mary’s,
which fe ns a part of the s. boundary of the
United Siates. As he coasted n. he discovercd
eight other rivers, one of which he called Port
Royal, and sailed up it several leagues. On one
of the rivers he built a fort, and called it Charles,
in which he left a colony under the direction of
Captain Albert. The severity of Albert’s measures
excited a mutiny, in which, to the ruin of the co-
only, he was slain. ‘Two years after, Chatillon
sent Rene Laudonier with three ships to Florida.
In June he arrived at the river May, on which
he built a fort, and, in honour to his king,
Charles IX. he called it Carolina.
In August, this year, Captain Ribalt arrived at
Florida the second time, with a fleet of seven ves-
sels, to recruit the colony, which, two years before,
he had left under the direction of the unfortunate
Captain Albert.
The September following, Pedro Melandes, with
six Spanish ships, pursued Ribalt up the river on
which he had settled, and overpowered him in
numbers, cruclly massacred him and his whole
company. Melandes, having in this way taken
ossession of the country, built three forts, and
left them garrisoned with 1200 soldiers. Laudo-
nier and his colony on May river, receiving infor-
mation of the fate of Ribalt, took the alarm and
escaped to France.
1567. A fleet of three ahipe was this year sent
from France to Florida, under the command of
Dominique de Gourges. The object of this ex-}
the king
la Roche
not pose
1ot learn,
p execute
ipts were
re
snry VII.
Cabot, in
had ren-
; in Ame-
|. p. 23.
ranted by
nstituting
spectable
ye in the
lon, early
command
rancis on
he Ist of
which he
bable that
t. Mary’s,
ry of the
liscovercd
ied Port
On one
t Charles,
irection of
measures
pf the co-
Chatillon
Florida.
on which
is king,
arrived at
even vCse
rs before,
fortunate
des, with
le river on
1 him in
his whole
vay taken
orts, and
Laudo-
ng infor.
larm and
year sent
mand of
this ex- |
[pedition was to dispossess the Spaniards of that
part of Florida which they had cruelly and un-
justifiably seized three years before. Ile arrived
on the coast of Florida, April 1568, and soon after
made a successful attack upon the forts. ‘The re-
cent cruelty of Mclandes and his company excited
revenge in the brewst of Gourges, and roused the
wijustifiable principle of retaliation. He took the
forts, put most of the Spaniards to the sword, and
having burned and demolished all their fortresses,
sccurned to France. During the 50 years next
atter this event, the French enterprised no settle-
ments in America.
1576. Captain Frobisher was sent this year to
find out a n.w. passage to the E. Indies. The
first land which he made on the coast was a cape,
which, in honour to the queen, he called Queen
Elizabeth’s Voreland. In coasting n. he dis-
covered the straits which bear his name. He pro-
secuted his search for a passage into the W. ocean,
till he was prevented by the ice, and then returned
to England. (Hazard’s Hist. Coll. vol. i. p. 23.)
June lth, 1578, In 1578, Sir Humphrey
Gilbert obtained a patent from Queen Elizabeth,
for lands not yet possessed by any Christian prince,
provided he would tke possession within six
years, With this encouragement he sailed for
America, and on the first of August 1583, an-
chored in Conception bay. Afterwards he dis-
covered ana took possession of St. John’s harbour,
and the country s. of it. In pursuing his dis-
coveries he lost one of his ships on the shoals of
Sablon, and on his return home, a storm overtook
him, in which he was unfortunately lost, and the
intended settlement was prevented.
1584. ‘This year two patents were granted by
Queen Elizabeth, one to Adrian Gilbert, (Feb. 6)
the other to Sir Walter Raleigh, (March 25) for
lands not possessed by any Christian prince, (Ha-
aird’s Hist, Coll, vol. i, p.28 and 33.) By the
direction of Sir Walter, two ships were fitted and
sent ont under the command of Philip Amidas
and Arthur Barlow, with 107 passengers. In June
1585 they arrived on the coast, and anchored in a
harbour seven leagues w. of the Roanoke. 'This
colony returned to England in June 1586. On
the 15th of July, they, in a formal manner, took
possession of the country, and, in honour of their
virgin queen, Elizabeth, they called it Virginia,
‘Vill this time the country was known by the ge-
neral name of Florida. After this Virginia bee
caine the common name for all N. America.
1586. This year, Sir Walter Raleigh sent Sir
Richard Greenville to America, with seven ships.
He arrived at Wococon harbour in June. Hav-
VOL. II,
NORTH AMERICA,
ing stationed a colony of more than 100 people at
Roanoke, under the direction of Captain Ralph
Lane, he coasted x. ¢. as far as Chesapeak bay,
and returned to England.
The colony under Captain Lane endured ex-
treme hardships, and must have perished, had not
Sir Francis Drake fortunately returned to Virginia,
and carried them to England, after having made
several conquests for the queen in the W. Indics
and other places.
A fortnight after, Sir Richard Greenville arrived
with new recruits; and although he did not find
the colony which he had before left, and knew not
but they had perished, he had the rashness to leave
50 men at the same place.
1587. The year following, Sir Walter sent
another company to Virginia, under Governor
White, with a charter and 12 assistants. In July
he arrived at Roanoke. Not one of the second
company remained. fe determined, however, to
risk a third colony. Accordingly he left 115
people at the old scttlement, and returned to Enge
land.
This year (Aug. 13) Manteo was baptiaed in
Virginia. He was the first native Indian who re-
ceived that ordinance in that part of America.
Ife, with 'Towaye, another Indian, had visited
England, and returned home to Virginia with the
colony. On the 18th of August, Mrs. Dare was
delivered of a daughter, whom she called Virginia,
She was born at Roanoke, and was the first Lng-
lish child that was born in N. America.
1590, In the year 1590, Governor White
came over to Virginia with supplies and recruits
for his colony ; but, to his great grief} not a man
was to be found, ‘They had all miserably famished
with hunger, or were massacred by the Indians.
1602. In the spring of this year, Bartholomew
Gosnold, with 32 persons, made a voyage to N.
Virginia, and discovered and gave names to cape
Cod, Martha’s Vinevard, fand Elizabeth islands,
and to Dover cliff, Elizabeth island was the place
which they fixed tor their first settlement. But
the courage of those who were to have tarried,
failing, they all went on board and returned to
Evgland, All the attempts to settle this continent
which were made by the Dutch, French, and Eng-
lish, from its discovery to the present time, a pe-
riod of 110 years, proved ineffectual, ‘The Spa-
niards only, of all the Kuropean nations, had been
successtul. ‘There is no account of there having
been one European family, at this time, in all the-
vast extent of coast from Florida to Greenland,
1603. Martin Pring and William Brown were
this year sent by Sir Walter Raleigh, with two}.
31
44]
ne
4A2
small vessels, to make discoveries in N. Virginia.
‘hey came upon the coast, which was broken with
a multitude of islands, in lat. 45°30’ x, ‘They
coasted s, to Cape Cod bay; thence round the
cape into a commodious harbour, in lat. 41° 25/,
where they went ashore and tarried sevea weeks,
during which time they loaded one of their ves-
sels with sassafras, and returned to England.
Bartholomew Gilbert, in a voyage to S. Vir-
ginia, in search of the third colony which had
been left there by Governor White in 1587, hav-
ing touched at several of the W. India islands,
Janded near Chesapeak bay, where, in a skirmish
with the Indians, he and four of his men were une
fortunately slain. The rest, without any further
search for the colony, returned to Engiand,
France, being at this time in a state of tranquil-
lity, in consequence of the edict of Nantz in favour
of the Protestants, passed by Henry IV, (April
1598), and of the peace with Philip, king of Spain
and Portugal, was induced to pursue her discoves
ries in America. Accordingly the king signed a
patent (see Hist. Coll. vol. i. p. 46) in favour of
De Mons, (Nov. 8, 1603) of all the country from
Jat. 40° to 46° n. under the name of Acadia. The
next year De Mons ranged the coast from St. Law-
rence to cape Sable, and round to cape Cod,
1605. In May 1605, George's island and Pen-
tecost harbour were discovered by Captain George
Weymouth. In May he entered a large river in
lat, 43°20’, (variation 11°15! w.), which Mr.
Prince, in his Cironology, supposes must have
been Sagadahock ; but from the latitude, it was
more probably the Piscataqua. Captain Wey-
mouth carried with him to England five of the
natives,
1606. April 10th this year, James I. by pa-
tent, (sce Hist. Coll. vol. i. p. 50) divided Vir-
inia into two colonies. ‘The s. included all lands
etween lat. 34° and 41° 2. This was styled the
first colony, under the name of S. Virginia, and
was granted to the London company, The 2.
called the second colony, and known by the gene-
ral name of N. Virginia, included all lands be-
tween lat. 38° and 45° n. and was granted to the
Plymouth company. Each of these colonies had
a council of J3 men to govern them. ‘To prevent
disputes about territory, the colony which should
last place themselves was prohibited to plant within
100 miles of the other. There appears to be an
inconsistency in these grants, as the lands lying
between the 38° and 41° are covered by both pa-
tents.
Both the London and Plymouth companies en-
terprised settiements within the limits of their re-
NORTH AMERICA.
spective grants. With what success will now be
mentioned,
Mr. Piercy, brother to the earl of Northumber-
land, in the service of the London company, went
over with a colony to Virginian, and discovered
Powhatan, now James river. In the mean time
the Plymouth company sent Captain Henry Chal-
lons, in a vessel of 55 tons, to plant a colony in N,
Virginia; but in his voyage he was taken by a
Spanish fleet and carried to Spain,
1607. The London company this spring sent
Captain Chistopher Newport, with three vessels,
to S. Virginia. On the 26th of April he entered
Chesapeak bay, and landed, and soon after gave
to the most s. point the name of Cape Henry,
which it still retains. Hlaving elected Mr. Ed-
ward Wingfield president for the year, they next
day landed all their men, and began a settlement
on James river, at a place which they called James
Town, This is the first town that was settled by
the English in N. America. The June following,
Captain Newport sailed for England, leaving with
the president 104 persons. In August died Cap-
tain Bartholemew Gosnold, the first projector of
this settlement, and one of the council. The fol-
lowing winter James town was burnt.
During this time, the Plymouth company fitted
out two ships under the command of Admiral Raw-
ley Gilbert. They sailed for N. Virginia on the
Sist of May, with 100 planters, and Captain
George Popham for their president. They arrived
in August, and settled about nine or 10 leagues to
the s. of the mouth of Sagadahock river, A great
part of the colony, however, disheartened by the
severity of the winter, returned to England in De-
cember, leaving their president, Captain Popham,
with only 45 men.
It was in the fall of this year that the famous
Mr, Robinson, with part of his congregation, who
afterwards scttled at Plymouth in New England,
removed from the 2. of England to Holland, to
avoid the cruelties of persecution, and for the sake
of enjoying ‘ purity of worship and liberty of
conscience.”
This year a small company of merchants at
Dieppe and St. Malo’s founded Quebec, or rather
the colony which they sent built a few huts there,
which did not take the form of a town until the
reign of Lewis XLV.
1608. Sagadahock colony suffered incredible
hardships after the departure of their friends in
December. Jn the depth of winter, which was
extremely cold, their store-house caught fire and
was consumed, with most of their provisions and
lodgings. ‘Their misfortunes were increased soon |
now be
umber-
Y, went
covered
an dime
-y Chal-
vy in N,
con by a
ing sent
vessels,
entered
ter wave
Henry,
Mr. Ed-
hey next
ettlement
cd James
ettled by
ollowing,
ving witd
lied Cap-
yjector of
The fol-
any fitted
jiral Raw-
via on the
Captain
y arrived
leagues to
A great
1 by the
nd in De-
Popham,
e famous
tion, who
England,
land, to
r the sake
liberty of
chants at
, or rather
uts there,
until the
incredible
friends in
hich was
ht fire and
isions and
kised soon |
NORTH AMERICA, 4A3
falter by the death of their president. Rawley
Gilbert was appointed to succeed him.
Lord Chief Justice Popham made every exer-
tion to keep this colony alive, by repeatedly *end-
ing them supplies. But the circumstance of his
death, which happened this year, together with
that of president Gilbert’s being called to England
to settle his affairs, broke up the colony, and they
all returned with him to England.
The unfavourable reports which these first un-
fortunate adventurers propagated respecting the
country, prevented any further attempts to settle
N. Virginia for several years after.
1609. ‘The London company, last year, sent
Captain Nelson, with two ships and 120 persons,
to James town; and this year, Captain John
Smith, .afterwards president, arrived on the coast
of S. Virginia, ahd by sailing up a number of
the rivers, discovered the interior country. In
September, Captain Newport arrived with 70 per-
sons, which increased the colony to 200 souls.
Mr. Robinson and his congregation, who had
settled at Amsterdam, removed this year to Ley-
den; where they remained more than {1 years,
till a part of them came over to New England,
The council for $. Virginia having resigned their
old commission, (the second charter of Virginia
bears date May 233, 1609. Ilist. Coll. vel. i. p. 58)
requested and obtained a new one ; in consequence
of which they appointed Sir Thomas West, Lord
de la War, general of the colony ; Sir ‘Thomas
Gates, his lieutenant ; Sir George Somers, admi-
ral; Sir Thomas Dale, high-marshal; Sir Ferdi-
nand Wainman, general of the horse; and Cap-
tain Newport, vicesudiniral,
June 8 In June, Sir Thomas Gates, Admiral
Newport, and Sir George Somers, with seven
ships, a ketch and a pinnace, having 500 souls
on board, men, women, and children, sailed trom
Falmouth for S. Virginia. In crossing the Ba-
hama gulf, on the 24th of July, the fleet was
overtaken by a violent storm, and separated, Four
days after, Sir George Somers ran his vessel ashore
ou one of the Bermuda isiands, which, from this
circumstance, have been called the Somer Islands,
The people on board, 150 in number, all got sate
on shore; and there remained until the following
May. ‘The remainder of the fleet arrived at Vir-
giniain August. ‘The colony was now increased
to 500 men, Captain Smith, then president, a little
before the arrival of the fleet, had been very badly
burnt by means of some powder which had acci-
dentally caught fire. ‘This unfortunate circum-
stance, together with the opposition he met with
from those who had lately arrived, induced him to
leave the colony and return to England; which
he accordingly did the last of September, Francis
West, his successor in office, soon followed bim,
and George Piercy was clected president.
1610. ‘The year following, the 8. Virginia or
London company scaled a patent to Lord de la
War, constituting him governor end captain-ge-
neral of S. Virginia. Hesoon after embarked for
America with Captain Argal and 150 men in three
ships.
‘Lhe unfortunate people, who, the year before,
had been shipwrecked on the Bermuda islands,
had employed themselves during the winter and
spring, under the direction of Sir Thomas Gates,
Sir George Somers, and Admiral Newport, in
building a sloop to transport themselves to the
continent. ‘They embarked for Virginia on the
10th of May, with about 150 persons on board ;
leaving two of their men behind, who chose to
stay; and landed at James town on the 23d of the
same month. Finding the colony, which at the
time of Captain Smith’s departure consisted ef
500 souls, now reduced to 60, and those few in a
distressed and wretched situation, they with one
voice resolved to return to England ; and tor tivis
purpose, on the 7th of June, the whole colony re-
paired on board their vessels, broke up the settle-
ment, aud sailed down the river on their way to
their native country,
Vortanately, Lord de la War, who had em-
barked for James town the March betore, met
them the day after they sailed, and persuaded
them to return with him to James town, where they
arrived and landed the 10th of dune. The go-
vernment of the colony of right devolved upon
Lord de la War. From this time we may date
ithe effectual settlement of Virginia. Its history
trom this period will be given in its proper place.
As early as the year 1607 and 1608, Henry
ITudson, an Englishman, under a commission from
King James, in the employ of certain merchants,
made several voyages for the discovery of an. i.
passage to the E. Indies. In 1609, upon some
misunderstanding, he engaged in the Dutch ser-
vice, in the prosecution of the same design, and
on his return ranged along the sea-coast of what
has since been called New England, (which three
years before was granted by King James to his
English subjects, the Plymouth company) and en-
tered Hudson's river, giving it his own name.
Ue ascended this ‘river in his boat as far as what
has since been called Aurania or Albany, In
1613, the Dutch W. India company sent some
persons to this river, to trade with the Indians ;
and as carly as 1623, the Dutch had a trading |
a)
Sue
Alt
house on Connecticut river. In consequence of
these discoveries and settlements, the Dutch claim-
ed all the country extending from cape Cod to
cape Henlopen along the sea-coast, and as far
back into the country as any of the rivers within
those limits extend. But their claim has been dis-
puted, This extensive country the Dutch called
New Netherlands, and in IG14 the states-general
granted a patent to sundry merchants for an ex-
clusive trade on Hudson’s river, who the same
car (1614) built a fort on the w. side near Al-
bans Irom this time we may date the settlement
of New York, the history of which will be annexed
to a description of the State.
Conception Bay, on the island of Newfound.
Jand, was settled in the year 1610, by about 40
hg under Governor John Guy, to whom
‘ing James had given a patent of incorporation.
Chaplain, a Frenchman, had begun a settlement
at Quebec 1608. St. Croix, Mount Mansel, and
port Royal were settled about the same time.
‘hese settlements remained undisturbed till 1613,
when the Virginians, hearing that the French had
settled within their limits, sent Captain Argal to
dislodge them. For this purpose he sailed to Sa-
gadahock, took their forts at Mount Mansel, St.
Croix, and port Royal, with their vessels, ord-
nance, cattle aad provisions, and carried them to
James town in Virginia. Quebec was left in pos-
session of the French.
1614. This year Captain John Smith, with
two ships and 45 men and boys, made a voyage to
N. Virginia, to make experiments upon a gold
and copper mine. [lis orders were, to fish and
trade with the natives, if he should fail in his ex-
pectations with regard to the mine. ‘To facilitate
this business, he took with him ‘Tantum, an In-
dian, perhaps one that Captain Weymouth carried
to England in 1605. Un April he reached the
is}.nd Monahigan, in lat. 43° 30’, Here Captain
Smith was directed to stay and keep possession
with ten men, for the purpose of making a trial of
the whaling business, but being disappointed in
this, he built seven boats, in which 37 men made
avery successful fishing voyage. In the mean
time the captain himself with cight men only, ina
small boat, coasted from Penobscot to Sagadahock,
Acocisco, Passataquack, ‘Tragabizanda, now call-
ed cape Ann, thence to Acomac, where he skir-
mished with some Indians ; thence to cape Cod,
where he set his Indian, Tantum, ashore, and left
him, and returned to Monahigay. In this voyage
he found two French ships in the bay of Massa-
chusetts, who had come there six weeks before,
and during that time had been trading very ad-
co)
NORTH AMERICA,
vantageously with the Indians. It was conjcc«
tured that there were, at this time, 5000 Indians
upon the Massachusetts islands,
In July, Captain Smith embarked for England
in one of the vessels, leaving the other under the
command of Captain Thomas Hunt, to equip for
a voyage to Spain, After Captain Smith’s de.
parture, Hunt perfidiously allured 20 Indians (one
of whom was Squanto, afterwards so serviceable
to the English) to come on board his ship at Pas
tuxit, and seven more at Nausit, and carried them
to the islaud of Malaga, where he sold them for
20/. cach, to be slaves for life. This conduct,
which fixes an indelible stigma upon the character
of Hunt, excited in the breasts of the Indians such
an inveterate hatred of the English, as that, for
many years after, all commercial intercourse with
them was rendered exceedingly dangerous.
Captain Smith arrived at London the last of
August, where he drew a map of the country, and
called it New England. From this time N. Vir-
ginia assumed the name of New England, and the
name Virginia was confined to the southern
colony.
Between the years. 1614 and 1620, several at-
tempts were made by the Plymouth company to
settle New England, but by various means they
were all rendered ineffectual. During this time,
however, an advantageous trade was carried on
with the natives.
1617. In the year 1617, Mr. Robinson and
his congregation, influenced by several weighty
reasons, meditated a removal to America. Various
difliculdies intervened to prevent the success of their
designs until the year 1620, when a part of
Mr. Robinson’s congregation came over and settled
at Plymouth, At this time commenced the settle.
ment in New England.
The particulars relating to the first emigration
to this 2. part of America, the progress of its
settlement, &c. will be given in the history of New
England, to which the reader is referred.
In order to preserve the chronological order in
which the several colonies, now grown into inde-
pendent states, were first settled, it will be neces-
sary that we should just mention, that the next year
(1621) after the settlement of Plymouth, Captain
John Mason obtained of the Plymouth council a
grant of a part of the present state of New Hamp-
shire. ‘I'wo years after (1623), under the autho-
rity of this grant, a small colony fixed down near
the mouth of Piscataqua river. From this period
we may date the settlement of New Hampshire.
1627, In 1627, a colony of Swedes and Finns
came over and landed at cape Henlopen ; and af: |
§ Conjcc.
0 Indians
England
inder the
equip for
ith’s de.
lians (one
rviceable
ipat Pa-
ried them
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; conduct,
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that, for
purse with
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he last of
intry, and
ic N. Vir-
1, and the
southern
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ympany to
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this time,
sarried on
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ass of their
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it order in
into inde-
be neces-
next year
» Captain
council a
w Hamp-
he autho-
lown near
his period
shire.
nd Finns
and af: |
NORTH AMERICA. 44i
[terwards purchased of the Indians the land from
cape Henlopen to the falls of Delaware, on both
sides the river, which they called New Swedeland
Stream. On this river they built several forts, and
made settlements,
1628. On the 19th of March 1628, the coun-
cil for New England sold to Sir Henry Roswell,
and five others, a large tract of land lying round
Massachusetts bay. ‘The June following, Captain
John Endicot, with his wife and company, came
over and settled at Naumkeag, now called Salem.
“ Among others who arrived at Naumkeag, were
Ralph Sprague, with his brethren, Richard and
William, who, with three or four more, by Go-
vernor Endicot’s consent, undertook a journey
through the woods above 12 miles westward, till
they came to a neck of land called Mishawum,
between Mystic and Charles rivers, full of In-
dians, named Aberginians. ‘Their old sachem be-
ing dead, his eldest son, called by the English
John Sagamore, was chief; a man of gentle and
good disposition, by whose free consent they set.
tled here; where they found but one Hnglish
house thatched and pallisadoed, possessed by
abomnas Walford, a smith.” (Prince’s Chronicle,
». 174.)
ar June 1629, Mr. Thomas Graves removed
from Salem to Mishawum, and with the governor's
consent called it Charlestown. He laid the town
out in two-acre lots, and built the genet house,
which afterwards became the house of public wor-
ship. Mr. Bright, minister.” (Ibid. p. 188.)
Naumkeag then was the first English settle.
ment which was made in Massachusetts bay.
Plymouth, indeed, which is now included in the
commonwealth of Massachusetts, was settled eight
years before, but at this time it was a separate co-
lony, under a distinct government; and continued
so until the second charter of Massachusetts was
granted by William and Mary in 1691; by which
Plymouth, the province of Main and Sagadahock,
were annexed to Massachusetts.
June 18, 1635. In the reign of Charles 1.
Lord Baltimore, a Roman Catholic, applied for,
aud obtained a grant of, a tract of land upon
Chesapeak bay, about 1410 miles long and 15
broad. Soon after this, in consequence of the ri-
gour of the laws of England against the Roman
Catholics, Lord Baltimore, with a number of his
persecuted brethren, came over and settled it, and
in honour of Queen Henrietta Maria, they called
it Maryland.
The first grant of Connecticut was made by
Robert Earl of Warwick, president of the coun-
cil of Plymouth, to Lord Say and Seal, to Lord
Brook and others, in the year 1651. (Hazard's
Hist. Coll. p. 318.) In consequence of several
smaller grants made after by the patentces to par.
ticular persons, Mr. Fenwick, in 1635, made a
settlement at the mouth of Connecticut river, and
called it Saybrook. About the same time (1636)
a number of people from Massachusetts bay came
and began settlements at Hartford, Wethersfield,
and Windsor, on Connecticut river. ‘Vhus com-
menced the English settlement of Connecticut.
Rhode island was first settled in consequence of
religious persecution, Mr. Roger Williams, who
was among those who came carly over to Massa-
chusetts, not agreeing with some of his brethren in
sentiment, was very unjustifiably banished the co-
lony, and went with 12 others, his adherents, and
settled at Providence in 1655, From this beginning
arose the colony, noe state of Rhode Island.
1664. On the 20th of March 1664, Charles
11. granted to the Duke of York what is now
called New Jersey, then a part of a Jarge tract of
country, by the name of New Netherlands. Some
parts of New Jersey were settled by the Dutch as
early a8 about 1615.
1669. Inthe year 1662, Charles If. granted
to Edward Earl of Clarendon, and seven others,
almost the whole territory of the threes. states,
N. and S. Carolina and Georgia. Two years
aficr he granted a second charter, enlarging their
boundaries. ‘The proprictors, by virtue of au-
thority vested in them by their charter, engaged
Mr. Locke to frame a system of laws for the go-
vernment of their intended colony. Notwithstand-
ing these preparations, no cflectual settlement was
made until the year 1669, (though one was at-
tempted in 1667) when Governor Sayle came over
with a colony and fixed on a neck of land between
Ashley and Cooper rivers. ‘Thus commenced the
settlement of Carolina, which then included the
whole territory between lat. 29° and 36° 30' n. to-
gether with (he Bahama islands, lying between lat.
22° and 27° n.
1681. The royal charter for Pennsylvania was
granted to William Penn on the 4th of March /681.
The first colony came over the next year and set-
tled under the proprietor, William Penn, who
acted as governor trom October 1682 to August
1684. The first assembly in the province of
Pennsylvania was held at Chester, on the 4th of
December 1682. Thys William Penn, a Quaker,
justly celebrated as a great and goal man, had
the honour of laying the foundation of the present
populousand very flourishing state of Pennsylvania.
Phe proprietary government in Carolina was at-
tended with so many inconyeniencies, and occa- |
—
(
ra
AAG NORTH AMERICA.
fsioned such violent dissensions among the settlers,
that the parliament of Great Britain was induced
to take the province under their immediate care,
‘he proprietors (except Lord Granville) accepted
of 22,500/. sterling from the crown for the pro-
perty and jurisdiction, ‘This agreement was ra-
tified by act of parliament in 1729, A clause in
this act reserved to Lord Granville his eighth
share of the property and arrears of quit-rents,
which continued legally vested) in’ his tasnily till
the revolution in 1676, Lord Granville’s share
made a part of the present state of N. Carolina,
About the year 1729, the extensive territory
belonging to the proprietors was divided into
N. and S. Carolina. They remained separate
royal governments until they became independent
states.
For the relicf of poor indigent people of Great
Britain and Ireland, and for the security of Caro-
lina, a project was formed for planting a colony
between the rivers Savannah and Alatamaba, Acs
cordingly, application being made to King George
II, he issued letters patent, bearing date June 9th,
1732, for legally carrying into execution the be-
nevolent plan. In honour of the king, who greatly
encouraged the plan, they called the new pro-
vince Georgia. ‘Twenty-one trustees were ap-
pointed to conduct the affairs relating to the settle-
ment of the province. ‘The November following,
115 persons, one of whom was General Oglethorp,
embarked for Georgia, where they arrived; and
landed at Yamacraw. In exploring the country,
they found an clevated pleasant spot of ground on
the bank of a navigable river, upon which they
marked ont a town, and from the Indian wame of
the river which passed by it, called it Savannah.
From this period we may date the settlement of
Cieorgia,
The country vow called Kentucky was well
known to the Indian traders many years before its
settlement. ‘They gavea description of it to Lewis
Evans, who published his first map of it as early
asthe year 1752, James Macbride, with some
others, explored this country in 1754, Colonel
Daniel Boon visited it in 1769.
1773. Four years after, Colonel Boon and his
family, with five other families, who were joined
by 40 nen from Powle’s valley, began the settle.
ment of Kentucky, which is now one of the most
growing colonies, perhays, in the world, and was
erected into an independent state, by act of con.
gress, December 6th, 790, and received into the
union, June lst, 1792. The settlement of Ken-
tucky was made in violation of the treaty, in
1768, at tort Stanwix, whieh expressly stipulates,
that this tract of country should be reserved for
the w. nations to hunt upon, until they and the
crown of England should otherwise agree. ‘This
has been one great cause of the enmity of those In-
dian nations to the Virginians,
The tract of country called Vermont, before the
late war, was claimed both hy New York and New
Hampshire. When hostilities commenced be-
tween Great Britain and her colonies, the inha-
bitants considering themselves as in a state of
nature, as to civil government, and not within
any legal jurisdiction, associated and formed for
themselves a constitution of government. Under
this constitution, they have ever since continued
to exercise all the powers of an independent state.
Vermont was not admitted into union with the
other states till March 4th, 1791; yet we may ven-
ture to date her political existence as a separate
government from the year 1777, because, since
that time, Vermont has to all intents and purposes
been a sovereign and independent state. ‘The first
settlement in this state was made at Bennington as
carly as about 1764.
The extensive tract of country lying nw. of
the Ohio river, within the limits of the United
States, was erected into a separate temporary go-
vernment, by an ordinance of congress passed the
13th of July 1787.
Thus we have given a summary view of the
first discoveries and progressive settlement of N
America in a chronobogica! order.
The following recapitulation will comprehend the whole in one view.
Names of places.
Quebec, «© «© 6 1 6 o 6 tw ew 1608
Virginia, « » » « 2 6.6 June 10, 1610
Newlonnd arts oe ew ew we ee) 6 Sune 1610
New York,
New Jersey, é , >i hen about 1614
Plymouth, ee tae gael? WP “ge a 1620
New Hampshire, ie 4b eats 1623
When settled,
By whom,
By the French.
By Lord de la War.
By Governor John Guy.
By the Dutch.
By part of Mr. Robinson’s congregation.
By a small English colouy near the mouth of Pis-
cataqua river. |
Colonel
and his
> joined
e settle.
he most
and was
of cons
into the
of Ken-
eaty, in
ipulates,
rved for
aml the
ec. This
hose In-
efore the
and New
iced be-
the inha-
state of
ot within
rmed for
Under
ontinued
ent state.
with the
may ven
separate
Bc, since
purposes
he first
ngton as
n,w. of
United
prary go-
assed the
v of the
nt of N
h of Pis-
NORTH AMERICA. Ad
[ Names of pluces. When settled,
Delaware c
Pennsylvania, : 1627
Massachusetts bay, a ker ae Seas sa VG 1628
Maryland, . 6 © « © «© «e «© + 1633
Connecticut, . 2. 2. . 2. «© we « 1635
Rhode island, . . . 2. 2. we. 1635
New Jersey, . «© 6 3 6 © © oe 1664
South Carolina, 6 ahi Re Oe A ims 1669
Pennsylvania, vo ae ey ae, 1682
North Carolina, . oe 6 @ 6+ « about 1728
Georgia, «© + 1 « ow ew we ee 1732
Kentucky, «© . . . 0 «© 2 0 1773
Vermont, © 6 6 ee + oe 6+ about 1764
Territory m.w.ofOhioriver, . . . 1787
The above dates are from the periods when
{Nortu Canoxina, one of the United States,
is bounded ». by Virginia, e. by the Atlantic
ocean, s. by S. Carolina, and w. by the state of
Tennessee. It lies between lat. 33° 50’ and 36°
30' n. and between long. 76° and 83° 34’ w. being
about 386 miles in length, and 160 in breadth,
containing about 31,000 square miles. The dis-
tricts of this state are classed in three divisions
viz. the e. districts, Edenton,.-Newbern, auc
Wilmington ; the middle districts, Fayetteville,
Hillsborough, and Halifax ; and the w. districts,
Morgan and Salisbury. ‘Thee. districts are on the
sea-coast, extending from the Virginia line s. to
S. Carolina. The five others cover the whole
state w. of the maritime districts ; and the greater
part of them extend across tho state from x. to s.
These districts are subdivided into 58 counties,
which contained, in 1790, 393,751 inhabitants,
of whom 100,571 were slaves; and by the census
of 1810, tie total population of the state amounted
ty 563,596 souls. ‘The chief rivers of N. Caro-
lina are Chowan and its branches, Roanoke, ‘Tar,
Neus, and Cape Fear or Clarendon. Most of these
and the smaller rivers have bars at their mouths ;
and the coast furnishes no good harbours except
Cape Fear, There are two remarkable swamps in
this state, the one in Currituck county, the other
on the line between this state and Virginia. See
Currituck County and Disman. The most re-
markable sounds are Albemarle, Pamlico, and
By whom,
By the Swedes and Finns
By Captain John Endicot and company.
By Lord Baltimore, with a colony of Roman Ca-
tholics.
By Mr. Fenwick, at Saybrook, near the mouth of
Connecticut river.
i ie Roger Williams and his persecuted bre-
thren.
Granted to the Duke of York by Charles If. and
made a distinct government, and settled some
time before this by the English.
By Goveroor Sayle.
By William Penn, with a colony of Quakers.
Erected into a separate government, settled before
by the English.
By General Oglethorp.
By Colonel Daniel Boon,
By emigrants from Connecticut and other parts of
New England.
By the Ohio and other companies
the first permanent settlements were made.
Core sounds; the capes, Lookout, Hatteras, and
Fear, which are described under their respective
names. Newbern is the largest town in the state;
the other towns of note are Kdenton, Wilmington,
Halifax, Hillsborough, Salisbury, and Fayette-
ville ; each of which have been, in their turns, the
seat of the general assembly. Raleigh, situated
near the centre of the state, has lately been esta-
blished as the metropolis. N. Carolina, in its
Meet width, for 60 miles from the sea, is a dead
evel, '
A great proportion of this tract lies in forest,
and is barren. On the banks of some of the rivers,
particularly of the Roanoke, the land is fertile and
good, Interspersed through the other parts are
glades of rich swamp, and ridges of oak-land, of
a black, fertile soil. Sixty or 80 miles from the
sea the country rises into hills and mountains, as
in S. Carolina and Georgia. Wheat, rye, bar-
ley, oats, and flax, grow well in the back hilly
country ; Indian corn and pulse of all kinds, in
all parts. Cotton and hemp are also considerably
cultivated here, and might be raised in much
greater plenty, The cotton is planted yearly:
the stalk dies with the frost. ‘The labour of one
man will produce 1000 ponnds in the sceds, or
250 fit for manufacturing, A great proportion of
the produce of the back country, consisting of to-
bacco, wheat, Indian corn, &c. is carried to
market in S. Carolina and Virginia. The s, in-]
448 NORTH
Fterior counties carry their produce to Charlestown,
wal the 2. to Petersburgh in Virginia, ‘The ex.
ports from the lower parts of the state are tar, pitch,
turpentine, rosin, Indian corn, boards, scautling,
staves, shingles, firs, tobacco, pork, lard, tallow,
bees-wax, myrtle-wax, and afew other articles,
amounting in the year ending September 30, 1791,
to 524,548 dollars. Their trade is chiefly with
the W. Indies and the n, states,
In the flat country near the scascoast the inhae
hitants, during the summer and autumn, are sub-
ject to intermitting fevers, which often prove fatal,
as bilious or nervous symptoms prevail. ‘The w.
hilly parts of the state are as healthy as any part
of America, ‘This country is fertile, full of springs
and rivulets of pure water, Autumn is very pleas
sant, both in regard to the temperature and sere-
nity of the weather, and the richnessand variety of
the vegetable productions which the season af-
fords. ‘The winters are so mild in some years that
autumn may be said to continue till spring.
Wheat harvest is inthe beginning of Juac, and
that of Indian corn early in September.
The large natural growth of the plains, in the
low country, is almost universally pitch-pine,
which is a tall handsome tree, far superior to the
pitch-pine of the n, states, ‘This tree may be call-
ed the staple commodity of N. Carolina, — It af-
turds pitch, tar, turpentine, and various kinds of
lumber, which, together, constitute at Icast one-
half of the exports of this state. No country pro-
duces finer white and red oak for staves. The
swamps abound with cypress and bay trees. The
latter is an evergreen, and is food for the cattle in
winter. ‘The misletoe is common in the back coun.
try. ‘This is a shrub which differs in kind, per-
haps, from all others. It never grows out of the
earth, but on the tops of trees. ‘The roots (if they
may be so called) run under the bark of the tree,
and incorporate with the wood, It is an ever.
green resembling the garden box-wood.
The late war, by which N. Carolina was greatly
injured, put a stop to several iron-works, There
are four or five furnaces in the state that are in
blast, and a proportionable number of forges.
The w. parts of this state, which have been set-
led within the last 50 years, are chiefly inhabited
by Presbyterians from Pennsylvania, the descend.
ants of people from the x, of Ireland, and are ex-
ceedingly attached tothe doctrines, discipline, and
usages of the church of Scotland, ‘They are a re-
gular industrious people, ‘The Moravians have
several flourishing settlements in the upper part of
this state. The Friends or Quakers have a settle-
went in New-garden, in Guiltord county, and se-
”
CAROLINA.
veral congregations at Pequimins and Pasquotank,
The Methodists and Baptists are numerous and in.
creasing. ‘The general assembly of N. Carolina,
in December 1789, passed a law incorporating 40
gentlemen, five from each district, as trustees of
the universty of N. Carolina, ‘The state has given
handsome donations for the endowment of this se-
minary. ‘The general assembly, in December
1791, loaned 5000/. to the trustees, to enable them
to proceed immediately with their buildings.
There is a very good academy at Warenton, an-
other at W ilieeabaroures in Granville, and
three or four others in the state, of considerable
note,
N. Carolina has had a rapid growth. Inthe yea
1710, it contained but about 1200 fencible men.
In 1794, the number was estimated at about
50,000, It is now, in point of numbers, the fourth
state in the union, By the constitution of this
state, which was ratified in December 1796, all
legislative authority is vested in two distinct
branches, both dependent on the people, viz. a
senate and house of commons, which, when con-
vencd for business, are styled the general assembly.
The senate is composed of representatives, one
from cach county, chosen annually by ballot.
The house of commons consists of representatives
chosen in the same way, two for each county,
and one for each of the towns of Edenton, New-
bern, Wilmington, Salisbury, Hillsborough, Ha-
litax, an@ Fayetteville.
We have in vain endeavoured to seek for more
early and authentic information concerning the
first settlement of this state than that given by Al-
cedo, under the article Carolina, It should ap-
pear by that authority, that the country was dis-
covered as far back as 1512, by Ponce de Leon,
a Spaniard. It is certain, however, that the hise
tory of N. Carolina is less known than that of any
other of the states. From the best recent ao-
counts that history affords, the first permanent
settlement in N. Carolina was made about the year
1710, by a number of Palatines from Germany,
who had been reduced to circumstances of great
indigence by a calamitous war. The infant colony
remained under the general government of S. Ca-
rolina, till about the year 1729, when seven of the
proprietors, for a valuable consideration, vested
their property and jurisdiction in the crown; and
the colony was erected into a separate province, by
the name of N. Carolina, and its preseut limits
established by an order of George I].
Nonru Castie,a township of New York, in
W. Chester county, 2. of Mount Pleasant, and
the White plains on the borders of Connecticut.
quotank,
sand ine
Carolina,
rating 40
‘ustees of
has given
f this se-
Yecember
able them
uildings.
Hon, ane
ile, and
siderable
nthe yea
‘ible men,
at about
the fourth
n of this
1796, all
0 distinct
ley viz. a
vhen con-
assembly.
lives, one
»y ballot.
sentatives
1 county,
on, New-
ugh, Ha-
« for more
ning the
en by Al-
bould ap-
Vy was (lise
de Leon,
t the hise
hat of any
lecent ace
yermanent
t the year
zermany,
5 of great
int colony
of 8. Ca-
ven of the
n, vested
own; and
»vince, by
seut limits
York, in
sant, and
nnee¢ticut.
NOR
In 1790, it contained 2478 inhabitants, In 1796,
there were 173 of the inhabitants qualified electors,
It is 10 miles from White plains, and 20 from
Ridgefield in Connecticut.
ontu-East, a small river which empties
in at the head of Chesapeak bay, about five
miles below Charlestown; only noticeable for the
quantity of herrings caught in it. |
Nortu-East Town, a township in Dutchess
county, New York, about 90 miles n. of New
York city, between Rhynbec and Connecticut w.
line. In 1790, it contained 3401 inhabitants.
In 1796, there were in it 891 qualified electors,
{[Nortu Eptsro Inlet, on the coast of S, Caro-
lina, is 11 miles from Stono Inlet, and three e. 2. e.
from S. Edisto. }
Noxrtu Hampton, a township of New Hamp-
shire, in Rockingham county, which contains 657
inhabitants, taken from Hampton and incorporated
in 1742. }
{Nortu Haven, a township of Connecticut,
situated in New Haven county, on the ¢. side of E.
river, cight miles n. by e. of New Haven, and 32
s. by w. of Hartford. | It was settled in 1660 by 35
men, principally from Saybrook, This town is
the birth-place of that Jearned, pious, and excel-
lent man, Dr. Ezra Stiles, late president of Yale
college. |
[Nontu Hempstead, a township in Queen’s
county, Long island, New York, bounded e. by
Oyster bay, 7. by the sound, and s. by S. Hemp-
stead. In 1790, it contained 2696 inhabitants, of
whom 507 were slaves. In 1796, 232 of the inha-
bitants were qualified electors. ‘The soil is but in-
different. | ;
[Nortu Huntineton, a township in West-
moreland county, Pennsylvania, |
[Nortn Island, on the coast of S. Carolina,
lies on the 2. side of Winyah ahi ae
Nortu KinGatown, a town in Washington
county, Rhode Island, which carries on a consi-
derable trade in the fisheries, besides some to the
W. Indies. Itsharbour is called Wickford, on
the w. side of Narraganset bay, opposite the 7.
end of Connecticut island, It is about 10 miles
n. w. of Newport, and 16s. of Providence. The
township contains 2907 i cele
latte Mountain, one of the ridges of the Al-
leghany mountains, which extends through Vir-
ginia and Pennsylvania, ‘There is a curious sy-
hon fountain in Virginia, near the intersection of
Tord Fairfax’s boundary with the N. mountain,
not far from Brock’s gap, on the stream of which
is a grist-mill, which grinds two bushels of grain
at every flood of the spring. |
VOL, 1,
NOR 449
{[Nortn Reef, off the island of St. Domingo,
in the W. Indies, lies in lat, 20°33’ n. and long.
69° 12’ w.]
(Nortn River, in New York, See Hupson’s
River. ]
[Nortu River, in Massachusetts, for its size,
is remarkable for its depth of water, being in some
places not more than 40 or 50 feet wide, yet vessels
of 300 tons are built at Pembroke, and descend to
Massachusetts bay, 18 miles distant, as the river
runs. It rises in Indian Head pond in Pembroke,
and runs a serpentine course between Scituate and
Marshfield. ‘The river is navigable for boats to
the first fall, five miles from its source. Thence
to the nearest waters which run into'Taunton river,
is only three miles. A canal to connect the waters
of these two rivers, which communicate with Nar-
raganset and Massachusetts bays, would be of great
utility, as it would save a long and dangerous na-
vigation round cape Cod. }
Nortu River, a very considerable river of
New Mexico in N. America, which rises in the ».
part of it, and directs its course to the s.«. and
empties into the gulf of Mexico, at the w. end, in
and about lat. 26° 12 n.]
{Norra River, a branch of Fluvanna river in
Virginia. See Cow ann Carr Pasture. |
([Nortu Satem, a township in W. Chester
county, New York, bounded s. by Salem, e. by
Connecticut, 2. by Dutchess county, and w. by the
middle of Croton river. In 1790, it contained
1058 inhabitants, including 58 slaves. In 1796,
162 of the inhabitants were qualified electors.]
[NortH Sea is a name that has been given by
geographers to various parts of the oceans, where
they happen to wash the #. parts of the American
continent or islands. Thus, the gulf of Mexico,
and the Atlantic ocean further to the e. from their
waters washing the #. coast of Mexico or New
Spain in N. America, and Tierra Firme in S. Ame-
rica, have been distinguished by this name. It
has also been applied to the s. part of the gulf of
Mexico, in particular by the ie niards, on their
crossing the isthmus of Darien from the x. to the
s. coast, in opposition to the Pacific ocean, to
which they gave the name of the 8. Sea. The
Atlantic ocean also on the ¢. coast of N. America
has been sometimes called the N. Sea; which ap-
pellation has also been given to the Frozen ocean,
from its bounding N. ietion onthe». See ar-
ticle Man. ]
[Nortu Sounp Point is the projecting point of
land on the n. e. side of the island of Antigua in
the W. Indies, and is about s. s. e. from Long
island. }
0
JM
450 NOR
[Nonrtn-West Const of America, ‘The coun-
try on the 2, w. part of the continent of Ame-
rica, lying on the Pacific ocean, is thus denomi-
nated. According to accounts given by voyagers
to this coast, the vast country lying upon it, with
very little deviation, has the appearance of one
continued forest, being covered with pines of dif-
ferent species, and these intermixed with alder,
birch, witch-hazel, &c. besides various kinds of
brushwood; and the valleys and low grounds
afford wild currants, gooseberries, raspberries, and
various flowering shrubs. On the coast are many
islands, spacious bays, commedious harbours, and
mouths of navigable rivers; among the former are
Washington or Queen Charlotte’s islands, extend-
ing from lat. 51° 42’ to 54° 18 n.—-w. long. from
Greenwich, 129° 54 to 138° 18’. Here are
Nootka sound, Admiralty bay, and port Mul-
grave, Prince William's sound, Cook’s river,
the peninsula of Alaska, and the islands surround.
ing it, Bristol bay, and Norton sound; which
last lie s. e. of Behring’s straits.
The coast is inhabited by numerous but small
tribes of Indians; each tribe appearing to be in-
dependent, and governed by its own chief, They
differ from each other in their language and cus-
toms, and are frequently at war. It is impossible
to ascertain with any degree of certainty the num-
ber of inhabitants; but they have been computed
at 10,000, from Nootka sound to Cook’s river, an
extent of about 1000 miles.
The natives are for the most part short in sta-
ture; their faces, men and women, are in general
flat and round, with high cheek bones and_ flat
noses, and their teeth white and regular. Their
complexions are lighter than the s. Indians, and
some of their women have rosy cheeks, Both
sexes are fond of ornamenting themselves with
beads and trinkets, and they generally paint their
hands and faces. ‘They have a custom of making
a longitudinal slit in the under lip, between the
mouth and chin, some of them as large as the
mouth, in which they wear a piece of *» ne, wood,
or ivory, fitted with holes in it, from waich they
suspend beads as low as the chin, ‘There ap-
pears to be a greater uniformity in the dress of the
different tribes than in their ornaments, ‘The
aperture or second mouth, above the chin, seems
confined to the men of Cook’s river and Prince
W illiam’s sound ; whilst the wooden ornament inthe
under lip is worn by the women only, in that part
of the coast from port Mulgrave to Queen Char-
lotte’s islands. The inhabitants wholly subsist by
fishing and hunting. Their clothing is made of
the skins of animals and bint They live in a
NOR
very dirty manner, and are a complete picture of
filth and indolence. ‘The chief object of civilized
nations in navigating this coast hitherto, has been
to traffic with the natives for furs; which they give
in exchange for pieces of iron, nails, beads, pen-
knives, and other trifling trinkets. ‘These furs
are carcied to China, and disposed of to a great
profit. Theskins obtained are those of the sea-
otter, racoon, pine-martin, land beaver, carless
mammoi, &c. ‘The other articles which might be
procured are ginseng, copper, oil, spars, &c. with
great quantities of salmon. From 1785 to Feb.
1788, there had arrived at China from this coast
nine vessels of different nations. Six of these had
furs, which sold for 96,842 dollars; the cargo of
two French ships was 54,837 dollars ; and 17,000.
skins imported by the Spaniards remained unsold.
What furs the Russians procure is not known, as
they never carry them to Canton.
n inland sea has been lately discovered in this
country. Mr. Etches, who fitted out ships from
England, has lately discovered, that all the w.
coast of America from lat, 48° to 57° n. is not a
continued tract of land, but a chain of islands
which had never been explored, and that those
concealed the entrance toa vast inland sea, like the
Baltic or Mediterranean in Europe, and which
scems likewise to be full of islands. Amongst
these Mr. Etches’s ship, the Princess Royal, pene-
trated several hundred leagues in ax. e. direction,
till they came within 200 leagues of Hudson’s bay ;
but as the intention of the voyage was merely com-
mercial, they had not time fully to explore the
archipelago just mentioned, nor did they arrive
at the termination of this new Mediterranean sea.
The islands, of which upwards of 50 were visited,
were inhabited by tribes of Indians, who appeared
very friendly, and well disposed to carry on a
commerce. In consequence of an expedition un-
dertaken in 1787, Captain J. Kendrick, of the
ship Columbia, while prosecuting an advantageous
voyage with the natives for furs, purchased of
them, itis said, for the owners, a tract of delightful
country, comprehending 4° of lat. or 240 miles
square. ‘The deeds are said to be in China, and
registered in the office of the American consul:
the agents in London are authorised to treat with
any gentleman or association for the purchase of a
tract of land no where exceeded for fertility and
climate, and which may perhaps, by a prudent
management of some wise constitution, become of
the utmost importance. See Index to new matter
respecting Mexico, Chap. XI.}
| Norra-Wesr River, a branch of Cape Fear
or Clarendon river, in N. Carolina. It is formed.
icture of
civilized
has been
hey give
1ds, pen-
hese furs
oO a great
‘the sea-
» earless
might be
&c. with
» to Feb.
this coast
hese had
-cargo of
1d 17,000.
d unsold.
nown, as
ed in this
hips from
ll the zw.
, isnot a
of islands
hat those
a, like the
nd which
Amongst
yal, pene-
direction,
on’s bay ;
rely coms
plore the
hey arrive
hnean sea,
re visited,
appeared
try on a
Jition un-
sk, of the
antage us
chased of
delightful
B10 miles
hina, and
n consul :
treat with
ase ofa
tility and
prudent
ccome of
lew matter
ape Fear
is formed.
NOR
by the junction of Haw and Deep rivers; and it is
300 yards wide at Ashwood, 80 or 90 miles above
the capes, even when the stream is low, and with-
in its banks, See Caru Feaa River. On the
w. side of this river, about 40 miles above Ash-
wood, in the banks of a creek, five or six feet be-
low the sandy surface, are to be seen projecting
out many feet in length, trunks of trees entirely
petrified,
Nontu-West Territory. Scc Territory. }
Noatn Yarmoutn, a post-town of the dis-
trict of Maine in Cumberland county, on a small
river which falls into Casco bay. Itis 11 miles w.
by s. of Brunswick, 10”. by e. of Portland, and
96 n. n. e. of Boston. ‘The township is extensive,
was incorporated in 1713, and contains 1978 inha-
bitants, Cussen’s river divides it from Freeport
on the n. e.]
NORTHAM, a city of the province and colony
ot New England in N. America.
[NORTHAMPION, a large uneven county
of Pennsylvania; situated in the 2. ¢. corner of the
state, on Delaware river, which separates it from the
state of New Jersey and New York. It is divided
into 7 townships, and contains 24,250 inhabi-
tants.
[Nortuampton, a township in Buck's county,
Pennsylvania. }
[ Nortuameton, a town in Northampton coun-
ty, Pennsylvania, on the s, w. bank of Lebigh
river, five or six miles s, w. of Bethlehem, ]
{NortHampton, a county of Halifax district,
N. Carolina, bounded x. by the state of Virgi-
ne penne 9981 inhabitants, including 4409
slaves.
[Norrnampton, a maritime county of Vir-
ginia; situated on the point of the peninsula which
forms the e. side of the entrance into Chesapeak
bay. It has the ocean e. and Accomack county
on the x. Its s. extremity is cape Charles, in lat.
37° 13’ xv. and long. 75° 57’ w. off which is the
small island called Smith’s Island. ‘This county
contains 6889 inhabitants, including 5244 slaves.
The lands are low and sandy. |
[Norrnampton Court-house, in the above
county, where a post-oflice is kept, is 50 miles
s. by w. of Onancock court-house, 33 n. e. of
Norfolk, and 164 s. of Philadelphia. ]
[Nortruampton, a respectable post-town and
capital of Hampshire county, Massachusetts; si-
tuated within a bend of Connecticut river, on its
w. side, 35 miles ». of Hartford in Connecticut,
and 76 w. of Boston. It contains a spacious Con-
gregational church, a court-house, gacl, and about
230 dwelling-houses, many of which are gentecl
NOR » 4d1
buildings. Its meadows are extensive and fertile ;
and it carries on a considerable inland trade. ‘This
township was incorporated in 1685, and contains
1628 inhabitants. |
{[Nonrrnameton, a township in Burlington
county, New Jersey, which contains about 56,000
acres, halt of which is under improvement, the
other half is mostly pine barren, ‘The chief place
of the township is called Mount Holly, It con-
tains about 150 houses, an Episcopal church, a
Friends’ meeting-house, and a market-house, It
is 16 miles from Trenton, and 17 from Philadel-
phia. See Mout Honry.
[NORTHBOROUGH, a township in Worces-
ter county, Massachusetts, formerly the n. part of
Westborough. It was incorporated in 1760, and,
contains 619 inhabitants. It 1s 10 miles ¢. of Wor-
cester county, Massachusetts, taken from Ux-
bridge, which bounds it on thes. It was incor.
yorated in 1772, and contains 569 inhabitants.
lackstone river runs through this town. It is 12
miles s. by e. of Worcester, and 35s. w. of Bose
ton.
NORTHERN Archipelago consists of seve
ral groups of islands, which are situated between
the e. coast of Kamtschatka, and the w. coast of
the continent of America,
Mr. Coxe observes, that * the first project for
making discoveries in that tempestuous sea which
lics between Kamtschatka and America, was cone
ceived and planned by Peter 1.” Voyages with
that view were accordingly undertaken at the ex-
pence of the crown; but when it was discovered
that the islands in that,sea abounded with valuable
firs, private merchants immediately engaged with
ardour in similar expeditions ; and within a period
of 10 years, more important discoveries were made
by these individuals, at their own private cost,
than bad hitherto been effected by all the efforts of
the crown, ‘The investigation of useful know-
ledge has also been greatly encouraged by the late
empress of Russia; and the most distant parts
of her vast dominions, and other countries and
islands, have been explored, at her expence, by
persons of abilities and learning, in consequence of
which several discoveries have been made.
Some of the islands of this archipelago are only
inhabited occasionally, and for some montkpin the
year, and others are very thinly peopled ; but
others have a great number of inhabitants, who
constantly reside in them, The inhabitants of
these islands are, in general, of a short stature,
with strong and robust limbs, but free and supple.
They have lank, black hair, and little beard, flat.
tish faces, and fair skins. ‘They are for the most
3M 2
452 NOR
part well made, and of strong constitutions, suit-
able to the boisterous climate of their isles.
The Fox islands, one of the groups, are so
called from the great number of black, grey, and
red foxes, with which they abound. ‘The dress of
the inhabitants consists of a cap and a fur coat,
which reaches down to the knee. Some of them
wear common caps of a parti-coloured bird skin,
upon which they leave part of the wings and tail.
On the fore part of their hunting and fishing caps,
they piace a small board like a screen, adorned
with the jaw bones of sea bears, and ornamented
with glass beads, which they receive in barter
from the Russians. At their festivals and dancing
parties they use a much more shewy sort of caps.
Lhey feed upon the flesh of all sorts of sea ani-
mals, and generally eat it raw; but if at any time
they choose to dress their victuals, they make use
of a hollow stone ; having placed the fish or flesh
therein, they cover it with another, and close the
interstices with lime or clay ; they then lay it ho-
rizontally upon two stones, and light a fire under
it. The provision intended for keeping is dried
without salt in the open air. ‘Their weapons con-
sist of bows, arrows, and darts, and for defence
they use wooden shields.
The most perfect equality reigns among these
islanders. They have neither chiefs nor superiors,
neither laws nor punishments. ‘They live together
in families, and societies of several families united,
which form what they call a race, who, in case of
an attack or defence, mutually help and support
each other. ‘The inhabitants of the same island
always aera to be of the same race ; and every
person looks upon his island as a possession, the
property of which is common to all the individuals
of the same society. Feasts are very common
among them, and more particularly when the in-
habitants of one island are visited by those of the
others, ‘The men of the village meet their guests
beating drums, and preceded by the women, who
dance. At the conclusion of the dance, the hosts
serve v}y their best provisions, and invite their
guests to partake of the feast. They feed their
children when very young with the coarsest flesh,
and for the most part raw. If an infant cries, the
mother immediately carries it to the sea-side, and,
whethes it be summer or winter, holds it naked in
the water until it is quiet. ‘This custom is so far
from doing the children any harm, that it hardens
them against the cold, and they accordingly go
barefooted through the winter without the least in-
convenience. ‘They seldom heat their dwellings ;
but, when they are desirous of warming them-
selves, they light a bundle of hay, and stand over
NOR
it; or else they sct fire to train-oil, which they
pour into a hollow stone. They have a good
share of plain natural sense, but rather slow of
understanding. They seem cold and indifferent
in most of their actions ; but let an injury or even
suspicion only rouse them from this ableamatio
state, and they become inflexible and furious, tak-
ing the most violent revenge, without any regard
to the consequences. ‘The least affliction prompts
them to suicide; the apprehension of even an un-
certain evil often leads them to despair ; and they
put an end to their days with great apparent in-
sensibilit 4
rNOR HFIELD, a township in Orange
county, Vermont; between 20 and 30 miles w
of Newbury, in the w. part of the county. |
{Norrurievo, a thriving township in the n.
part of Hampshire county, Massachusetts ; situate
on the e. side of Cennecticut river, 23 mi'es n. of
Northampton, 69 2. w. by w. of Boston, It con-
tains 868 inhabitants. The town was incorporated
in 1763, and some years after desolated by the In-
dians, ‘The inhabitants returned again in 1685,
but it was soon after destroyed a second time. In
1713 it was again rebuilt, and one-third of the
township was taken off, and incorporated by the
name of Hinsdale. Fort Drummer was in the vi-
cinity of this town. | .
(NortHFieLp, a small town in Rockingham
county, New Hampshire, taken from Canter.
bury, on the e. side of Merrimack river, and
incorporated in 1780. It contained 606 inhabi-
tants,
tN RTHETELD, atownshipin Richmond county,
Staten island, New York; containing 1021 inha-
bitants, including 153 qualified electors, and 133
slaves.
[NORTHLINED Lake, in N. America, is
about 160 miles s, of the head of Chesterfield inlet;
is full 4 islands, and about 80 miies long, and 25
broad.
(NORTHPORT, a township in Hancock
county, district of Maine, taken from the 2.
ag of Duck-trap plantation, and incorporated
in 1796.
[NOITHUMBERLAND, a town in Grafton
county, New Hampshire ; situate on the e, side of
Connecticut river, at the mouth of the Upper
Amonoosuck. It was incorporated in 1779, and
contains 117 inhabitants. ]
[NortnumBERLAND, a county of Pennsyl-
vania ; bounded n. by Lycoming, s. and w. by
Dauphin and Mifllin counties, It is divided into
16 townships, and in 1790 contained 17,161 inha-
bitants, ‘Lhe connty of Lycoming has, since the
lich they
» a good
r slow of
ndifferent
y or even
ilegmatic
ious, tak-
ly regard
1 prompts
en an un-
and they
parent ine
| Orange
miles w
y. |
in the n.
is; situate
mites 2. of
. Itcon-
corporated
by The In-
1 in 1685,
time. In
ird of the
ited by the
3 in the vi-
ockingham
m Canter
river, and
06 inhabi-
nd county,
1021 inha-
s, and 133
merica, is
field inlet;
ng, and 25
Hancock
bm the x.
corporated
in Grafton
ee, site of
he Upper
1779, and
Pennsyl-
and w. by
vided into
161 inha-
hy since the
NOR
census of 1796, been taken from it, but the county is
supposed to contain nearly as many inhabitants as
before ; a great number of people having emi-
ted to this part of the state. Chief town, Sun-
ury. |
(Nontstaearuann; a flourishing post-town
in the above county ; situate on the point of land
formed by the junction of the ¢, and w, branches
of the Suscuehannah. It is laid out regularly,
and contains about 120 houses, a Presbyterian
church, and an academy. It is twe miles x. ar
w. of Suibury, and 96 n.w. by w. of Philadel-
hia.”
(ns a county of Virginia ;
bounded e. by Chesapeak bay, and w. by Rich-
mond, It contains 9163 inhabitants, including
4460 slaves. The court-house, where a post-town
is kept, is cight miles from Kinsale, 17 from
Lancaster court-house, and 53 from Fredericks-
burgh. }
[NortHUMBERLAND, a county of Pennsyl-
vania. ‘There is iron ore in this county ; also a
aa ei
(NORTHWOOD, an interior and elevated
township in Rockingham county, New Hamp-
shire, in which, ane’ 05 its borders, are a number
of small ponds, whose waters feed Piscataqua and
Suncook rivers. It was incorporated in 1773;
contains 744 inhabitants, and is about 59 miles
nw. of Portsmouth. Crystals and crystalline
spars are found here.
(NORTON, a township in Essex county, Ver-
mont ; situate on the Canada line, having Canaan
e. and Holland on the w. |
Norton, a township of Massachusetts ; situate
in Bristol county, and 33 miles s. of Boston. It
was incorporated in 1711, and contains 1428 in-
habitants. ‘The annual amount of the nail manu-
facture here is not less than 300 tons. There is
also a manufacture of ochre, which is found here,
similar to that at Taunton. }
[Nonron, a settlement on the x.e. coast of
Cape Breton island. ]
{| Nonton’s Sound, on the .w. coast of N.
America, extends from cape Darby on the nn. w.
to cape Denbigh or cape Stephen’s on the s. or
see. Lat. 64° 50! x. |
NORVEL, a settlement of the island Barbadoes,
in the district of the parish of S, Luke.
NORVES, a canal in the straits of Magellan, at
the nv. entrance of the third narrow pass, called the
Passage.
(NORWALK, a pleasant post-town in Fair-
field county, Connecticui ; situated on the x, side
of Long Island sound. It contains a Congrega-
NOR A53
tional and Episcopal church, which are neat edi-
fices, and between 40 and 50 compact honses. It
is 14 miles w. by s. of Fairfield, 27 s. w. by w. of
New Haven, 40 2. e. of New York, and 108 from
Philadelphia. Lat. 41°8' n. Long, 75° 25' w.
The township is situated in a fertile wheat coune
try, and was settled in 1651. Here are iron
works and a number of mills. It has a small! trade
to New York and the W. Indies. ]
[NORWAY, a township of New York, in
Herkemer county, incorporated in 1792. By the
state census of 1796, it contained 2164 inhabitants,
of whom 353 were electors. |
| Norway, a new township in Cumberland
county, district of Maine, incorporated 1797. |
NORWICH, a considerable township in
Windsor county, Vermont, on the w. side of
Connecticut river, opposite to Dartmouth cole
lege. It contains 1158 inhabitants. }
{[Norwicu, a township in Hampshire county,
Massachusetts, 24 miles s,w. of Northampton,
and 86 w. of Boston. ft was incorporated in
1773, and contains 742 inhabitants. |
(Norwicn, a city and post-town of Connecti-
cut, and of the second rank in New London
county ; situated at the head of navigation on
Thames river, 10 miles 2. of New London, and
34s. e. of Hartford, This commercial city has
arich and extensive back country, and avails it-
self of its happy situation on a navigable river,
which affords a great number of convenient seats
for mills, and water machines of all kinds. ‘The
inhabitants manufacture paper of all kinds, stock-
ings, clocks und watches, chaises, buttons, stone
and earthen ware, oil, chocolate, wire, bells, an-
chors, and all kinds of forge-work. ‘The city con-
tains about 450 dwelling houses, a court-house,
and two churches for Congregationalists, and one
for Episcopalians, and about 3000 inhabitants.
The city is in three detached, compact divisions,
viz. Chelsea, at the landing, the ‘Town, and Bean
hill; in the latter division is an academy, and in
the ‘Town is an endowed school, ‘The courts of
law are held alternately at New London and Nor-
wich, ‘This town was settled in 1660, by 35 men,
principally from Saybrook. It is 170 miles n. ¢.
of Philadelphia, Lat, 41° 29' xn. Long, 72°
3! w. |
[ Norwicn, a township in Tioga county, New
York, taken from the towns of Jerico and Union,
and incorporated in 1703, It is settled principally
by people from Connecticut; is bounded s. by
Oxford, and lies 50 miles w. of Cherry valley.
By the state census of 1796, 129 of its inhabitants
were electors. ]
454 NOT
NOSACO, a settlement of the province and
captainship of Pernambuco in Brazil; situate on
the point of land to the x. forming the mouth of
the river Grande de S. Francisco.
NOVAY EF, a river of the province of Guayana,
in the part possessed by the French,
[NOCH The, a pass in the w. part of the
White mountains in New Hampshire; the nar-
rowest part of which is but 22 feet wide, between
two perpendicular rocks, It is 25 miles from the
Upper Coos. From the height above it a brook
descends, and meanders through a meadow, for-
merly a beaver pond. It is surrounded by rocks,
which, on one side, are perpendicular, and on the
others, rise in an angle of 45 degrees, a strikingly
yicturesque scene, ‘This defile was known to the
Fdlans, who formerly led their captives through
it to Canada; but it had been forgotten or ne-
glected till the year 1771, when two hunters passed
through it. ‘There is a road this way now to the
Upper Coos. |
[Noren, Cape, is the w. point of Goodluck
bay, in the straits of Magellan. Lat. 53° 33’ s. |
NOTOWAY, a river of the province and co-
lony of Virginia in N. America. Jt runs nearly
due e. and enters the Blackwater.
f[NOTTAWAY, a small river of Virginia,
which runs e. by s. and receives Blackwater on
the line of N. Carolina; thence pursuing as. by w.
course of about 10 miles, it joins the Meherrin;
the confluent stream then assumes the name of
Chowan river, and empties into Albemarle sound. |
[Norraway, a county of Virginia, bounded x.
and 2. «#. by Amelia, from which it was taken in
the year 1788. See AMenia.
[NO'TTINGIIAM, a township in Rockingham
county, New Hampshire, 12 miles 2. of Exeter,
and [8 n.w. of Portsmouth. — It was incorporated
in 1722, and contains 1068 inhabitants. |
{Nortincuam, West, a township in ITillsbo-
rough county, New Hampshire ; situated on the
e. side of Merrimack river, 40 miles distant from
Portsmouth, was incorporated in) 1746, and con-
tains 1064 inhabitants. It has Massachusetts line
for its s. boundary, which divides it from Dracut,
and is about 35 miles x. 2. w. of Boston,
[Nortincitas, a township in Chester county,
Pennsylvania. |}
fNortinaitam, the most 2, town of Burlington
county, New Jersey; situate on the e. bank of
Delaware river, between Bordentown and Trenton. ]
f[Norrinauam, a town in Prince George's
county, Maryland; situate on Patuxent river,
nearly I! miles n.e. of Piscataway, and 16 s.e¢.
of the Feccral city. |
NOV
NOTUCO, a volcano of the kingdom of Chile,
near the river Solivinokon,
NOU, a settlement of the raissions which were
held by the Portuguese Carmehites, in the torcitory
and country of Las Amazonas ; situate on the
banks of the river Negro.
NOUA, a small island of the N.sea, near the
coast of Brazil, opposite the great island of Ma-
rajo, or Joanes, near that of Maguary.
NOUILLO, a settlement of the province and
government of Santa Marta in the Nuevo Reyno
de Granada; situate on the shore of the river
Guazar.
NOUITA, San Grnonimo pe, a city and ca-
pital of the province and government of Choco in
the Nuevo Hees de Granada, The greater part
of the houses are built of wood, and roofed with
straw, without regularity or symmetry. Nearly
the whole of the population is of Negroes, Mulat-
toes, M/ustees, and Zambos ; for although there be
certain families of distinction, they dwell rather in
the neighbourhood of the gold mines, to super-
intend the slaves who are working them. It is of
an hot, moist, and unhealthy climate ; situate in a
Hanura surrounded on all sides with woods. {[t
produces nothing, and is provided with food,
clothes, and other necessaries from the province
of Popaydén, at a very dear rate. See article
Cuoco,
NOUVELLE, a large and abundant river of
New France or Canada in N. America, It runs
many leagues s.w. through tie country of the
Huron Indians, between lakes Efron and Erie,
and enters the 8. Clare.
[Nouvetne, La, commonly called East Nou-
velle, lies on the », side of Chaleur bay, It isa
smail river, about four leagues from port Daniel. |
[NOUVILLE, La Granne, or West Nov-
VILLE, on the ». side of Chaleur bay, is above
one league from Carleton, where is also a custom-
house, and a respectable mercantile house. |
[NOVA Scotta, formerly catled New Scot-
land, a British province of N, America ; separated
on the n. e. from Cape Breton islead by the gut
of Canso; on the ». it has a part of the gulf of
St. Lawrence, and the straits of Northumberland,
which divide it from the island of St. John’s; on
the w. it has New Brunswick and the bay of Fun-
dy; on the s, and s.¢. the Alantic ocean. — Its
length is about 235 miles from cape Sable on the
s.w. to cape Canso on the me. Its extreme
breadth is 88 miles ; but between the bead of Hali-+
fax harbour and the town of Windsor, at the head
of the s. e, arm of the basin of Minas it is only
about 22 miles broad. It contains 8,789,000
f Chile,
ih were
turcitory
» on the
near the
l of Ma-
rince and
o Reyno
the river
y and ca-
Choco in
pater part
ofed with
Nearly
s, Mulat-
1 there be
rather in
to super-
It is of
(uate in a
‘oods. It
‘ith food,
province
ce article
it river of
It runs
ry of the
and Erie,
vast Nou-
r Itisa
Daniel. |
RST Nov-
is above
custome
few Scot-
separated
the gut
e gulf of
nberland,
bhn’s; on
ly of Fun
han. = Its
le on the
extreme
of Hali-
the head
is only
789,000
NOVA 8
(acres; of which three millions have been granted,
and two millions settled and under improvement.
Nova Scotia is accommodated with many spa-
cious harbours, bays, and coves of shelter, eqaal
toany inthe world, ‘The chief of these are Canso,
Halifax, on Chebucto bay, Chedabucto, Frede-
rick, George, ‘Vorbay, Charlotte, King’s, Barring-
ton, ‘Townsend, St. Mary’s, Annapolis Royal, the
basin of Minas, the bay of Fundy; and a vast
number of capes, lakes, and rivers, which are de-
scribed under their respective names.
The most remarkable mountains are the high-
land of Aspotageon, and the Ardois mountain.
The s, shores present to the eye of a stranger
rather an unfavourable appearance, being in gene-
ral broken and stony ; but the innumerable islands
along its coasts, coves, and harbours, though ge-
neraily coinposed of rocky substances, appear de-
stave? by nature for the dry ‘ng of fish, being co-
vered with materials for fish-flakes and stages ; and
there is land suflicient for pastures and gardens, to
serve the purposes of fishermen, As you advance
into the back country, it wears a more promising
appearance ; and at Cornwallis, Windsor, Horton,
Annapolis, Cumberland, Cobequid, Pictou, and
along the x. shores of the province, there are
extensive, well improved farms. ‘The gradual
improvement in husbandry, which has been en-
couraged by the laudable and successful experi-
ments of the argricultural socicty, lately establish.
ed here, afford some good ground to expect that
Nova Scotia may become a flourishing colony.
The lands in general, on the sea-coast, the county
of Lunenburgh excepted, and a few hills of good
land, are rocky, and interspersed with swamps and
barrens. The growth in general is a mixture of
spruce, hemlock, pine, “r, beech, and some rock-
maple, which furnish an inexhaustible supply for
ship-building and other purposes.
The coast abounds with fish of various kinds,
as cod, salmon, mackerel, herring, alewives, trout,
&e. and being near to the banks of Newfoundland,
Quero, and Sable banks, fisheries, under proper
munagement and regulations, might be carried on
with certainty of success. ‘There are mines of
coal at Cumberland, and on the E. river, which
fat! into Pictou harbour, ‘There is plenty of bog
and mountain ore in Annapolis township, on the
borders of Nictau river, and a bloomery is erected
there. Copper has been found at cape D'Or, on
the n. side of the basin of Minas. The forts in
this province are fort Edward, Cumberland, and
Cornwallis. Nova Scotia is divided into eight
counties, viz. Hants, Halifax, King’s, Annapolis,
Cumberland, Sunbury, Queen’s, and Lunsaburg.
COTTA. 455
These are subdivided into above 40 townships.
The whole population of Nova Scotia, New Bruns-
wick, and the islands adjoining, is estimated at
about 50,000, ‘The amount of imports from Cireat
Britain to this country, at an average of three
years, before the new settlements, was about
26,5001. The articles exported in exchange are
timber and the produce ot the fishery, which at
a large average amounts to 38,0001 Nova Scotia
was confirmed to Great Britain in 1760. Halifax
is the metropolis, See New Brunswick, Ca-
WADA, &c.
In concluding this article we think it necessary
to insert the following memorials and authentic
documents transmitted to the British government
in 104, as throwing a steady light on the views
and resources of this colony, and particularly on
the nature of its interests as contrasted with those
of the United States. We shall give them there-
fore entire, not merely as objects of vague and ¢ e~
neral information, but of abstruse inquiry.
© To the Right ion. Lord Hobart, one of his
Majesty’s principal secretaries of state, &c. &c.
© The petition of the merchants and other inhabie
tants of Halifax, inthe province of Nova Scotia,
* Humbly sheweth,
‘ That the trade of this province arises princi-
pally trom the fish caught on its coasts, great
quantities of which are exported annually by your
petitioners to the W. India islands, That in the
pursuit of this commerce, your petitioners are rie
valled by the citizens of the American states, to
whom the ports of those islands are ever open, and
who are exempt from duties and other expences to
which your petitioners are liable. Your petitioners
have heard, that in the existing negociation, re-
lative to the twellth article of the treaty with Ame-
rica, the Americans aim at a further extension of
their trade with the British W. India islands, which,
if obtained, would utterly ruin the already declining
fisheries of the British colonies, whence the nation
has long derived much wealth, and its navy a
supply of hardy seamen,
* That the coasts of this province, as well as the
gulph of St, Lawrence, and the islands of New-
foundland and Cape Breton, abound with fish of
the most valuable sorts ; so that with encourage.
ment these colonies would satisfy, to its utmost
extent, the demand of the W. Lndia islands for
dry and pickled fish.
* Your petitioners, therefore, most humbly pray,
that your Lordship, and his Majesty’s other mi-
nisters, would take the premises, and the annex-
ed memorial, into consideration, and would protect
the trade and fisheries of his Majesty’s subjects |
456 NOVA SCOTIA.
[in these colonies against the views of the Ameri-
cans, by granting to the British colonists the ex-
clusive ere of supplying their fellow subjects
in the W. Indies with the article of fish caught
on the coasts of N. America.
(Signed) WItitaM SABATIER,
Wirnniam Smitny,
Georce Grassir,
James Fraser,
Witiiam Lyon,
Committee appointed by the merchants and
other inhabitants of Halifax, Nova Scotia,
‘Halifax, Nova Scotia, March 23d, 1804.’
‘Memorial and statement of the case referred to in
the annexed petition.
‘As every Briiish province and island in these
n. Climates is individually able to furnish the
W.. India islands with some essential article of
consumption, which in whole, or in part, is de-
ficient in others, the petitioners, in the following
gtatement, have extended their observations be-
yond the limits of the single province in which
they reside.
‘The W. India islands require to be supplied
with the undermentioned articles, viz.
‘ From the fisheries.—Dried cod fish, barrel or
pickled fish, viz. salmon, herring (of various
species), and mackerel and oil.
* Forest.— Lumber, viz. squared timber, scantling,
planks and boards, shingles, clapboards, hoops,
and oak staves,
* Agriculture. —Biscuits and flour, Indian corn and
meal, pork, beef, butter, cheese, potatoes, and
onions; live stock, viz. horses, oxen, hogs,
sheep, and poultry.
¢ Mines. —Coals.
‘Of these articles, the following are produced
by the several colonies. New Brunswick pro-
duces, in the greatest abundance, lumber of every
kind, except oak staves; it yields already many
of the smaller articles which serve to complete a
cargo, and its shores abound with various fish fit
for pickling. Nova Scotia produces lumber of all
sorts, except oak staves, but in a lesser degree
than New Brunswick ; horses, oxen, sheep, and
all the other productions of agriculture, except
wheat and Indian corn; the ¢. and 2. parts of the
province abound in coal, and its whole coast
yields inexhaustible quantities of cod fish, and
others fit for pickling.
¢ Cape Breton and Prince Edward islands ; the
former yields coal in abundance, its fisheries are
considerable ; but without dealing directly with
the W. Indies, they serve to increase the ex-
ral
~
rts of Nova Scotia. Both these islands supply
Newfoundland with cattle, and with due enc~u-
ragement would rival some of the more opulent
colonies in articles of agriculture ; their fisherics
also may be greatly extended, as the whole circuit
of these islands abounds in fish.
‘Canada can supply any quantity of oak staves,
as well as flour and Indian corn, for six months
in the year. Newfoundland yields little lumber,
but its trade in dried cod-fish has hitherto, in a
great measure, supplied all Europe and the W,
Indies, and ii is capable of still greater extension,
‘ The petitioners have therefore no hesitation in
affirming, that these mother colonies are able to
supply the W. Indies with dried fish, and every
species of pickled fish, for their consurption ;
and that at no very distant period they could also
supply all the other articles herein before enume-
rated, except, perhaps, flour, Indian meal and
corn, and oak staves,
‘Having stated the foregoing facts, the peti-
tionevs beg leave to request the attention of his
Majesty’s ministers to the peculiar circumstances
of this province, the permanett establishment of
which took place about 54 years ago ; for previous
to the settlement of Halifax, there were few inha-
bitants in it, and but little trade. ‘The mother
country, sensible of the favourable situation of this
colony for fisheries, that its harbours are seldom
more than a few miles from each other, and that
ifs extensive seacoast teems every season with
shorts of fish of the most useful sorts, made every
effort to establish them. ‘he fisheries, however,
until the close of the American war, languished
from one cause only—the want of inhabitants,
The influx of inhabitants at that time, and since,
has promoted industry and domestic comfort, and
a race of people born on the soil have become at-
tached to it. The clearing of the lands, and
other causes, have improved the climate ; and by
a late survey of the interior of the province, 1 Is
discovered that the lands are not only better than
had been imagined, but superior to the greater
part of the rest of N. America.
‘ The present situation of this province with re-
gard to its trade, resembles that of New England
at the close of the 17th century ; and unless check-
ed at this crisis, it has the most reasonable expect-
ation of a more rapid increase than the latter ever
experienced.
* Encouraged by the prospect before them, and
conscious of the abuses that have crept into the
fisheries, the petitioners are looking forward to the
aid of the provincial legislature, and to other
means, for correcting those abuses and for esta- |
| supply
-enesus
opulent
fisheries
2 circuit
k staves,
months
lumber,
to, in a
the W.
ctension.
lation in
_ able to
nd every
ruption ;
ould also
e enume-
neal and
the peti-
yn of his
imstances
hment of
' previous
few inha-
e mother
ion of this
‘e seldom
and that
hson with
de every
however,
nguished
habitants.
hnd since,
fort, and
xcome at-
nds, and
; and by
nce, 1* Is
etter than
he greater
p with re-
England
ss check-
ce expect-
atter ever
hem, and
into the
rd to the
to other
for cstas |
NOVA SCOTIA. . 457
[blishing and improving the fisheries, that great
source of wealth to the parent state, the colonial
husbandman, and merchant; but they perceive,
with regret, that their efforts wi"! srove ineffectual,
unles the citizens of the United states, according
to the ancient policy of Great Britain towards fo-
reigners, are wholly or partially excluded from
the islands, or a permanent equivalent is granted
to the colonists.
*The American legislature has rejected the 12th
article of the late treat.: the citizens of the
United States would have been excluded from the
W. Indies, if the governors of those islands had
not, under the plea of necessity, by proclamation,
admitted them. In thistrade the Americans pos-
sess the following advantages over the colonics.
‘First,—In the islands of Barbadoes, Antigua,
Saint Kitt’s, and Jamaica, a stranger’s duly of
two and a half, or more, per cent. is imposed on
imports, and in the island of Saint Vincent, Bri-
tish subjects exclusively are subject to a duty of
three per cent. which must be paid in specie, and
to procure which a forced sale is frequently made
of part of the cargo to great disadyantage. From
this duty the Americans, being invited by procla-
mation, are exempt.
§ Second,—During the late and present war, the
citizens of the United States, being neutrals, have
not been burthened with the heavy charge of in-
surance against the enemy, which to the colonists
has increased the premium 10 per cent. to the
smvller islands, and 12§ per cent. to Jamaica,
¢'Third,—The a, states have granted a bounty of
near 20s, per ton on vessels in their fisheries.
‘From those circumstances, so unable are the
yetilioners to contend with the Americans in the
V. India markets, that they derive greater ad-
vantage by selling their fish at an inferior price in
the United States ; whence the Americans re-ex-
port them tothe W, India islands under the above-
mentioned advantages, so as to make a profit even
on their outward voyage.
‘It is well known, and in an ample report made
to congress in the years 1790 and 1791, by the
now president of the United States, then their se-
retary of state, it was set forth, that the fisheries
of New England were on the verge of ruin, and
he recommended, what was afterwards adopted,
the grant of a bounty to counterbalance the disad-
vantages the trade then laboured under. At that
seriod the fisheries of Nova Scotia made a rapid
increase ; the whale fishery alone from the port of
Halifax consisted of 28 sail of ships and brigs
from 60 to 200 tons burthen: but the succeeding
war and other unfavourable circumstances soon
VOL, 11,
destroyed this important branch of the fishery. By
the aid of bounties fromthe state legislature, the
American fisheries recovered their former vigour,
and are now carried on with great spirit, increase
ing their trade with the W. Indies to an incre-
dible extent ; considerable numbers of our best fish-
ermen have emigrated trom Newfoundland and
this province to the United States, within a few
months, and more are daily following them: thus
it appears evident, that a wise policy, steadily
pursued, will preserve a sinking trade, and that
this province is not wanting in exertion, wher fa-
vourable opportunities for it are offered,
¢ Should the Americans obtain by treaty an ine
dulgence of their trade in fish with the W. Indies,
it will prove the ruin of that of the Dritish 2, co-
lonies, ond draw away trom them their most indus-
trious inhabitants. ‘Lhe islands will then depend
on foreign states for supplies of all the articles be-
fore enumerated ; and if at any time hereafter dif-
ferences should take place between Great Britain
and the American States, from what quarter, it
may be asked, are the islinds to obtain their sup-
plies; the ruined trade and fisheries of those colo-
nies may prove, too late, the fatal policy of throwe
ing into the hands of foreigners a trade, which,
with a little encouragement, might have been al-
most, if not entirely, confined to British subjects.
‘ From these considerations the justice and policy
of giving encouragement to the 2. colonics are evi-
dent, Should the stranger’s duty, imposed in the
islands, be taken off: should a bounty equal to
that granted by the state legislature be allowed,
and the present war succeeded by a peace, then
mey the W. India islands receive from these co-
lonies supplies of all kinds of dried or pickled
fish, on terms as advantageous as they are now
furnished with them from a foreign state. It is
obvious that the Americans and the W. India
planters have a mutual interest in the free trade to
the islands, but the planters have no right to ex.
pect supplies from a neutral nation in time of war,
merely because it affords them at a cheaper rate
than the British colonies ; they should bear the
inconveniences of war as well as their fellow-sub-
jects, who have been driven into these 2. regions
by their zealous loyalty in support of the happy
constitution under whieh they now live. The
supplies required by the islands cannot greatly
increase ; while the x. colonies, from their great
extent and growing population, will every year
be more and more able to furnish those supplies,
The islands are, in a measure, limited in their
extent: but the 2. colovies are almost unbounded.
The inhabitants of those colonies have wequired |
aN
~-
> i -
: aay —- eee
eal, tee Si yt a
a ee ae = .
458 NOVA SCOTIA.
(their present condition, which, at best, is medio-
crity, by a continued exertion of industry and fru-
gality, under a climate and a soil which yield their
blessings to persevering excrtion alone. The W.
India planters have ever been in a different situa-
tion, and can afford to wait a reasonable time for
the accomplishment of those expectations which
are justly entertained by the colonists ; in the in-
terim they ought to give a fair equivalent for the
articles of which they stand in need, and not ex-
pect, at an inferior price, commoditics whose va-
lue the imperious circumstances of the times have
tended to enhance. The n. colonists have struggled
with all the difficulties incident to a young coun-
try, and they are now arrived at a period, when,
if duly encouraged, they may be enabled to reap
the fruits of their honest labour; but restricted in
their trade to the Mediterranean by an ancient re-
gulation, which obliges them to land their car-
goes in some English European port, before they
can proceed on homeward-bound voyages, and
burthened also in the manner here stated inthe W.
India trade, the petitioners cannot contend with
the Americans, but look forward with the most
distressful prospects to means of procuring a fu-
ture subsistence, unless his Majesty, in his good-
ness, shall be pleased to afford them protection
and relicf. They, therefore, anxiously hope,
that the observations contained in this memorial
may not appear unworthy of the attention of his
Majesty’s ministers, but that whatever temporary
indulgences may be granted to the American citi-
zens, the British colonists, agreeably to their former
solicitations on that subject, may be permitted to
return to America, without entering at any port
in Great Britain.’
‘ My Lord, Halifax, Jan. 30, 1805.
© We the committee of the merchants and inha-
bitants of Halifax, Nova Scotia, who presented to
Lord Hobart, your Lordship’s predecessor, a pe-
tition, praying that the British colonists might have
the exclusive right of supplying his Majesty’s W.
India islands with fish, eve lately seen, in print,
a letter written to your Lordship by G. W. Jordan,
Esq. colonial agent for Barbadoes, containing ob-
servations on our petition, and the memorial an-
nexed to it; we think it our duty briefly to
answer those observations, and to enforce the ob-
ject of our petition.
‘Mr, Jordan’s first remark is founded ona mis-
conception or perversion of the allegation of the
petitioners : we assert in our memorial, * that in
the islands of Barbadoes, Antigua, Saint Kitt’s,
and Jamaica, a stranger’s duty of two and a half
per cent, is imposed on imports, and that in the
island of Saint Vincent, British subjects exclu-
pi are a to a duty of three per cent. :”
no charge is therefore made that the duty is not
general in the island of Barbadoes; the charge is
clearly confined to the single island of Saint
Vincent.
¢ We are not alarmed, my Lord, at the refer.
ence made by Mr, Jordan to papers which were
not intended for his inspection, but for private in-
formation only; since those pars contain no
other facts than such as can be proyed. The prac.
tice in the W. India islands of keeping the ports
always open to the Americans, smounts, in our
apprehension, to the grant of a free trade; and
that goods of foreign manufacture are by these
means introduced into the islands no one who is at
all acquainted with the character and practices of
the American traders can doubt. We lament that
even in these colonies, into whose ports no Ameri-
can vessels are admitted, except fishing vessels,
which by treaty are allowed to resort to our coasts,
such quantities of foreign goods do find admit.
tance, that it is to be feared more than half the
E. India goods consumed in this province is sup-
plied from the neighbouring states of America.
‘We donot, as Mr. Jordan is pleased to as-
sert, claim a right of selling our own commcdicies
at our own prices in time of war; but we contend
that, when the article of fish is furnished from the
n. colonies in abundance, although increased in
price by the war expences, the W. India colonists
ought not, om that account, to require or permit
the introduction cf it from foreign states, and in
foreign bottoms ; especially as the fish is generally
paid for in the produce of the islands, of which the
planters take care to raise the price in proportita
‘hat these 2. colonies can supply the islands with
their whole consumption of fish, and at rensen-
able prices, can be easily proved, and that they
are, therefore, entitled to do so, exclusively, Mr.
Jordan himself admits.
¢ The right of the W. India colonists to obtain
from the American States all articles of the first
necessity, which they cannot adequately obtain
from the dominions of Great Britain, is not dis-
puted by us; but we assert that the article of fish
can be adequately obtained from the British colo-
nies. That the allowing supplies to be imported
in American bottoms has been destructive to the
British carrying trade, has been lately demons
strated by a very able writer on the subject ; and
that the indulgences granted to the Americans have
injured the fisheries, and greatly reduced the ton-
nage and seamen employed in these colonies, we
can assert from our own sad experience. An in-]
harge is
f Saint
e refers
ich were
ivate in-
iain no
he prac-
he ports
_ in our
de; and
xy these
who is at
ctices of
nent that
» Ameri-
vessels,
ir coasts,
1 admit-
half the
e is sup-
prica,
d to as-
Imcdicies
contend
from the
eased in
colonists
br permit
» and in
rencrally
vyhich the
oportion.
! Me with
rensene-
hat they
ely, Mr.
to obtain
the first
ly obtain
not dis-
e of fish
ish colo-
imported
e to the
demons
bet; and
‘ans have
the ton-
nies, we
An ine]
NOVA SCOTIA. 459
Eepeetion into the imports and esa of the island
of Jamaica for one year, as laid before their house
of assembly, and published in the Jamaica alma-
nack for the last year, will shew how large a por-
tion of the W. India carrying trade is engrossed
by the Americans.
‘ If, my Lord, we have stated in our memorial,
that it is, now, more advantageous for the mer-
chants of this colony to dispose of their fish in the
United States, than to send it to the W. India
islands ;—we have made it a subject of complaint ;
and at the same time bave set forth the reasons
why the Americans rival us in that trade. Were
our commerce with the islands placed on a fair
foundation, the same British ships would conve
our fish thither, which now carry it tothe Ameri-
can markets. But burthened as that trade is with
insurance against the enemy, and confined as it is,
and ought to be, to a fair dealing in legitimate
merchandise, we contend in those ports with the
Americans at every disadvantage.
6 Had Mr. Jordan fairly observed on our peti-
tion and memorial, he would not have asserted that
the positive affirmation in the former, ‘ that these
provinces can supply the W. Indies with fish,”
was shaken by a subsequent observation, ‘ that,
under certain circumstances, the trade and _fish-
cries of these colonies would be ruined, which,
with encouragement, might be almost, if not en-
tirely, confined to British subjects.” ‘I'he obser-
vation refers expressly to the trade in all the ar-
ticles enumerated in the memorial; the affir-
mation is confined to the single article of fish.
One seading of the paragraph referred to will en-
tirely refute Mr. Jordan’s remark.
. Having already, my Lord, observed, that the
increase of the price of fish, occasioned by war,
is no just ground for the introduction of that are
ticle, trom forcign ports, and in foreign vessels,
we shall not follow Mr, Jordan in the curious in-
ference he undertakes to draw from our admission,
that, in war time, the Americans can undersell us
in fish. So little are we disposed to require an ex-
travagant price for our fish, that we most rea-
dily would accede to Mr. Jordan’s proposal, of
fixing the maximum price of cod-fish at eight
dollars, in time of war; and, indeed, could we
obtain even three-fourths of that price, generally,
during the war, the fisheries would soon flourish
again, and the islands be at all times amply sup
plied with fish.
© On the two facts with which Mr, Jordan closes
his observations, we shall only remark, that the
former is conceded by us as to the four and grain
imported into Nova Scotia from the United States ;
and it is perfectly consistent with our memorial, in
which we confess that this province is deficient in
the articies of wheat and corn, The other fact
we must dispute; and although we are not pro-
vided with documents to ascertain the tonnage
employed between the British N, American pro-
vinces and the W. India islands, forthe particular
year 1791, yet we are furnished with returns of
the tonnage employed in the trade to and from the
W. India islands tor the year 1792, and entered
at the custom-house in Halifax, being for one only
of the two districts into which this province is di-
vided, and which we beg leave to insert, as fol-
lows :
1792. Outwards. Inwards.
Spring quarter, . 886 . . 719
idsummer ditto, 1436 . . 3605
Michaelmas ditto, 2397 . . 585
Christmas ditto, 1770 + - 18624
Tons 64894 65714
¢ It is therefore incredible, that, in the year 1791,
only 4837 tons were employed in the trade be-
tween all the British ». provinces and the W. In-
dia islands, when, in the subsequent year, it ap-
pears by an authentic return, that in one district,
of one province, upwards of 6000 tons were ac-
tually engaged in that commerce.
‘Ilere, my Lord, we conclude our observations
on Mr. Jordan’s letter ; nor shall we presume to
intrude on your Lordship’s patience further than to
state one fact, which must demonstrate the effi-
ae of the British colonies, or at least of Bri-
tish shipping, to supply the demands of the W.
India markets. From the year 1785 to the year
1794, American ships were excluded from the W-
India islands, yet they were, during that period,
so well provided with articles of the first neces-
sity, that ships from these colonies were frequently
unable to find a sale for their cargoes in our own
islands, and were obliged to resort to foreign
islands for a market. By returns collected from
the merchants of this province, engaged in the
W. India trade, we find that the prices cbtained
by them for cod-fish, from the year 1785 to the
year 1792 inclusive, never exceeded tive dollars
per quintal, and sometimes fell short of half that
sum. In the year 1793, we meet with a single in-
stance of cod-fish sclling for six dollars ; but the
common price, even in that first year of the war,
was not more than three dollars and a half per
quintal. The cheapness, therefore, of this article,
clearly proves the abundance of it in the W. In-
dia islands, and consequently, that the allowing |
3N2
a eee
st gee
Re en
460 NUE
the Americans to import fish in American ships
was not a measure of necessity.
We have the honour to be, with the greatest
respect, your Lordship’s most obedient and
most humble servants,
(Signed), Winriam SABATIER,
Wim Smita,
Geonce Grassic,
James Fraser, and
Witniam Lyon,
The Right Hon. Lord Camden, &c. &c. &c.
{[NOVOYA, a parish of the province and go-
vernment of Buenos Ayres; situate on a river of
the same name, about 40 miles s. ¢. of Sta, Fé,
in lat. 32° 17/43" s, Long. 60° 4’ 34”.)
[NOXAN, or Noxonton, or Nox Town, a
town of Newcastle county, Delaware, 21 miles 7.
of Dover, and nine s. by s. w. of St. George's
town.
NOXTEPEC, a settlement and head settlement
of the district of the alealdia mayor of Tasco in
Nueva Espaiia. It contains 65 families of Indians,
and in its boundaries are various cultivated cstates
and breeding farms, in which dwell 60 other fami-
lies of Spaniards, Mustees, and Mulattoes. Five
leagues n. n. w. of its capital.
UBL, or Nusve, a large and abundant river
of the kingdom of Chile, flowing down from the
cordillera of the Andes, It runs w. washing the
environs of the ancient city of San Bartolomé de
Chillan, and united afterwards with that of Itala,
runs toempty itself into the Pacific ocean, in lat.
36° s.
(NUBLADA, an island in the Pacific ocean,
with three small ones 1. of it and near to it, w. by
s. of cape Corientes, on the coast of Mexico, and ¢,
of Roca Portida, Lat. 16° 40'n. Long, 122° 30’
tw.
NUCARAY, or Nucuray, a rapid river of
the province and country of Las Amazonas. It runs
from n. tos, near the source of the river Amazo-
nas. In the woods on its borders dwell the May-
nas, Zimarrones, and other barbarians of the na-
tion of the Umuranas, It enters the Maraiion by
its v. shore, in lat. 4° 18! s,
| NUCIIVUNK, a place in New Britain, the
resort of walrusses in winter; with the teeth of
these animals the Indians head their darts, Lat.
60° mo)
NUE, a small river of N. Carolina, which runs
e. and enters the Hughes.
NUECES, an abundant river of the province
and government of ‘Texas in N. America. After
running many leagues, it enters the sca in the gulf
of Mexico.
NUE
NUESTRA Senora, Los Cenos pe, a bay
of the coast of Peru, in the province and corregi.
miento of Atacama,
([Nvestra Senora pe va Paz, an episcopal
see and town of Peru; situate on a large plain
about, 20 miles to the e. of the cordillera of
Acama, 33 miles s. ¢. of Laguna Titicaca, 86
n.w. of Cochabamba, and 233 w. of the city of
Sta. Cruz de la Sierra, Lat. 17° 30! s. Long.
68° 26 w. |
(Nuestra Senora nena Vittoria, a town
of Mexico, Lat. 18° n. Long, 92° 35’ w. |
NUEVA Annavucia. See ANDALUCIA.
Nueva Ganicia. See Garicta,
Nueva Vizcaya. Sce Vizcaya.
NUEVAS, a port of the island of Cuba.
NUEVILLA, « settlement of ‘the island of
Cuba; situate on the x. const.
[NUEVO Baxo, a bank called by the British
the New Bear, being about 150 miles s. of the w.
end of the island of Jamaica, in lat. 15°49'n. It has
a key, twocables length long and one and one-third
broad ; stretching e. by nm. andw. by s. The Bri-
tish find this a good station in a Poanal war, as
most ships come this way from the Spanish main,
going to the Havannah. |
[Nuevo Santanper, capital of the province
of the same name, does not admit the entry of
vessels drawing more than from eight to ten palmas
of water. ‘The village of Sotto la Marina, to the
e. of Santander, might become of great conse-
quence to the trade of this const, could the port be
remedied. At present the province of Santander
is so desert, that fertile districts of 10 or 12 square
leagues were sold there in 1802 for 10 or 12
francs, |
Nuevo Pvenro, a settlement in the province
and captainship of Rey in Brazil; situate on the
coast of the Rincon de 'Turotetama,
Nuevo Purnto, another settlement, in the pro-
vince and government of Veragua and kingdom of
Tierra Firme.
Nuevo Pursco, ariver of the 2. coast of the
straits of Magellan, which runs e. and enters the
bay of Abrigada.
Nuevo Pursvo, another, of the province and
government of Tucuman in Peru. It runs n. and
enters the Parapiti.
Nuevo Pvursio, another, of the island of Ja-
aun, which enters the sea between ports New and
ry.
Nuevo Pursxo, a rocky shoal near the const
of the province and government of Cartagena in
the Nuevo Reyno de Granada, near that city and
n, of Salmedina.
t, a bay
corregi.
ppiscopal
ze plain
dillera of
caca, 8&6
he city of
» Long.
, a town
v. |
cla.
mn.
island of
1¢ British
of the w.
n. Ithas
one-third
The Bri-
sh war, as
ish main,
province
entry of
en palmas
ina, to the
at conse-
ve port be
Santander
2 square
10 or 12
province
te on the
i the pro-
ngdom of
ast of the
enters the
ince and
is nm. and
hd of Ja-
New and
the coast
tagena in
city and
OA NU
Nuevo Pursro, another, near the coast of the
province and government of Yucatan,
Nuevo Punss.o, another, of the N, sea, near
that of La Vivora, to thes.
Nvevo Reyno pe Granana, See Grana-
DA.
Nuevo Reyno pe Lron. See Leon.
Nuevo Mexico, See Mexico,
NUGALAPA, San Juan pe, a settlement of
the head settlement of the district of the province
and alcaldia mayor of Suchitepeques in the king-
dom of Guatemela. It contains 80 familics of In-
dians, who speak the Satuhil idiom, and is annex-
ed to the curacy of its head settlement.
UISI, a river of the province and country of
Las Amazonas, in the part Soy sper by the Por-
tuguese, It rises between the Caquité and Uru-
hecchi, runs e, for many Icagues, and enters the
Negro.
NUITO, Santa Marta pe, a settlement of
the head settlement of the district of Pinotepa, and
alcaldia mayor of Xicayan, in Nueva Espana, — It
is of a mild temperature, contains 18 families of
Indians, who cultivate cochineal, tobacco, and
seeds, and is six leagues x. of its head settle.
ment,
NULPE, or Nutri, a river of the province
and government of Esmeraldas in the kingdom of
Quito. It rises in the mountains of the province
of Pasto, to the n. of Mayasquier, runs from s. w.
to n. w. and from the settlement of Caiquier be-
gins to be navigable for canoes or small barks, and
enters the Mira, in lat. 1° 21’ ».
NUMARAN, SanttaGo pe, a settlement of
the head settlement of the district of Puruandiro,
and alcaldia mayor of Valladolid, in the province
and bishopric of Mechoacan ; situate on a llanura
on the shore of the river Patiquato. It is annexed
to the curacy of Penxamo in the jurisdiction of the
OA! 461
town of Leon, contains 10 families of Spaniards
and 90 of Indians, and is 28 leagues from Pas-
quaro,
NUMBALLE, or Nampauue, a river of the
province and government of Jaen de Bracamoros
in the kingdom of Quito. It receives the waters
of the river Canche, and runs from w, toe. to
enter by the w. part into the Chinchipe, opposite
the settlement of Pamaca, in lat. 5° 16's, On its
s. shore is a small settlement to which it gives its
name, and which is inhabited solely by Indians.
UNOA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Santiago in the kingdom of Chile,
in the district of which are four chapels of ease,
NUNTIALI, a settlement of Indians of N, Ca-
rolina, in the territory of the Moyens Chero-
kees,
NUNUALGCO, Santtaco pe, a settlement and
head settlement of the district of the province aad
alcaldia mayor of San Vicente de Austria, in the
kingdom of Guatemala, It contains 1700 In-
dians, counting those of the small settlements ane
nexed to its curacy, all speaking the Mexican
language,
NUNURA, See Nonuna.
NURE, or Neng, a settlement of the province
of Ostimuri in N. America; situate on the shore
and at the source of the river Hiaqui.
NURES, a nation of Indians, reduced to the
Catholic faith, in the province of Cinaloa of N,
America. It dwells near the nation of the Re-
bomes, whose example it followed, when cone
verted, secking of their own accord that the Jesuits
should come amongst them, ‘They were formed
into a settlement, which now contains only 200 in»
habitants, though it was formerly much larger,
NURST, a settlement of the island of Bare
badoes, in the district of the parish of Todos
Santos,
O
[Oacnate Harbour, near the s. point of
Ulietea, one of the Society islands, in the 8. Pacific
ocean, n. w. of Otaheite. Lat. 16° 55's, Long:
1519 24 w. ]
fOAHAHLA, a river of Louisiana, which emp-
ties into the Mississippi from the n. w. in lat, 38°
AS’ n. and seven miles n. of Riviere au Beuf. |
fOAHOONA, one of the Ingraham isles, which
is said to be the northernmost of all this cluster,
It lies about 10 leagues x. e. of Nooheeva, ‘Ta
this island Captain Roberts gave the name of Mas~
sachusetts, Captain Jagraham had before called
it Washington.
OAITIPLHA or Aiterena Bay, situate near
=
+m”) i 1
‘ H |
; a i}
eae it
i ete ah ah
i ;
|
Bh Utd
; ] t
5 a
r |
eit eee
462 OAX
the a. ¢. end of the lesser peninsula of the island
of Otaheite, has good anchorage in 1% fathoms.
Lat. 17° 46's. Long. 149° 14’ w.]
(OAK Bay, or the Devit’s Head, in the bay of
Fundy, is nine leagues s. s. ¢. of Moose island.
It is very high land, and may be seen at 10 or 12
leagues distance.
oe Island, ‘a long narrow island on the coast
of N. Carolina, which with Smith’s island forms
the s. w. channel of Cape Fear river, See Baip
Head, and Cape Fran.
OAKFUSKEE, Sco Tataroose River, |
OAKFUSKIES, an Indian tribe in the w.
Ree of Georgia, ‘The warrior Mico, called the
Vhite Lieutenant, has the sole influence over 1000
gun-men,
(OAKHAM, a township in Worcester county,
Massachusetts, 15 miles 2. w. of Worcester, and
45 w. of Boston. It was incorporated in 1762, and
contains 772 inhabitants,
[OAKMULGEE River is thes. great branch of
the beautiful Alatamaha in Georgia. At the Oak-
mulgee ficlds it is about 300 or 400 yards wide.
These rich and fertile fields are on the e, side of
the river, above the confluence of the Oconee with
this river ; these two branches are here about 40
miles apart. Here are wonderful remains of the
power and grandeur of the ancients of this part of
America, consisting of the ruins of a capital town
and settlement, vast artificial hills, terraces, &c.
See Anatamana River,
OAPAN, a settlement and head settlement of
the district of the alcaldia mayor of 'Tixtlan in
Nueva Espaiia ; situate in a mild temperature, and
inhabited by 212 familics.
OAS, Santa Rosa pr, asettlement of the mis-
sions which are held by the regulars of the Jesuits
in the province and government of Mainas, of the
kingdom of Quito; founded in 1665, on the shore
of a river which enters the Napo.
Oas, a nation of Indians of the province and
country of Las Amazonas, one of the missions
which were heldby the Jesuits ; discovered and re-
duced to the faith by the Father Ramon de Santa
Cruz, who founded a settlement on the shore of the
river which empties itself into the Napo, in 1666.
OATARA, a small woody island on the s. ¢. of
Ulietea island, in the 8, Pacific ocean; between
three and four miles from which, to the n. w. are
two other small islands in the same direction as the
reef, of which they are a part. |
OAXACA, a province and alcaldia mayor of
Nueva Espaiia; situate on the narrowest part of
the continent, bounded n. and s. by the N. and
S. seas, e. by the province and bishopric of
9
OAX
Chiapa, n.e. by the province of Tabnsco, ¢, ¢.
by that of Soconusco, in an oblique line from this
port in the S. sea to the former port in the N. sea,
and in the opposite rhumbs, by the province of
Tlaxcala and bishopric of La Puebla de los An-
geles, its line of division from one sea to the other
forming a figure of 8. Its length from e, to w. by
the coast of the S, sea is 96 leagues, namely, from
the river 'laquelamama to the port Soconusco, and
50 leagues by the x. coast, from the river Alva-
rado to that of Goazacoalco; its width is also
about 50 leagues, thatis to say, from the isthmus of
the aforesaid river Alvarado to the port Aguatulco
in the S, sea.
It is of a mild climate and fertile territory, and
abounding particularly in mulberry-trees, which
ure finer fete than in any other province of Ame-
rica, The greater part of it is mountainous, with
the exceptiou of the valley of its name, although it
has nevertheless large breeds of cattle. It pro-
duces sugar, cotton, wheat, cacao, plantains, and
other vegetable productions, and has rich mines of
gold, silver, and lead ; gold being also found in
the sands of its rivers. It produces likewise a
quantity of cochineal, cinnamon, and crystal; and
were its inhabitants industrious, it would be one of
the richest provinces in America; but they lead
an idle life, neither do the Indians in any degree
cultivate the soil, Nil to the case with which
they pick up the gold, which, however, is generally
the employment of the women.
At the commencement of the conquest of the
kingdom of Nueva Espaiia it was very populous,
but its inhabitants have much fallen off. A great
part of this province belongs to the estates of the
house of Hernan Cortés, being granted to him by
the Emperor Charles V. with the the title of Mar-
ques del Valle de Oaxaca, In the mountain of
Cocola, dividing this province from Tlaxcala, are
found mines of gold, silver, crystal, and vitriol, as
also various kinds of precious stones.
This province was conquered by Juan Nuiiez
de Mercado, who was page to Hernan Cortes in
1521, and it was peopled in 1528 by Juan Sedeiio
and Hernando de Badajos. Its bishopric com-
prehends 21 alcaldias mayores and jurisdictions,
which are,
Antequera, Atlatlauca,
Quatro Villas Miahuatlan,
Chichicapa, Nexipa,
Guejolotitlan, Xicayan,
Ixtepexi, ‘Teutitlan,
‘Tepozcoluca, Nochiztlan,
Cuicatlan, Yanguitlan,
Ixquintepec, Teosaqualco,
los An-
ie other
ow. by
ly, from
sco, and
pr Alva-
is also
hmus of
guatulco
ry, andl
5, which
of Ame-
yus, with
hough it
It pro-
ins, and
mines of
found in
kewise a
tal; and
be one of
hey lead
y degree
‘4 which
generally
st of the
bopulous,
A great
s of the
» him by
p of Mare
ntain of
cala, are
itriol, as
n Nuiiez
Jortes in
n Sedeiio
bric come
Kdlictions,
OAXACA, 463
'Tecoquilco, Teutila,
Huameluca, Villalta,
‘Tehuantepec,
The above province was organised in 1535.
The capital is the city of ANtEquERA, to which is
also given the name of the province, [both of
which see. |
{The name of the province of Oaxaca, which
other geographers less correctly call Guaxaca, is
derived from a Mexican name of the city and val-
ley of Iluaxyacac, one of the principal places of
the Zapotec country, which was almost as con-
siderable as ‘Teotzapotlan, their capital. The in-
tendancy of Oaxaca is one of the most delightful
countries in this part of the globe, ‘The beauty
and salubrity of the climate, the fertility of the
soil, and the richness and variety of its produc.
tions, all minister to the prosperity of the inhabi-
tants; and this province has accordingly from the
remotest periods been the centre of an advanced
civilization,
To give its description according to Humboldt,
it is bounded on the n. by the intendancy of Vera
Cruz, onthe e. by the kingdom of Guatemala, on
the w. by the province of Puebla, and on the s,
for a length of const of 11 leagues, by the Great
ocean. Its extent exceeds that of Bohemia and
Moravia together; and its absolute population is
nine times less ; consequently its relative popula-
tion is equal to that of Haropenn Russia.
The mountainous soil of the intendancy of
Oaxaca forms a singular contrast with that of the
provinces of Puebla, Mexico, and Valladolid. In
place of the strata of basaltes, amygdaloid, and
porphyry with griinstein base, which cover the
ground of Anahuac from the 18° to the 22° of lat.
we find only granite and gneiss in the mountains
of Mixteca and Zapoteca. The chain of .»oun-
tains of trap formation only recommences to the
s.¢. on the z. const of the kingdom of Guatemala,
We know the height of none of these granitical
summits of the intendancy of Oaxaca, ‘The in-
habitants of this fine country consider the Cerro de
Serpnaltepec, near Villalta, from which both seas
are visible, as one of the most elevated of these
suinmits. However, this extent of horizon would
only indicate a height of 2350 metres, ~The visual
horizon of 9 mountain of 2350 metres (7709 feet)
of elevation has a diameter of 3° 20/, The ques-
tion has been discussed, if the two seas could be
visible from the summit of the Nevado de Tolca ?
‘The visual horizon of this has 2° 21’ or 58 leagues
of radius, supposing only an ordinary refraction.
‘The two coasts of Mexico nearest to the Nevado,
those of Coyuca and ‘Tuspan, are at a distance of
54 and 64 leagues from it. It is said that the same
spectacle of the two seas may be enjoyed at La
Ginetta, on the limits of the bishoprics of Oaxaca
and Chiapa, at 12 leagues distance from the port
of Tehuantepec, on the great road from Guatemala
to Mexico,
The vegetation is beautiful and vigorous through-
out the whole province of Oaxaca, and especially
half way down the declivity in the temperate re-
gion, in which the rains are very copious from the
month of May to the month of October. At the
village of Santa Maria del Tule, three leagues e.
from the capital, between Santa Lucia and Tlaco-
chiguaya, there is an enormous trunk of cupressus
disticha (sabino) of 36 metres, or 118 feet, in cir-
cumterence. ‘This ancient tree is consequently
larger than the cypress of Atlixco, the dragonni,t
of the Canary islands, and all the boababs (Adan+
soni) of Africa, But on examining it narrowly,
M. Anza observes, that what excites the admiration
of travellers is not a single individual, and that
three united trunks form the famous sabino of Santa
Maria del Tule.
The intendancy of Oaxaca comprehends two
mountainous countries, which from the remotest
times went under the names of Mixteca and ‘Tza-
poteca, ‘These denominations, which remain to
this day, indicate a great diversity of origin among
the natives. ‘Ihe old Mextecapan is now divided
into Upper and Lower Mixteca (Mixteca Alta y
Baxa). ‘The e. limit of the former, which adjoins
the intendancy of Puebla, runs in a direction from
Ticomabacca, by Quaxiniquilapa, towards the S.
sea, It passes between Colotopeque and Tamasu-
lapa. ‘The Indians of Mixteca are an active, in-
telligent, and industrious people.
the province of Oaxaca contains no monu-
ments of ancient Aztec architecture equally asto-
nishing from their dimensions as the houses of the
gods (teocallis) of Cholula, Papantla, and Teoti-
huacan, it contains the ruins of edifices more re-
markable for their symmetry and the elegance of
their ornaments. The walls of the palace of Mitla
are decorated with grecques, and labyrinths in
mosaic of small porphyry stones. We perceive
in them the same design which we admire in the
vases falsely called Tuscan, or in the frieze of the
old temple of Deus Redicolus, near the grotto of
the nymph Egeria at Rome, Humboldt caused
part of these American ruins to be engraved, which
were very carefully drawn by Colonel Don Pedro
de la Laguna, and by an able architect, Don Luis
Martin. If we are justly struck with the great]
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AGA OAXACA.
analogy between the ornaments of the palace of
fila and those employed by the Greeks and
Romans, we are not on that account to give our-
selves lightly up to historical hypotheses, on the
possibility of the existence of ancient communica-
tions between the two continents. We must not
forget, that under almost every zone, mankin: take
a pleasure in a rythmical repetition of the same
forms which constitute the principal character of
all that we call grecques, meanders, labyrinths,
and arabesques,
The village of Mitla was fornierly called Mi-
guitlan, a word which means in the Mexican lan-
guage, a place of sadness. ‘The T'zapotec Indians
call it Leoba, which signifies tomb, In fact, the
palace of Mitla, the antiquity of which is un-
known, was, according to the tradition of the na-
tives, as is also manifest from the distribution of
its parts, a palace constructed over the tombs of
the kings. It was an gdifice to which the sove-
reign retired for some time on the death ef a son,
a wife, or a mother. Comparing the magnitude
of these tombs with the smallness of the houses
which served for abodes to the living, we feel ine
clined to say with Diodorus Siculus, (lib. i. c. 51)
that there are nations who erect sumptuous monu-
ments for the dead, because, looking on this life
as short and passing, they think it unworthy the
trouble of constructing them for the living.
The palace, or rather the tombs of Mitla, form
three ecifices symmetrically placed in au ex-
tremely romantic situation, ‘The principal edifice
is in best preservation, and is nearly 40 metres,
or 1$1 feet, in length. A stair formed in a pit
Jeads to a subterraneous apartment of 27 metres
in Tength and eight in breadth, viz. 88 feet by 26.
This gloomy apartment is covered with the same
grecques which ornament the exterior walls of the
edifice,
But what distinguishes the ruins of Mitla. from
all the other remains of Mexican architecture, is
six porphyry columns, which are placed in the
midst of a vast hall and support the cieling,
‘These columns, almost the only ones found in the
new continent, bear strong marks of the infancy of
the art. ‘They have neither base nor capitals,
A simple contraction of the upper part is only to
be remarked, ‘Their total height is five metres,
or 16.4 feet ; but their shaft is of one piece of ams
phibolous porphyry. Broken down fragments, for
ages heaped together, conceal move than a third of
the height of these columns. On uncovering them,
M. Martin found their height equal to six dia-
metres, or 12 modules. Hence the symmetry
would be still lighter than that of the Tuscan
order, if the inferior diameter of the columns of
Mitla were not in the proportion of 3:2 to their
upper diameter.
The distribution of the apartments in the inte-
rior of this singular edifice, hears a striking ana-
logy to what has been remarked in the monuments
of Upper Egypt, drawn by M. Denon and the
savans who compose the institute of Cairo, M.
de Laguna found in the ruins of Miila curious
paintings representing warlike trophies and sacri-
fices.
The intendancy of Oaxaca has alone preserved
the cultivation of cochineal (coccus cacti), a
branch of industry which it formerly shared with
the provinces of Puebla and New Galicia. M.
Humboldt asserts, that all the vaynilla consumed
in Europe comes from this province and Vera
Cruz.— Oaxaca, he adds, furnishes annually
32,000 arrobas of cochineal, which, at 75 dollars,
are worth 2,400,000 dollars,
The family of Hernan Cortes (as Alcedo Ins
observed) bears the titie of Marquis of the Valley
of Oaxaca, ‘The property is composed of the four
Villas del Marquesado, and 49 villages, which
contain 17,700 inhabitants,
The population of the intendancy of Oaxaca
amounted, in 1803, to 554,800 souls; the extent
of surface in square leagues is 4447, giving 120
inhabitants to the square league.
The most remarkable places of this province
are, Oaxaca, or ANTEQUERA, (which see), Te-
huantepec, San Antonio de los Cues.
The mines of this intendancy worked with the
greatest care are, Villalta, Zolago, Yxtepexi, and
Totomostla. ]
Bishops who have presided in Oaxaca.
1, Don Juan Lopez de Zarate, canon of the
holy church of Oviedo, licentiate in theology, and
of great knowledge in both kinds of law: he left
the reputation of haying been a good preacher,
made the visitation of the bishoprics, and regu-
lated the parishes, bringing as curates some monks
of the province of Mexico, there not being suflie
cient clergy ; in the which undertaking he suffered
great hardships, not only from an anxiety of mind,
but the heat of the climate and difficulties of the
roads: he passed over to Mexico to assist at the
first council, where he died in 1554.
2. Don Fr. Bernardo de Alburquerque, of the
order of S. Domingo, native of the town of this
name: he studied in the university of Alcala,
where he made equal progress in science as in
virtue: he sought the habit of lay-brother in the
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SO Se BARES ce 2
OAXACA. 465
convent of Salamanca, but his eloquence having
been overheard in a certain dispute, he was com-
manded by the prior to begin his noviciate as a
priest : he was one of the first religious men that
passed over to America, and here he learnt the
Zapotecan tongue: he obtained various prelacics,
until he became provincial, and the Emperor
Charles V. presented him to the bishopric of this
diocese in 1555; but he regularly observed the
rules of his order, was extremely charitable, and
gave his episcopal palace to be converted into a
monastery for nuns, which was called De Santa
Catalina de Sena; he died, as it is supposed, a
saint, in 1579.
3. Don: Fr. Bartolomé de Ledesma, a monk of
the same order as the- former, native of Niera in
the bishopric of Salamanca: he passed over to
Peru as confessor to the viceroy Don Martin En-
rriquez, and from thence to Mexico; was first pro-
fessor of theology in his university, presented to
the bishopric of Oaxaca in 1581: he founded a
college dedicated to the apostle S, Bartolomé: he
was charitable, and carried his disinterestedness to
a great pitch, so much so that it was with the
most repeated persuasions that the Indians could
prevail upon him on a certain occasion to accept
of a small pot of balsam ; and although he did
accept it, he mde them, in return, a present of a
cup for their ali:r: he assisted at the third Mexi-
ean council, and it was in his time that occurred
the prodigy of the cross of Guatulco ; he died ja
1604.
A. Don #r. Baltasar de Covarrubias, of the
order of San Agustin, native of Mexico, where he
distinguished himself for his virtue and literature ;
presented by Philip IIT. to the mitre of Nuestra
Sefiora de la Asuncion of the river La Plata, in
1601; promoted from thence to the mitre of Ca-
zerces in the Philippine isles, and afterwards to this
in 1605, from whence he passed to that of Mecho-
acan in 1608.
5. Don Juan de Cervantes, native of Mexico:
he began his studies in that university, and fol-
lowed them up in the university. of Salamanca,
where he graduated as doctor in theology, was
treasurer of the church of La Puebla, canonical
lecturer and archdeacon of the church of his na-
tive place, professor of writing in its university,
governor of the archbishopric, judge in ordinary,
calificador of the holy office, and elected bishop of
this church in 1608; he preached to his parishion-
ers with great effect, and was very charitable, built
a chapel in the church, where he might place the
miraculous image of Guatulco, sending a bit of it,
about the size of a hand, richly adorned, to the
VOL, III,
pontiff Paul V.; he died on the eve of the exalta-
tion of the cross in 1614.
6. Don Fr. Juan Bartolomé de Bohorques, of
the order of S. Domingo, native of Mexico: he
was lecturer of philosophy and theology, master in
his religion, rector of the college of 8. Luis de la
Puebla, prior of the convent of Izucar and pro-
vincial: he graduated as doctor in the university
of Mexico, passed over to Spain, where he was
elected bishop of Venezuela, ar. ! promoted to this
church in 1617. In his time occurred the mira-
culous appearance of the Virgin de la Soledad at
Oaxaca: he died in 1633.
7. Don Leonel de Cervantes, also native of
Mexico: he passed over to Spain to study in the
university of Salamanca, where he obtained the
degree of doctor in sacred canons, was maestre-
escuela and archdeacon of the holy church of Santa
Fé, provisor and vicar-general of the archbishop-
rics of Don Bartolomé Lobo and Don Fernando
Arias de Ugarte; presented to the bishopric of
Santa Marta in 1620, where he remained five years,
and from thence promoted to Guadalaxara in 1615,
and afierwards to this; but before h> could enter
it he died at Mexico in 1637.
8. Don Bartolomé de Benavente y Benavides,
native of Madrid: he studied in the university of
Siguenza, and graduated as licentiate in canons
and doctor in theology; was made canon of the
church of Lima, as also: maestre-escuela, arch-
deacon, commissary of crusade, visitor-general of
its archbishopric, cnd professor of that university ;
presented to this. bishopric, where he entered in
1639; he visited the whole diocese, and dicd in
1052.
9. Don Fr. Diego de Evia y Valdes, of the
order of San Benito, native of the principality of
Asturias ; presented to the bishopric of the church
of Durango in Nueva Vizcaya, and promoted to
this church of Antequera, of which he took posses-
sion in 1654; he died two years after, in 1656.
10. Don Alonso de las Guava Davalos, native
of Mexico, a man distinguished by. his birth and
virtues, and who by his: literature had attained to
the first prizes in the universities: he was magise-
terial canon, treasurer, and archdeacon of La
Puebla, and the same in the metropolitan church
of Mexico, which he left to become prelate of this
church :- he was charitable in the extreme, and
considered a model for bishops, promoted to the
archbishopric of Mexico in 1664; he died before:
he could take possession.
11. Don Fy..Tomas de Monterroso, of the order
of S. Domingo, master in the same order; a man’
who had obtained ou aad in the professorships.
€ (0) F
466 OAXACA,
and in the pulpits at Madrid, and the king having
here heard him preach a sermon, immediately ap-
pointed him to this bishopric, of which he took
possession in 1665; he founded the seminary col-
lege, and died in 1678.
12, Don Nicholas del Puerto, native of the town
of Santa Catalina de las Minas, in the archbishop-
ric of Mexico, collegiate of the college of San Ide. °
fonso of this city, doctor of sacred canons in its
university, and advocate of the royal audience,
where he was admitted, through his eloquence,
canonical doctor of the metropolitan church, com-
missary-general of crusade in that kingdom. ‘The
steps which he took at the time of the expiration
of the bull, not only brought down upon him the
approbation of the court, but induced the king to
present him to this bishopric, of which he took
possession in 1679: he founded the professorship
of grammar and philosophy, and two of theology,
in the seminary college, and left to the same his
grand library ; he died in 1681.
13. Don Isidro Sariiiana, native of the city of
Mexico, doctor in sacred theology, professor of
sacred writings in its university. ‘l'o the study ot
letters he added the exercise of the virtues, as well
in the parish of Santa Cruz as of Sagrario : he was
then canonical lecturer, chanter, and archdeacon
of that church, calificador of the holy office, and
synodical examiner of the archbishopric, and bi-
shop of Oaxaca, where he acquired great csteein
for his fine discernment: he was an eloquent
preacher, prudent, humble, affable, benign, pa-
cific, charitable, and zealous for the public weal ;
he died in 1696.
14, Don Fr. Angel Maldonado, of the order of
San Bernardo, native of Ocaiia, doctor and pro-
fessor of theology in the university of Alcala, mas-
ter in his religion: he was presented to the bishop-
ric of Honduras, and promoted to this church in
1702: he attected a love of great poverty, rebuilt
the cathedral, which entirely ruined him, refused
the promotions to the bishoprics of Mechoacan
and Orihuela in Spain, to which he was _pro-
moted, frequently visited his diocese, and died to
the universal regret in 1728.
15. Don Fr. Francisco de Santiago y Calderon,
of the order of La Merced, native of ‘Torralva in the
bishopric of Cuenca, lecturer of arts in the con-
vent of Huete, and of sacred theology in the col.
leges of Salamanca and Alcala, rector and comen-
dador of the college of Madrid, provincial of Cas-
tilla, visitor of the convents of Galicia and Astu-
rias, theologist of La Nunciatura, decreed by the
‘council of the Indies to be bishop of Guatemala in
1728, and afterwards promoted to this bishopric, of
which he took possession in 1730: he consecrated
its cathedral, added to it two fine towers and a
clock, and, having paid the visitation, given great
alms, and nicely fulfilled the duties of his station,
he died in 1736.
16. Don Tomas Montaiio, native of Mexico,
collegiate of the royal college of San Ildefonso,
prebendary and synodical examiner of the bishop-
ric of Mechoacin, medto-racionero, canon, treae
surer, chanter, archdeacon, and dean, of the me-
tropolitan of his native place, in the university of
which he was professor of theology, and thrice
rector; elected bishop of this church of Oaxaca
in 1737; he made his entry the following year,
and governed only three years, in which short
period he completely gained the affection of his
flock by his kind treatment and disinterestedness : he
shewed his zeal both in the pulpit as in confer-
rences, which he was accustomed to hold with the
clergy one day in every week : he endowed a fel-
lowship in the college of San Ildefonso for some
poor nobleman, and also established a mass of
grace for the last day in the year in the college of
the abolished order of Jesuits ; he died in 1742.
17. Don Diego Felipe Gomez de Angulo, native
of Burgos, advocate of the royal audiences of Gua-
temala and Mexico: he obtained through his me-«
rits a curacy in the first of these two cities, where
he was also provisor, afterwards dean of the holy
cathedral of Puebla, and for a long time governor
of the bishopric. Being presented to the bishop-
ric of Antequera in 1746, he began his mission by
redressing grievances and succouring the needy :
he also etablished an holy jubilee: his affability,
kindness, and general virtue, caused him to be
esteemed by all, and he died in 1752.
18. Don Buenaventura Blanco y Helguero, nae
tive of Valladolid, collegiate in the mayor collegio
of San Ildefonso de Alcala, canonical doctor of the
holy church of Calahorra, visitor, provisor, and
vicar-general of that bishopric, and elected to this
of Antequera in 1754: he was a most charitable
prelate, and left behind him evident marks of his
zealousness and ability, and died full of virtues
in 1764.
19. Yon Miguel Anselmo Alvarez de Abreu y
Valdes, native of Teneriffe, one of the Canaries,
dov‘c: in sacred canons in the university of Se-
villa, secretary of the chamber and government of
the most illustrious Sefior Don Domingo Guerra,
bishop of Segovia and confessor of the Queen
Dowager, racionero, confessor, and prior of the
holy cathedral church of Canarias, judge of the
reverend apostolicai chamber, and of the holy tri-
bunal of crusade, judge, examiner, and visitor of
crated
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the aforesaid bishopric, auxiliary to that of the
Pucbla de los Angeles; elected to that of Comaya-
gua, and to this of Antequera in 1765 ; he died in
1774.
20. Don Joseph Gregorio de Ortigosa, native of
Viguera in the diocesse of Calahorra ; nominated
bishop of Oaxaca in 1775.
[Oaxaca, or Guaxaca, a principal town of
the intendancy of this name, the ancient Hu-
axyacac, called Antequera at the beginning of the
conquest. Thiery de Menonville only assigns 6000
inhabitants to it ; but by the enumeration in 1792 it
was found to contain 24,000. See Ant EQUERA. |
OBACATYARAS, a barbarous nation of In-
“iaus of Brazil, who live in some islands at the
entrance of the mouth of the river San Francisco,
They are at present far from numerous; their
arms are bows and arrows, and they live by
fishing and the chase.
[OBED’S River, in Tennessee, runs s. w. into
Cumberland river, 290 miles from its mouth, by
the course of the stream. Thus far Cumberland
river is navigable for large vessels. |
OBELTA, or Unseyra, a country, anciently
very populous and rich, in the old province of
Tensa in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada, in the e.
part, and below the dominion of the king of Tunja.
This country was entered by Ximinez de Quesada
in 1537, who made a great booty. It is at pre-
sent much reduced, consisting of nothing but a
poor settlement of Indians,
OBERABA, a lake of the province and go-
vernment of Paraguay, near the shore of this river.
[OBION, a navigable river of Tennessee, which
runs s. w. into the Mississippi, 14 miles s. of Reels.
foot rivers. Jt is 70 yards broad, 17 miles from its
mouth.
OBIRABASI, a river of the province and
country of Las Amazonas, It rises in the territory
of the Anamaris. Indians, runs 7. and enters the
Madera.
OBISPO, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Copiapo in the kingdom of Chile ;
situate near the coast, between the ports of Hu-
asco and ‘Totoral.
Ostsvo, another settlement, in the province
and government of Maracaibo and Nuevo Reyno
de Granada; situate on the shore of the river S.
Domingo, rz. 2. e. of the city of Barinas Nueva.
Osispo, a shoal of the sound of Campeche and
government of Yucatan, near the coast.
Onispo, a farallon or isle on the coast of the
province and corregimiento of Quillota in the
kingdom of Chile, between the point of Caramilla
and the port of Castello Viejo.
OCA 467
[OBITEREA, an island 100 leagues s. of the
Society islands. Lat. 22° 40's, Long. 150° 50'w.
It contains no good anchorage, and the inhabitants
are averse to the intrusion of strangers. |
OBRAGILLO, a settlement of the province
and corregimiento of Canta in Peru, annexed to
the curacy of its capitol.
OBRANDIUE, a settlement of the province
and captairship of Rio Grande in Brazil; situate
on the coast, between the shoal of Las Salinas and
the point of Piedras.
OBSCURO, a river of the province and go-
vernment of Veraguay, and kingdom of ‘Tierra
Firme. It rises in the mov itains close to the
n. coast, runs w. andenters the sea not far from the
mouths of the ‘Toro.
OCABAMBA, a large, fertile, and beautiful
valley of the province and corregimiento of Calca
and Lares in Peru, of the district of the second ;
bounded by the infidel Chuncos Indians. It has no
formal town or settlement in it, but is full of sugar
and cocoa estates, inhabited by very many fami-
lies, It is irrigated by the river Pilcomayo,
which abounds in fine fish, such as shad, dories,
and pejerreyes, or king-fish, In spiritual con-
cerns it is under the bishop of Cuzco, who nomi-
nates two priests with the titles of beneficiados,
who administer the sacraments in the chapels of
the said estates. At some distance are some ran-
chos, or temporary habitations, of the Chunchos
Indians, who were beginning to be reduced to the
faith by the religious order of San Francisco; but
just as there was every ground for hoping that
they would do well, they burst out into an insur-
rection, and relapsed into their pristine gentilism,
in 1744, putting to death many of the Neofitos,
and causing others to fly.
OCABAYA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Sicacica in Peru, annexcd to the
curacy of Pasca.
OCABITA, a province, large and rich in the
time of the Indian gentilism, of the Nuevo Reyno:
de Granada, to the e. of the city of Santa Fé. It
is named from a cacique or chief who was then its
governor, and was taken possession of in 1537 by
Juan de San Martin, but the natives rose up in
1541, fortifying themselves on the top of a great
rock, where they held out for a long time against
the attacks of different Spanish captains, until
that, persuaded by the eloquence of Alonso Ma-
rin, they capitulated and made a peace, which
they never after broke. ‘This nation is, at the
present day, nearly extinct, an? nothing remains
of it but a miserable village bearing its name.
OCACOCK, a met iene of the N, sca,.ncar
0
oan “ > Em Sane he 8 EN ARRON k asg — pth -
FAR eee een “= rele now a et
468 OoCcC
the coast of the province of S. Carolina, between
the islands of Hatteros and cape Core. ‘This
island forms the e. side of the entrance into Pam-
lico sound, which entrance or inlet bears the same
name,
[OCAMARE, See Ocumane. |
OCASTA, a city of the province and govern-
ment of Santa Marta in the Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada; situate in the Uanura of Hacari, from
whence it is also called Santa Ana de Hacari;
founded by Francis Hernandez in 1572, and
translated to the spot where it now stands in 1576,
in the province of the Carates Indians. It is
small, but cheerful and beautiful; its territory is
very fertile and pleasant, and the wheat and sugar
are of excellent quality. It has a very good
parish church, a convent of San Francisco, and
another of San Agustin. In it dwell different fami-
jies of rank and distinction, and the women are in
general of nice appearance. It lies about 60 miles
s.s.e. of Laguna Zapatosa, to the e. of the
Grande de la Magdalena, on the». shore of the
river Oro, and‘having a good embarking place in
the river Lebrija, near where this communicates
with the Magdalena. This city is 218 miles n.
with a slight inclination to the e. Lat. 8° 2’ n.
Long. 73° 20! w.
Ocasrta, asetilement of the province and corre-
gimiento of Lucanas in Peru, annexed to the cu-
racy of Laramate.
Ocasta, a river of the province of Mexico and
kingdom of Nueva Espaiia. It runs into the sea
at the bay of Mexico, between the river Alvarado
and the sierras of San Martin.
OCATLAN, a settlement of the head settlement
of the district and alcaldia mayor of Barca in the
kingdom of Nueva Galicia, close to its capital on
the w.
OCAY, a small river of the province and go-
vernment of Buenos Ayres in Peru. It runs w.
and enters the Uruguay, between the rivers Gua-
ting and De Aguas.
[OCCOA, or Ocoa, a bay on the s. side of the
island of St. Domingo, into which fall the small
rivers Sipicepy and Ocoa, It lies e. of Neybe or
Julienne bay, and is bounded s. e. by point Sali-
nas, and w. by the e. point at the mouth of Bya
river. Spanish ships of wat anchor in this bay,
Point Salinas is 22 leagues w. of the city of St.
Domingo. }
Occoa, a bay near the e. end of the island of
Cuba, in the windward passaye, about 20 miles e.
of Guantanamo bay. ]
(OCCOCHAPPO, or Braver Creek, in the
Georgia w. territory, emptics through the s. w.
OCO
bank of Tennessee river, just below the :auscle
shoals. ‘There is a portage of only about 50 miles
from this creek to the navigable waters of Mobile
river. The mouth of this creek is in the centre
of a piece of ground, the diameter of which is five
miles, ceded by the s. Indians to the United States
for the establishment of trading yore
[OCCONEACHEY Islands, two tong narrow
islands at the head of Roanoke river in Virginia,
just below where the Staunton and Dan unite and
form that river.
OCCOQUAN, a small river of the province of
Virginia in N. America, It runs e. and enters
the Patowmack.
OCHANACHE, Jesus pe, a settlement of the
conversion and missions held there by the religious
order of San Francisco, in the province of Caxa-
marquilla or Pataz, and kingdom of Peru ; situate
on the shore of the river Gibitas, near its entrance
into the Maranon.
(OCHILLA. Island, more properly Orcuit-
LA, which sce. ]
OCHOA, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Quillota, and kingdom of Chile ;
situate on the shore of the river Quillota.
Ocnoa, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Honduras, which runs 2. and enters the
sea between those of Cangrejo and Pico de Gata.
OCKA, a settlement of Indians of S. Carolina ;
situate on the shore of the river Albama, where
the English have an establishment and fort for its
defence.
OCLAYAS, a small river of the province and
government of Tucuman in Peru, which runs w. and
enters the Bermejo. On its shores the fathers and
missionaries Gaspar Ossario and Antonio Ripario,
of the Jesuits, were murdered by the infidel Indians,
OCMULGI, a river of the province of Georgia
in N. America. It runs in a very abundant
stream tos, e, and enters the Alatahama, close to
the settlement of Fourche.
OCOA, a small river of S. Domingo, which
runs into the sea seven leagues from Nizao, and
nine from the town of Azua.
OCOBAMBA, a settlement of the province and
_corregimiento of Andahuailas in Peru, annexed to
the curacy of Ongoy.
Oconamsa, another settlement, of the province
and corregimiento of Castro-Virreyna, annexed to
the curacy of Cordoba,
OCOCO, a settlement of the same province and
kingdom as the former, and also annexcd to that
curacy.
OCOI, a small river of the province and go-
vernment of Paraguay in Peru, which runs w. and
iscle
niles
pbile
entre
five
tates
row
riniit,
» and
ce of
nters
of the
ious
baxae
ituate
rance
PHIL
l cor-
hile ;
vern-
rs the
rata.
lina ;
where
for its
e and
». and
] and
pario,
dians.
eorgia
indant
lose to
which
9, and
ce and
xed to
ovince
xed to
ce and
to that
nd go-
w. and
Oca
enters the Parama between the Piracaby and the
Cay.
OCOLCO, a settlement of tlie province of
Mexico in Nueva Espaiia. In the time of the
Indians it was thé place where the workmen used
to be, who undertook to adorn with feathers and
precious metals the palace of the emperor ; it was
near the city of Tezcuco, but now no longer exists.
OCONA, a settlement of the province and core
regimiento of Cumana in Peru, situate near the
sea, having a creek in which much fish is caught.
Ocona, a river of the province and corregimi«
ento of Chumbivilcas in the same kingdom ; it
rises in the cordiliera here, runs to that of Conde-
suyos de Arequipa, where, swollen with the waters
it receives from various other streams, it changes
its name, and enters, with a large body, into the
sea at the former port.
OCONAHUA, a settlement of the head settle-
ment of the district and alcaldia mayor of Lzatlan
in Nueva Espaiia.
OCONGATE, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento ot Quispicanchi in Peru, annexed
to the curacy of the settlement of Cerca in the
province of Paucartambo. : f
OCONI, a settlement of Indians in the province
of Georgia, and N. America ; situate on the shore
and at the source of the river of its name, where
the English have an establishment for their com-
merce with the Indians, and a fort for their de-
fence.
Ocont. Theaforesaid river runs s. e. and enters
the Alatahama or Georgia. On its shores were
formerly many small settlements of Indians; but
in the war waged against them by the English in
1715, they were forced to retire to the river Cha-
tahotchi. :
(‘The Oconi is the x. main branch of Alatamaha
river, Georgia, It is in many places 250 yards
wide, Its banks abound with oak, ash, mulberry,
hickory, black walnut, elm, sassatras, &c.]
OCONORI, a settlement of the missions which
were held by the Jesuits in the province and go-
vernment of Cinaloa.
OCOPA, Sant Manta pe, a college of the
missionaries of th order of San Francisco, in the
province and corregimiento of Jauja in Peru ;
situate in a desert spot at the foot of some lofty and
dry mountains; its temperature is dry, and al-
though the hoar frosts are frequent in June and
July, yet is it not so cold here as in Europe; but
at this time the strong winds are very disagreeable,
and in November, December, January, and Fe-
bruary, there are constantly great tempests with
much rain. ‘This college was founded by the fr.
OcoO 469
Francisco de San Joseph, in 1724, for the pur-
pose of establishing missions for the many infi-
del Indians who have been reduced since 1709,
Here, having obtained a grant of the site, he
built a college capable of containing 40 monks ;
also a church, entirely of stone, with IL altars,
and adorned with rich ornaments and precious
jewels, all of Which were procured by the alms of
the devout, andthe great zeal of the missionaries,
This college enjoys the title of Relicario del
Peru ; it has by it two houses of entertainment for
the numerous people who flock to it, they having
sometimes, in holy week, amounted to upwards of
1000. From this college the missionaries issue
forth amongst the mountains to reduce to the faith
the infidels, and great has been tie fruit of their
labours, even to the present day. Convinced of
the use of this institution, the pious King
Charles ILL. afforded to it much assistance ; and it
1578, it was erected by his Holiness Clement XIII.
into the coliege De Propaganda Fide.
It is about 116 miles to the e. of Lima, 33s. e.
of the city of Tarma, and five to the e. of the river
Jauja ; bounded x. by the province of 'larma, ce.
by the serranias of the settlements of Comas and
Andamarca, and by the mountains of the infidels,
w. by the province of Yauyos, and s. by that of
Huanta, in the bishopric of Guamanga. Lat.
12° 2's, Lung. 75° 2! w,
OCOPI, Santa Rosa ve, a settlement of the
province and gevernment of La Guayana or
Nueva Andalucia, inthe Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
cada; one of the missions held there by the order
of San Francisco; founded in 1723 by the Fr.
Joseph de Vega, who assembled together a certain
number of Chaymas Indians, to whom were added,
in 1732, by the Fr. Matias Garcia, 20 families of
the Guaraunos, the whole, at the present day,
amounting to 650 persons. The situation is beau-
tiful, the territory level, at a small distance from
the river of its name. It abounds in palms of
moriche, and in the fruits of the country, as also in
cattle, having excellent pastures. ‘I'he natives are
very devout and fond of their religion.
OCORO, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimtento of Guanta in Peru; annexed to the cu-
racy of Colcabamba.
OCOSCONI, a settlement of the missions of,
and a reduccton of Indians made by, the Jesuits in
the province and government of Cinaloa. *
OCOTELULCO, a settlement and head settle-
ment of the district of the province of ‘Tlaxcala,
in the time of the republic of the Indians, and
one of the settlements which assisted Hernan Cor-
tes in the chastisement of the city of Cholula,
St
1
ty
ee anna
ae
Fs
ae
as
2
>
eee
470 OocoO
OCOTENANGO, a settlement of the province
and alealdia mayor of Zedales in the kingdom of
Guatemala.
OCO'TEPEC, Santo ‘Tomas pf, a settlement
of the head settlement of the district and alcaldia
mayor ot 'l'epozcolula, inthe province and bishop.
ric of Oaxaca and kingdom of Nueva Espaiia; of
a mild temperature. It contains 216 families of
Indians, including those of the wards of its district.
Its precincts are extremely fertile in seeds and ve-
getable productions, and especially in cochineal,
in which consists its pHRops commerce. ‘I'en
leagues w. of its capital.
Ocoterec, San Satvavon pr, a settlement
in the head settlement of the district and alcaldia
mayor of Cuernavaca in the same kingdom.
cotErec, SAN Pepno pe, another settlement
of the head settlement of Xicula, and alcaldia
mayor of Nexapa, in the same kingdom; of a
cold temperature. It contains 150 families of
Indians, and is five leagues n. e. of its head set-
tlement.
Ocotercc, another, of the alcaldia mayor of
Villalta in the same kingdom. It is of a cold
temperature, contains 41 families of Indians, and
is nine leagues e. of its capital.
Ocorterec, another, of the province and alcal-
dia mayor ot Los Zoques in the kingdom of
Guatemala.
OCOTEQUILA, a settlement of the head set-
tlement of the district of Acantepec, and alcaldia
mayor of Tlapa, in Nueva Espaiia. It contains
25 families of Indians, and is two leagues to the
w. of Clasivilungo.
OCOTIC, a settlement of the head settlement
of the district ayd alcaldia mayor of Cuquio in
Nueva Espaiia. ‘Three leagues w. cf its head
settlement.
OCOTITLAN, asettlement of the head settle.
ment of the district and alcaldia mayor of 'Tlapa
in Nueva Espaiia. It contains 48 families of In-
dians, and is 12 leagues w. 7. w. of its capital.
OCOTLAN, S. Domwinco pr, a settlement
and head settlement of the district of the alcaldia
mayor of Antequera, in the province and bishop-
tic of Oaxaca and kingdom of Nueva Espaiia ;
of a mild temperature. It contains 1130 families
of Indians, including those of two wards in its
district. These Indians are particularly devoted
td the culture of cochineal and the land, having
most abundant harvests. Six leagues s. of its
capital. .
OcoTLAN, another settlement, in the head scitle-
ment of the district and alcaldia mayor of Zapo-
pan in the same kingdom. a is inhabited by some
€
OCT
Afustees, Mulattoes, and Indians, who are given
to agriculture.
OcotLan, atiother, with the dedicatory title of
San Francisco, in the head settlement of the dis-
trict of Coronango, and alcaldia mayor of Cho-
lula, inthe same kingdom. It contains 87 fami-
lies of Indians, and Is a league and a half x. of its
capital.
OCOUICA, Santa Ciara pe, a settlement of
the head settlement of the district of 8. Andres de
Cholula, and alcaldia mayor of this name, in
Nueva Espaiia, It contains 76 families of In-
dians, and is a league and a half s, of its capital,
OCOZINGO, a town and capital of the pro-
vince and alcaldia mayor of Los Zedales in the
kingdom of Guatemala ; situate in a bea:tiful val-
ley, which is watered by several streams, and thus
rendered fertile in maize, honey, cattle, birds,
some cacao, and achote; and it would be much
more productive were the natives at all industrious,
It serves as .. boundary or frontier against the in-
fidel Indians. Some of the inhabitants have sown
wheat and sugar-canes, and they have yielded
beyond all expectation.
OCRAMANE, a point of land on the coast of
the river S, Lawrence, x. e. of the city of Ta-
dousac,
[OCRECOCK Inlet, on the coast of N. Caro-
lina, leads into Pamlico sound, and out of it into
Albemarle sound, through which all vessels must
yass that are bound to Edenton, Washington,
Bath, or Newbern. It lies in lat, 34° 55'n. A
bar of hard sand crosses the inlet, on which is 14
feet water at low tide. The land onthe 2. is call-
ed Ocrecock, thaton thes. Portsmouth, Six miles
within the bar there isa hard sand shoal, which
crosses the channel called the Swash. On each
side of the channel are dangerous shoals, some-
times dry. ew mariners, however well acquainted
with the inlet, choose to go in without a pilot ; as
the bar often shifts during their absence on a voy-
age. It is about 74 leagues s. w. half w. of cape
Hatteras.
OCROS, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of VilcaseHuaman in Peru; annexed to
the curacy of Vizchongo.
Ocros, another, in the province and corregi-
mienio of Caxatambo in the same kingdom.
OCSABAMBA, a river of the province and
corregimiento of Chumbivilcas in Peru. Jt rises
in the cordillera of the Andes, s. of the settlement
of Cocha, and enters the Apurimac.
OCTAGROS, a settlement of Canada in N.
America, in the country of the Renards or Foxes,
on the shore of the river Maskoutens.
siven
ile of
» dis-
Cho-
fami-
of its
ent of
‘es de
e, in
f In-
pital,
} pro-
n the
I val-
l thus
birds,
much
rious.
he in-
sown
ielded
ast of
{ Ta-
Caro-
it into
must
igton,
ne
pis 14
s call-
miles
which
each
somes
ainted
bt; as
nh voy-
yf cape
il cor-
xed to
prregi=
e and
t rises
lement
in N.
Foxes,
OocU
OCTIBEA, a settlement of the Indians of S,
petals situate at the source of the river Son-
ahue,
OCTLATLAN, an ancient province of the
kingdom of Guatemala, in the time of the In-
dians, but now confounded with other provinces.
OCTOHATCHI, a sinall river of the province
of Georgia in N. America, It runs s.e. and
enters the Ocmulgi between the Echecouna and
the Togosa.
OCTORARA, a small river of the province
and colony of Maryland. It runs s, w. and enters
the Susquehanna.
OCTOYAS, a river of the province and go-
vernment of ‘Tucuman in Peru, of the district of
the city of Jujui. It runs e. and enters the
Bermejo.
OCTUP.A, a setilement of the province of
Tlaxcala in Nueva Espaiia, near the city of La
Puebla de los Angeles.
OCUAPA, San Francisco pe, a settlement
aud head seitlement of the district of the alcaldia
mayor of Acayuca in Nueva Espaiia. It is the
head settlement of the district of the Ahualulcos
Indians, contains four families of Spaniards, 20
of Mulattoes, and as many of Indians. Forty-
three leagues s. of its capital.
OCUBIRI, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Lampa in Peru.’
OVUILA, with the surname of Santiago de, a
head settlement of the district of the alcaldia mayor
of Marinalco in Nueva Espaiia. It is situate on
the shore of a mountain, at the top of which is
a convent of the religious order of S. Agustin,
and six settlements subject to its jurisdiction. Its
population thus collectively consists of 424 fami-
lies of Indians, and six of Spaniards and Mustees.
lis temperature is hot and moist, and its commerce
consists in wheat, maize, French beans, and other
sceds; also in very many fruits peculiar to the
country ; likewise in coal and wood, which are
carricd for sale to Mexico. Three leagues n. of
its capital.
OCUITECOS, a nation of Indians of the king-
dom of Nueva Espaiia, in the jurisdiction at pre-
sent under the name of Tasco, conquered and
united to the empire of Mexico by the Emperor
Itzcohuatl.
OCUITUCO, a very considerable settlement
of the district of the alcaldia mayor of Coautla in
Nueva Espaiia. It contains 60 families of Spa-
niards, 12 of Mustees, and 110 of Mexican In-
dians, with a good convent of the religious order
of San Agustin, the first founded in that kingdom,
and as such, one of the first houses of that order.
OFO 471
This district was formerly a separate alcaldia
mayor, and was afterwards united to that with
which it is at present incorporated. he settle.
ment is five leagues e. . e. of the capital,
OCUMARE, or Ocamare, SABANA DB, a set-
tlement of the province and government of Vene-
eucla in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada s situate
on the coast, about 28 miles s. s. e, of the city of
Caracas, and about 22 n. 2. w. of the settlement of
Alta Gracia, between the mountains of Alta Gra-
cia and the river Tuy.
[This port lies five leagues e. of Puerto Cabello,
It affords good anchorage, and is sheltered trom
the x, wind. On the e. point of the bay is a fort
of eight 12 and 8-pounders, Also a village of
the same name, which lies a league from the bay.
This village is watered by a river named Ocumare,
which falls into the bay at the foot of the fort. ]
Ocumare, Morno pe, a mountain of the same
province and government, on an island close upon
the coast, between point Barburata and port
Choroni.
OCUMUCHO, a settlement of the head settle-
mant of the district and a/caldia mayor of Periban
in Nueva Espatia; of a cold and moist tempera-
ture, and containing 190 families of Indians,
Three leagues e. of the settlement of Patamba.
OCURI, a settlement and asiento of silver
mines of the province and corregimiento of Chay-
anta or Charcas in Peru ; annexed to the curacy
of Pitantora.
OCU YOACAQUE, San Martin pg, a prin-
cipal and head settlement of the district of the
alcaldia mayor of Metepec in Nueva Espaiia. It
contains 334 families of Indians, and is the head
of the curacy, to which various others are annexed.
Two leagues e. of the capital.
ODUCHAPA, a river of the province and eor-
regimiento of Loxa in the kingdom of Quito. It
runs w. on the confines of the province of Cuenca,
and enters the river Leon, in lat. 3° 96's.
Opvcuapa, a small settlement of this province;
situate onthe x. shore of the former river.
[OENEMACK, thes. point of Bistol bay, on the
n. w. coast of N. America. Lat. 54° 30’ n.
Long. 160° 30’ w. |
OESTE Point, aw. extremity of the island of
Tortuga, near the island S. Domingo.
Oeste, another, in the island called Caicope-
queiio, of the islands denominated Caicos.
OEUFS, or Ecos, an island in the river S.
Lawrence, in the province of New France or Cae
nada in N. America. It is small, and lics at the
muuth or entrance of the river Trinidad.
OFOGOULAS, a settlement of Indians of the
472 OHI
nation thus called, in the province and govern-
ment of Louisiana in N. America, on the shore of
the Mississippi.
OGECHI, » settlement of Indians of S, Caro-
lina; situate at the source of the river of this name,
where the English have a fort and establishment
for their commerce.
[OGECHEE, a river of Georgia, 18 miles s. of
Savannah river, and whose courses are nearly pa-
rallel with each other, It empties into the sea op-
posite the x. end of Ossabaw island, 18 miles s.
of Savannah, Louisville, Lexington, and George-
town, are on the upper part of this river. |
OGERON, Prision ve 1’, a settlement of the
French, onthe x. coast of this part of the island S.
Domingo, between the river Tuerto and port
Marge.
(OGLETHORPE, a new county on the x.
side of Alatamaha river, w. of Liberty county.
Fort Telfair is in the s. e. corner of this county,
on the Alatamaha. }
[OHAMANENO, a small but good harbour,
on the w. side of Ulietea, one of the Society islands,
in the 8. Pacific ocean. Eat. 16°45’ s. Long.
151° 38’ w. The variation of the compass in 1777
was 6° 19’ ¢.]
OHAMENE Harbour, a fine bay on the e.
side of Otaha, one of the Society islands, It pas-
ses in by a channel between the two small islands
Toahouta and Whenauaia. Within the reef it
forms a good harbour, from 25 to 16 fathoms
water, and clear ground. |
{OHERURUA, a large bay on the s. w, part
of theisland of Otaha, one of the Society islands,
and the next harbour to the 2. from Apotopoto
bay. ‘There is anchorage from 20 to 25 fathoms,
and has the advantage of fresh water. The breach
in the reef which opens a passage into this harbour
isa quarter of a mile broad, in lat. 16° 38! s.
Long. 151° 30’ w. |
[OHETEROA, one of the Society islands,
which is about 12 miles long and six broad, inha-
bited by a people of very large stature, who are ra-
ther browner than those of the neighbouring islands.
It has no good harbour nor anchorage. Lat.
22° 27's. Long. 150° 47’. |
(OHETUNA, a harbour on the s.e. side of
Ulietea, one of the Society islands. |
(OHEVAHOA, an island in the S. Pacific
ocean. Lat. 9° 41's. Long. 139° 2! w.]
(OHIO, a most beautiful river, separates the
N. W. territory from Kentucky on the s. and
Virginia on thes. e. Its current gentle, waters
clear, and bosom smooth and unbroken by rocks
and rapids, a single instance only excepted. It is
OHI
one quarter ofa mile wide at fort Pitt, 500 yards
at the mouth of the Great Kanhaway, 1200 yards
at Louisville, and at the rapids halfa mile, but its
general breadth does not exceed 600 yards, In
some places its width is not 400, and in one place
particularly, far below the rapids, it is less than
300. Its breadth, in no one place, exceeds 1200
yards ; andat its junction with the bern Ne
neither river ig more than 900 yards wide. Its
length, as measured according to its meanders by
Captain Hutchins, is as follows :—From fort Pitt
to
Log’stown . . . . 18%
Big Beaver creek . . 10}
Little Beaver creck . 134
Yeilow creek oe TVG
Twocreeks . 212
Longreach . . . . 53%
End of Long reach 164
Muskingum. . . . 264
Little Kanhaway . . 12}
Hockhocking . 16
Great Lanhaway . 82}
Guiandot . . e 6 = =ABR
Sandy creek . . . . JA}
Sioto, or Scioto. . A8i
Little Miami - . 1263
Licking creek °° 8
Great Miami ‘ 262
Big Bones ‘ 52}
Kentucky . AAt
Rapids . 773
Low country. » 1553
Buffaloriver . . . 644
Wabash . . . . 973
Big cave ree: [21
Shawanee river. . . 52%
Cherokee river . 13
Massac toe fe OTE
Mississippi . 46
1188
In common winter and spring floods, it affords
30 or 40 feet water to Louisville, 25 or 30 feet to
La Tarte’s rapids, 40 above the mouth of the
Great Kanhaway, and a sufficiency at all times
for light batteaux and canoes to fort Pitt. The ra-
pids are in lat. 38° 6’,
The inundations of this river begin about the last
of March, and subside in July, although they
frequently happen in other months; so that boats
which carry 300 barrels of flour from the Monon-
gahela, or Youhiogany, above Pittsburgh, have
seldom long to wait for water. During these floods,
a first-rate man of war may be carried from Louis-|
t affords
0 feet to
of the
all times
The ra-
tthe last
gh they
hat boats
Monon-
bh, have
se floods,
Louis-7)
OHI
ville to New Orleans, if the sudden turns of the
river and the strength of its current will admit a
safe steerage. It is the opinion of some well in-
formed gentlemen, that a vessel properly built for
the sca, to draw 12 feet water, when loaded, and
carrying from 12 to 1600 barrels of flour, may be
more easily, cheaply, and safely navigated from
Pittsburgh tothe sea, than those now in use ; and that
this matter only requires one man of capacity and
enterprise to ascertain it. A vessel intended to be
rigged as a brigantine, snow, or ship, should be
double-decked, take her masts on deck, and be
rowed to the Ibberville, below which are no islands,
or to New Orleans, with 20 men, so as to afford
reliefs of 10 and 10 in the night. Such a vessel,
without the use of oars, it is supposed, would float
to New Orleans from Pittsburgh in 20 days. If
this be so, what agreeable prospects are presented
to the citizens in the w. country! ‘The rapids at
Louisville descend about 10 feet in the distance of
a mile and a half.
The bed of the river is a solid rock, and is di-
vided by an island into two branches, the s. of
which is about 200 yards wide, but impassable in
dry seasons. ‘The bed of the x. branch is worn
into channels by the constant course of the water,
and attrition of the pebble-stones carried on with
that, so as to be passable for batteaux through the
greater part of the year. Yet it is thought that
the s. arm may be most easily opened for constant
navigation, ‘The rise of the waters in these rapids
does not exceed 20 or 25 feet. ‘There is a fort
situated at the head of the falls. ‘The ground on
the s, side rises very gradually, At fort Pitt the
river Ohio loses its name, branching i..io the Mo-
nongahela and Alleghany. |
[Ouro Rapids lie in lat. 38° 6’ n. 705 miles be-
low Pittsburg to the s. w. including the windings,
but only 290 ina direct line, and 482 miles in-
cluding the windings, and 180 in a direct line,
from the confluence of the Ohio with the Missis-
sippi. They are occasioned by a ledge of rocks
that stretch across the bed ofthe river Ohio, The
situation of the rapids is truly delightful. ‘The
river is full a mile wide, and the fall of the water,
which is a constant cascade, appears as if nature
had designed it to shew how inimitable and stu-
pendous are her works, ‘The town of Lovisville
commands a grand view of the rapids. ]
fOn10, the 2. westernmost county of the state
of Virginia, bounded e. by Washington county in
Pennsylvania, and x. w. by the river Ohio, which
divides it from the N. W. territory. It contains
5212 inhabitants, including 281 slaves. Chief
town, Liberty, |
VOL. UE,
O1C 478
[Onto Company’s Purchase, in the N. W.
territory, is a tract of excellent tend, situated on
the n. bank of the Ohio, ¢. of Colonei Syme’s pur-
chase.
At Cincinnati there is an office for the sale of
lands, and in 1806 no less than 17,000 contracts,
at the rate of two dollars per acre, were entered
there, bearing the names of persons from all quar-
ters of Europe as well as America,
In this tract there were about 2500 inhabitants
in 1792; but it proved not more pre-eminent in
fertility, than in industry and morals. It was ad-
mitted, as a state, into the union in 1803. Mr.
Ashe does not mention the amount of its popula-
tion, but we find Dr. Holmes states it to have
been in that year upwards of 76,000 ; and it appears
by the census of 1810, that its inhabitants amounted
to 250,760 souls, |
[Onto, ‘Verritory N. W. ofthe. See Terri-
TORY. |
Onia, Territory 8. ofthe. See Tennesser. |
OILOPE, « small 2, tributary stream of Ala-
tamaha river in Oglethorpe county, Georgia. |
| OHIOPIOMINGO, a tract of land so called
in the state of Kentucky, situated in Nelson
county, on Ohioriver, and s. w. of Salt river. ]
[OHIOPYLE Falls, in Youghiogany river,
are about 20 feet perpendicular height, where the
river is 80 yards wide. ‘hey are SO or 40 miles
from the mouth of this river, where it mingles its
waters with the Mcuongahela. |
[OHITAHOO, an island in the S. Pacific
ocean. Lat. 9° 55's. Long. 139° 6’ w.]
OIBA,San Miauet pg, a settlement ofthe juris.
diction ofthe town of San Gil, in the province and cor-
regimiento of Tunja, and Nuevo Reyno de Granada.
It isofan hot temperature, but healthy, though
badly situate, as lying in an hollow. It was en-
tirely of Indians, but an intercourse with the
whites had produced a considerable race of Mus.
tees, and the few Indians that remained afterwards
attached themselves to the settlement of Chitaraque.
The inhabitants of this should amount, at the pre-
sent day, (0900. ‘hey are a proud and haughty
set, and put one another to death with great barba-
rity. Its territory produces much sugar-cane,
maize, yucas, plantains, and other fruits, It is
19 miles:s. 5, w of San Gil, somewhat less from
Socorro, and about half as much from 'Tirano,
Charala, and Zimacota, its district being bounded
by the four last mentioned settlements.
OICATA, a settlement of the same province
and kingdom as the former. It is of a very cold
temperature and subject to much wind, but abound-
ing in wheat, maize, barley, papas, and othet pro-
3p
ATA OISs
ductions of a cold climate. Its nativesbreed cattle,
and make a tolerable number of woven manufac.
tures of their wool. It contains 50 housekeepers
and 140 Indians, and is one league n. of the capital,
roe to the settlements of Chibata, Combita, and
uta,
(OIL Creek, in Alleghany county, Pennsylva-
nia, issues from a spring, on the top of which
floats an oil, similar to that called Barbadoes tar,
and empties into Alleghany river, It is found in
such quantities, that a man may gather several
gallons ina day. ‘The troops sent to guard the
w. posts halted at this spring and collected some
of the oil, and bathed their joints with it, ‘This
gave them great relief from the rheumatic com-
plaints, with which they were afflicted, ‘The
waters, of which the troops drank frecly, operated
asa gentle cathartic. ]
OINARE, a large and rapid river of the pro-
vince and government of Venezuela in the Nuevo
Reyno de Granada, It runs from s. to n. and
runs into the sea, opposite the island Orchilla, in
lat. 10° 5! n.
OINGSTOWN, or O1stintown, a city of
the island of Barbadoes, one of the Smaller An-
tilles, in the district and parish of Christ-church,
It took its name from a Mr. Oistin, a person of
ige landed estate there, and one of its first set-
tlers.
This town is small and consists only of a large
street, at the extremity of which there is celebrated
atthe end of every week a considerable fair or
market. Inthe e. partis the church, which is a
very good one, and the town stands ona large
hay, which facilitates its commerce, and although
the room for anchorage is small, owing to the nuin-
ber of rocky shoals, there is 18 fathom of water to
the n. and s. of the city, at two or three cables
length from shore.
The town is defended by forts well furnished
with artillery, and along the whole length of its
coast an intrenchment is thrown up to prevent an
enemy’s landing. The vessels lie safe in the above
port from the n. w., n.e., and s, e. winds, but are
much exposed to the w. ands, Half a league to
w. of the city is fort Maxwel, and at a league’s
distance, on point Nedhans, is Charles fort.
OISEAUX, or Binns, Isles of, in the gulf of S.
Lawrence in N. America, one of those called
Magdalena, to the e. of the isle of Brion.
(OISTINS Bay is near the s. extremity of the
island of Barbadoes, in the W. Indies. It is
formed to the s. e. by Kendal’s point. The bay
is well defended by forts. ‘The town of Oistins
stands on this bay. |
OLD
OJATATAS, ov Osatags, a nation of Indians
of the province and government of'Tacumén in Peru,
discovered by the Colonel Don Antonio Tixera,
in 1710, at an entrance he made to reduce the pros
vince of Chaco, when this nation manifested such
a liking forthe Spaniards, that they almost all, with
one consent, became reduced to the Catholic faith,
They used to dwell near the river San Francisco,
and were afterwards removed to under the govern.
ment of Buenos Ayres, to hinder them from re-
turning to their idolatry, as has been the case with
other nations of their district. These have thus
been always constant to the faith,
OJIBAR, a settlement of the district of Baba-
hoyo in the province and government of Guaya-
quil, and kingdom of Quito. It is 28 leagues
from the capital, and in it ordinarily reside during
the winter the curate and lieutenant of the dis-
trict.
OJITOS, Tres, a settlement of the province
and government of Sonora in N. America; -ituate
on the shore of the gulf of California or Mar Roxo
de Cortés,
OJO-CALIENTE, a settlement of the head
settlement of the district and alcaldia mayor of
Sierra de Pinos in Nueva Espaiia. ‘Twelve leagues
w. s. w. of its capital,
Oso-Cauiente, another settlement, of the pro-
vince of Taraumara, and kingdom of Nueva Viz.
caya,
Oso-CatienteE, another, of the missions which
were held by the religious order of San Francisco,
in the kingdom of Nuevo Mexico.
OKELOUSA, a settlement of Indians of S.
Carolina; situate at the head of Buffalo river.
OLA, a settlement of the jurisdiction and
alcaldia mayor of Nata in the province and king-
dom of Tierra Firme; situate two leagues 2. e. of
the above town,
OLAGA, ariver of the province and govern-
ment of Maracaibo in the Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada, which rises in a Ulanura between the lakes
Zapatosaand Maracaibo, runs e. and enters the
Atole.
OLANCHO, San JorcGe pe, a town of the
province and government of Honduras. It is very
poor and scantily peopled. Forty leagues from
Comayagua.
OLANDA. See Honnann.
OLAYA, Santa, a settlement of the province
and corregimiento of Guarochiri in Peru.
OLD Cape Francois forms the 2. point
of Ecossoise or Cosbeck bay, on the 2. e. part of
the island of St. Domingo. All the French ships
coming from Europe or the Windward islands,
Reap a nl Ach selina ages eee
ndians
Peru,
'ixera,
© pros
1 such
|, with
faith,
Icisco,
overn-
m res
¢ with
re thus
Baba-
wuaya-
eagucs
during
ie dis-
‘ovince
situate
y Roxo
» head
yor of
leagues
1€ bios
7a Viz
which
ncisco,
; of S,
or
n and
d king-
n. €. ot
rovern-
e Gra-
ie lakes
ers the
of the
is very
3s from
rovince
» point
part of
h ships
islands,
a
OL!
and bound to the », or w, part of St. Domingo
island, are obliged to come in sight of the cape
Samana, (near 27 leagues s. e. by ¢. of this cape),
or xt least of Old cape Frangois, on account of the
dangers of shoals to the ¢. It is about five leagues
e. of cape De la Roche.
(Ory Fort Bay is situated at the s. end of the
island of St. Lucia in the W. Indies, having St.
Mary’s island and bay to the e.]
{Onn Forr Islands, in Msquimaux bay, on
the coast of Labrador in N. America, Lat. 51°
24’'n, Long. 57° 48! w. |
[Onn Harbour, on the s. coast of the island of
Jamaica in the W. Indies, is to the w. of port
Royal, There are a number of shoals and islands
in the entrance to it. Under some of them there is
safe riding, in from six to eight fathoms. |
[Onn Man’s Creek, in New Jersey, empties
into Delaware river, about four miles below Penn’s
neck, and separates the counties of Salem and
Gloucester. ]
{Onn Men’s Port lies n. of Lima river in Peru,
eight or nine miles 7. of Cadavayllo river, |
Otp Roan, a town and harbour in the island
of Antigua inthe W. Indies. ]
{Orn Roan Bay, on the s. w. const of the
island of St. Christopher’s in the W. Indies, be-
tween Church gut w. and Bloody point e. ‘There
is from five to 15 fathoms near the shore, and the
least towards the fort. ]
[Oip Roan Town, on this bay, lies between
E. and Black rivers, and is a port of entry. |
[Op Town, or Frank’s Orv Town, on Ju-
niatti river. See FRANKSTOWN.
Oup ‘Town, in the state of New York, is si-
tuated on Staten island, three miles s.w. of New
town, and 12s, w. of New York city. |
{OLn Town, a small post-town of Maryland,
situated in Alleghany county, in lat. 39° 36’, on
then. bank of Patowmack river, and w. side of
Saw Mill run, 10 miles s. e. of Cumberland, 89
w. by n. of Baltimore, and 161 from Philadel-
hia.
y Ol Town, in N. Carolina, near Brunswick. ]
Op Town, asmall town of Georgia, lying on
the Ogeechee river, 85 miles 2. w. by w. of Sa-
vannah,
[OLEOUT, a small creek, which empties into
the e. branch of Susquehannah, five miles x. e. of
the mouth of Unadilla river. ]
OLINALA, a settlement and head settlement
of the district of the alcaldia mayor of 'Tlapa in
Nueva Espaiia. It contains 10 tamilies of Spa-
niards, 200 of Mustees and Mulattues, and 162 of
of ‘Tlapanocos Indians.
OLI Ah
OLINDA, a city, the capital of the province
and captainship of Pernambuco in Brazil ; situate
on a lofty spot near the sea, surrounded with f cts
and well: or drains, which render the ternury
fertile, pleasant, and delightful. It stands upon
four bills, the declivity of which forms an amphi-
theatre extremely pleasing to the sight.
It has very sumptuous buildings, and such is
the grand church which belonged to the Jesuits,
and which cost 120,000/, French, being one of
the finest buildings in all America, and having
every thing to render it perfect. Here are the fol-
lowing convents, namely, of the barefooted Car-
melites, of San Benito of the Recogimiento de Nu-
estra Sefora de la Concepcion, for ladies ; also the
parish of San Pedro Martir, the churches of Nu-
estra Sefora del Rosario, De Guadalupe, De San
Sebastian, De San Juan, which is a regular con-
fraternity, and De Nuestra Sefiora de Monserrat ;
also a magnificent hospital and a sumptuous pa-
lace of the governor of the province, not to men-
tion many superior and elegant private houses, It
is garrisoned by two regiments of regular infantry,
and has 3000 housekeepers.
This town was extremcly opulent at the time
that it was taken and destroyed by the Dutch in
1630, and the ruins which now remain speak what
must have been its ancient splendour.
On one side of the city runs the large river Ber-
beribe, of a rich and crystalline water, forming close
toit a port called Baradero, where the sea runs in
for upwards of half a league; and to take advan-
tage of the river water, there is a large bridge con-
structed, over which runsan aqueduct, Here, also,
on the bridge, there is » beautiful house of refresh-
ment, where the populace frequently go in large
societies to amuse themselves; and at the end of
the bridge to the s. is a convent of the Carmelites
ina retired and pretty spot. At a league's dis-
tance from the port of Baradero, along a strait
isthmus, is the town of San Antonio de Arecife,
which is the port of this capital, the intermediate
space between the one and the other town being de-
fended with many castles and batteries. The city
is 76 miles s. of the city of Paraiba, in lat. 8° 12’
30”s, and long. 35° 5! w.
OLIN'TEPEG, a settlement of the head settle-
ment of the district of Tutepec, and alcaldia mayor
of Xicayan, in the province and bishopric of
Oaxaca, and kingdom of Nueva Espana. It
contains 14 familics of Indians, who live by the
cultivation of cochineal, cotton, seeds, and tobacco,
Fourteen leagues n. of the capital.
OuintTEPEC, another settlement, with the dedi-
catory title of San Juan, in the province and alcal-
3p 2
476 OLL
dia mayor of Gueguetenango in the kingdom of
Guatemala; annexed to the curacy of Totonicapa,
of Indians of the Quiché nation. — It is of the doc-
trinal establishments of the order of San Fran-
cisco.
OLINTLA, « settlement of the head settlement
of the district of 'Teutalpan, and alcaldia mayor
of Zacatlan, in the same kingdom as the former.
OLITA, a settlement of the head settlement of
the district and alcaldia mayor of Acaponeta, in
the same kingdom as the former; situate on the
shore uf the river Caias, uine leagues s.w. of its
capital.
OLIVAR, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of 'Truxillo in Peru, founded in the
valley of Vir, near a chasm or quebrada, six
leagues from the settlement of 8, Pedro.
OLIVARES, an island of the 8, sea, near the
coast lying between the river La Plata and ihe
straitsof Magellan, within the port Deseado. It
is large, ofan oval tignre, and very near the coast.
It was named by the naval captain Don Joaquin de
Olivares, who discovered it in 1746, whilst re-
connoitring that coast by the king’s order, ac-
companied by Father Joseph Cardiel of the Je-
suits.
OLLACACHI, a settlement of the corregimiento
of the district of Las Cinco Leguas, of the city of
Quito.
OLLACHEA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Carabaya in Peru, in the vicinity
of which is a mountain called Ucuntaya, where,
in 1709, was discovered a silver mine, so rich as at
first to yield 4700 marks cach cavon. ‘These riches
were the leaders to great animosities, tumults, and
deaths; and whilst the archbishop and viceroy
Don Fr. Diego Morcillo was endeavouring to sup-
press the same, the top of the mine fell in one
night, and was so completely covered up that there
was noone of sufficient fortune to undertake work-
ing it anew.
OLLANTAT, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Calca and Lares in Peru.
OLLEROS, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Guailas, in the same kingdom as
the former; annexed to the curacy of Reguay.
OLuEnos, another settlement, with the dedi-
catory title of San Miguel, in the province and
corregimiento of Chachapoyas in the same king-
dom.
OieERos, another, of the province and cor-
regimtento of Guarochiri in the same kingdom.
OLLUCOS, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Popayan in the Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada, to the x. It rises.from the lake Guanacas in
2
OMA
ihe n. part, and, after collecting in its course the
waters of several othersy enters the Magdalena by
the w. shore. Its waters are always cold, dark-
coloured, and very unwholesome.
OLMECAS, an ancient nation of infidel In-
dians, who passed over from the province of Mex-
ico to establish themselves in that of Guatemala,
conquering this country and driving its natives
from out it, according to the tradition there, and
also the acconnt by the 77, Juan de ‘Torquemada,
in his book called the Indian Monarchy.
OLMOS, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Piura in Peru.
OLTO, a settlement of the province and corres
gimiento of T.uya and Chillaos in Peru.
OLTOCUITLA, San Juan pe, a setilement
and head settlement of the district of the province
and alcaldia mayor of San Salvador in the kingdom
of Guatemala. Its population is composed of
1500 Mexican Indians, including those of two
other settlements of its district.
OLUTLA, San Juan nr, a town of the head
settlement of the district and alcaldia mayor ot
Acayauca in Nueva Espaiia, of an hot and moist
temperature ; its commerce being wheat, maize,
and French beans, its productio.is, and more par-
ticularly thread of pita, which is sold to the other
jurisdictions. It contains 97 families of Indians,
and is one league s. ¢. of its capital or head settle-
ment,
OMACHA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Chilques and Masques in Peru.
OMAGUA, San Joaquin DE LA GRANDE, a
settlement of the missions which were held by the
Jesuits in the province and government of Mainas,
and kingdom of Quito. It contains more than 600
Indians; situate to the 2. of the river Marajion or
Amazonas, in lat. 4° 9/17" s,
OMAGUACAS, a nation of Indians of the pro-
vince and government of Paraguay, who having
been reduced to the Catholic faith by the Jesuits,
returned to their apostacy, putting to death the
missionaries and Spaniards, and twice destroying
the city of Xuxuy in the province of ‘Tucuman,
and so continued their hostilities for a period of
30 years, until that a commission to subjugate them
was given to Don Francisco Arganaecz, who re-
duced them to request anew some missionaries ;
and there were, accordingly, Appointee Father
Gaspar de Monrroy, and the brother Juan de To-
ledo, who in a very short space of tiie converted
600, and finally the whole of them, with the ex-
ception of Cacique Piltipicon, who, although bap-
tized in his youth, was, as a man, possessed of the
most abominable and vicious dispositions. He
irse thie
lena by
1, dark-
idel_In-
of Mex-
atemala,
; natives
ere, and
uemada,
and cor-
id corres
ettlement
province
kingdom
posed of
» of two
the head
nayor of
ind moist
t, maize,
nore par-
the other
Indians,
ad settle-
ince and
Peru.
RANDE, a
Id by the
f Mainas,
than 600
arahon or
f the pro-
o having
Jesuits,
leath the
estroying
‘ucuman,
period of
gate them
L who ree
sionarics ;
d Father
an de 'To-
converted
1 the exe
bugh bap-
sed of the
ons. He
OM é¢.
never failed to have a severe enmity against the
Spaniards, and was constantly endeavouring to put
to death the missionaries and the priests, and burn
the churches, until that the Father Monrroy, zeal-
ous in the cause of religion, and armed only with
his confidence, marched to find him, and having
met with him, addressed him in the following
words; ‘¢'Lhe interest | have taken in your hap
piness has made me offer myself naked before you
to an almost certain death; you cannot gain much
honour in killing me, a disarmed man. If, per
suaded by my solicitations, you spare me, the fruit
of our conversation will be yours, but if I die, an
immortal crown in heaven awaits me.” It pleased
God to touch the heart of the barbarian, he laid
down his arms, silently followed his adviser, and
became a steady and devout Catholic. In 1696
all the new converts near this nation were conveyed
to 'Tucumén, where they remained steady to the
faith. ‘The ex-jesuit Coleti confounds these Oma-
guacas with the Omaguas of the Marajion.
OMAGUAS, a barbarous nation of Indians, the
most numerous and extensive of any known in
America, with different names according to the
places it inhabits. ‘There are some who live in the
province of Venezuela, between the rivers Napo,
Curaray, Negro, and Putumayo, and who lived
formerly in the islands of the river Maraiion.
They are warlike, strong, faithful, courteous, and
of docile disposition; are at continual war with
the other nations, and have always been the con-
querors. ‘They were reduced to the Catholic re-
ligion in 1686, by Father Samuel Fritz, a German,
of the order of the Jesuits, an extraordinary
missionary and great mathematician. He found
amongst these Indians some degree of civilization :
they covered their nakedness, and lived in society,
(a circumstance which materially assisted their
conversion), and were convinced by the light of na-
ture of the propriety and truth of the doctrine
reached to them, and of the evils which must
be consequent upon their existing state of life,
Amongst their customs, the most singular was that
of compressing the head of the new-born infant
between two boards, so as to bring it to the shape
of a mitre: this being a mark which distinguished
them from all other nations. ‘The settlement of
San Joaquin is the principal, and contains more
than 600 inhabitants.
OMAGUASIETE, a barbarous nation of In-
dians, of the province and country of Las Amazo-
nas in S. America. ‘They are of the Omaguas,
and in their language the name means true
Omaguas.
OMARA, a small river of the province and
OMA ATT
country of Las Amazonas, in the Portuguese pos-
sessions. It rises between the rivers Yurbay and
Utay, runs x. n.w. and enters the right arm of the
second, a little before it runs into the Maraiion or
Amazon.
Omara, another river of this name, of the pro-
vince and captainship of Seara and kingdom of
Brazil, distinct from the former. It runs n. and
unites itself nearly at its mouth, where it enters the
sea wid the Hiperugh.
OMAS, a settlement of the province and corre-
gimicnto of Yauyos in Peru.
OMASUYOS, a province and corregimiento
of the kingdom of Peru; bounded 2, and 2.2.
Dy the province of Asangaro, 7. e. and e. by that
of Larecaja, the heights and cordilleras called De
Acama running between, s. by the city of La Paz
and province of Pacajas, and extending s.w. by
the lake Umamarca, a large arm of the principal
lake of 'Titacaca, since they communicate by the
strait of Tiquina; bounded also w. by the Great
lake, there being in this part a long strip of land.
It is 40 leagues long from n. to s. and from 16 to
20 wide; its temperature is cold, although the set-
tlement on either side of the Great lake, which runs
the whole length of this province, is somewhat
mild. Here breed all kinds of cattle and some
wild animals, horses, sheep, swine, haanacos, vi=
cuaas, foxes, viscachas, and of the wools of the
sheep the Indians make baizes, cloths, &c. and
from the wool of the native sheep, or huanacos,
various woven stuffs for clothing.
This province has different rivers, which flow
down from the cordillera, and enter the Great lake,
and which swell amazingly in the rainy seasons.
‘The productions are papas, ocas, bark, carahua,
and barley, and in some parts more temperate are
cultivated cabbages and flowers. Near 'lanahucas
are scen the vestiges of a large castle and fortress
of the times of the gentilism. It is of stone, and
looks upon the Great lake. The lake abounds in
fish, and water-fowl which breed in the rushes
which abound on the shores, islands, and bays.
Between the settlement of Huaico and that of
Carabuco is a ruined chapel, which was dedicated
to San Bartolomé, and where, according to ancient
tradition, this holy apostle appeared to preach to
the gentiles ; and on the grand altar of the chapel
of the last of the above-mentioned settlements is a
large cross of very strong wood, splinters of which
are sought by the faithful as relics and preserva-
tives against many dangers: this cross, it is thought,
was left by the said apostle to one of his disciples.
Between the settlements of Huarina and Puca-
rani is 1 field, called La Batalla, a name which it
478 OMA
has retained ever since the contlicts there of Gon-
zalo Pizzarro with the king’s army, which was
commanded by Diego Centeno, in 1547. In the
settlement of Copacavana, situate on the long strip
of land on the other side of the lake, is ve..erated
a most miraculous image of Nuestra Sciiora de la
Candelaria, placed there in 1583, It has a sump-
tuous and magnificent temple of beautiful archi-
tecture, and richly adorned, the same being the
sanctuary of the greatest worship and devotion in
Peru.
In the settlement of Huarina is a crucifix, with
the dedicatory ‘'.le of Seiior de las Batallas, which
was sent by the Emperor Charles V. and the mi-
raculous influence of which attracts the levotion of
many people of all those provinces.
In this province are gold mines, but they are
not worked; and in former times there were some
of silver which yielded abundantly. ‘To this pro-
vince belongs the island of Yitacaca, the most cele-
brated and notable in the lake. This is four leagues
from Copacavana, 34 leagues long, and having in
it 13 clefts or ravines, in which spring the most
delicious waters, also some well cultivated estates,
where, from the more mild state of the tempera-
ture, are produced some seeds, flowers, and fruits,
as well as seme cattle, wild rabbits, and doves.
By what can be seen in this island, which was an-
ciently held sacred, the account of the grandeur
and sumptuousness of the temple of the sun, and
the palace of the Inca, also of the fabulous origin
of the founder of the empire, likewise the assertion
that on the arrival of the Spaniards these build-
ings were destroyed, and that with their riches
they were thrown into the lake; such account and
assertion, we repeat, are not warranted, there not
appearing the least vestige whatever to support
them. ‘This, however, is by no means the case with
regard to Cuzco, ‘Tiahuanaco, and other parts ; the
ruins of such ancient and splendid edifices still re-
maining there, clearly proving that they once ex-
isted. ‘This lake may be navigated by vessels of any
size, however large ; and some years since a corre-
gidor built a bark, in which he crossed over to visit
the neighbouring provinces,
The inhabitants of this province should amount
to 45,000, divided ino eight settlements, the capi-
tal of the curacy, and with 10 settlements annexed.
The repartimiento made by the corregidor was
96,605 dollars, and it used to pay an alcabala or
centage of goods for sale of 772 dollars annually.
'The capital is the settlement of Achacache ; and
the other settlements are,
Huascho,
Carabuco,
Ancoraimes,
Santa Catalina,
OMO
Belen, Icacachi,
Tiquina, Pucarani,
Huarina, Lasca,
Santiago, Copacavana,
Llecllo, Ancomaya,
Tajara, Nuestra Seiiora de las
Santa Lucia, Peiias.
OMATHE, a very lofty mountain of the province
of Moquehua jn Peru, on the top of which is a
volcano, which exploded in 1600, inundating with
its lava near the whole of the province, and leav-
ing, barren many pieces of territory which were be-
fore cultivated : indeed the devastation reached as
far as Arequipa, a distance of 20 leagues ; nor was
the mischief there inconsiderable, since it lost
many of its settlements, which were completely
destroyed.
OmarTE, * settlement in the province aforesaid ;
annexed to the curacy of Puquina.
[OMEE, a corrupt name for the M1ami or
THE Lake; which sce. ‘The Miami towns on its
banks are called the Omee towns, or Au-Mi, by
the French Americans, as a contraction of Au
Miani. ]
[Omee Town, one of the Miami towns ; situate
ona pleasant point formed by the junction of the
rivers Miami and St. Joseph. ‘This town stood on
the bank of the latter, opposite the mouth of St.
Mary’s river, and was destroyed in General Har-
mar’s expedition, in 1790.
OMEREQUE, a settlement of the province and
government of Mizque in Peru.
OMETEPEC, a small isiand, situate on the
lake of Nicaragua.
OMETEPETL, an island of the lake of Mara-
caibo, the largest in this lake. Its name in the
language of the country signifies two sierras, from
two lofty mountains found in it; and making the
same it is necessary to pass two leagues by water,
Here are abugdance of cotton, centli, agi, French
beans, pumpkins, and many other truits of a
warm climate ; also small cattle and little monkeys
with white heads.
OMILTECAS, an ancient nation of Indians of
Nueva Espaiia, not now existing, as being con-
founded with other nations, It was conquered and
united to the Mexican empire by the Emperor
Axayacaitl.
OMOA, San Fernanno pe, a settlement of
the province of Yucatin, in the government and
by the gulf of Honduras ; situate on the shore of a
large convenient bay, with good soundings, and
with a river of excellent fresh water, which is con-
stantly taken in by vessels which come here to
load with indigo, ond other productions of the
le las
vince
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r with
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re bee
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esaid ;
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ONA
province. ‘The climate is so sickly that it is,
enerally speaking, reputed the worst in America.
t is of a hot and moist temperature, and is much
infested with mosquitoes and other insects. Not-
withstanding these disadvantages, the importance
of this bay, as lying between the gulf of Honduras
and that of Triunfo de la Cruz, induced the go-
vernment to build on it a castle. ‘This work was
undertaken by Lieutenant-general Don Joseph
Vazquez Priego in 1752, but he died in a few days
after his arrival, and his example was followed by
most of those who had attended him; but in 1775,
during the presidency of Dor Martin de Mayorga,
it was at last finished by the engineer Don Joseph
Firminor, and for its garrison a battalion of eight
companies of infantry was formed in Europe in
1777, four companies of which were to be on duty
at the castle, whilst the other was, alternately, at
rest in the cit of San Pedro Lula. The com-
mander of these troops was ihe Lieutenant-colonel
Don Joseph de Estacheria; but he, fearful of his
health, so arranged matters that during the war
the castle was defended by some dragoons instead
of his own men.
OMOBAMBA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Larecaja in Peru ; annexed to the
curacy of Charazani.
OMONESES, Rio pe Los, a river of the pro-
vince and captainship of Seara in Brazil. 1t enters
we between the serra Salada and the port of
Jello.
OMPOMPANOOSUCK, a short, furious river
of Vermont, which empties into the Connecticut
at Norwich, opposite to Dartmouth college. Its
course is s.¢.; its breadth not more than 40 or 50
Rael
ONA, a settlement of the province and corregi-
miento of Loxa in the kingdom of Quito; situate
on the great road from Loxa to Popayan. ‘Thirty-
six miles 2. by e. of the city of Loxa, and 34 s.
by w. of Cuenca,
ONABAS, a settlement of the province of Osti-
muri in Nueva Espaiia, on the shore and at the
source of the river Hiaqui, between the settlements
of Tonichi and Nure.
ONAKANNA, a river of the county of Hudson
in N, America. It runs x. and enters the sea in
the bay of its name.
ONAPA, a settlement of the province of Osti-
muri. ‘Ten leagues 7. of the river Chico.
ONATIAYO, or OnEaATOYo, an island in the
S. Pacific ocean, Lat. 9° 58's. Long, 138° 51! w. |
ONAUAS, a barbarous nation of Indians of the
provmce and government of Cinaloa in N. Ame-
ONE 479
nem they dwell in the sierras of the Nebomas
Itos.
ONCARI, a river of the province and country
of Las Amazonas, in the territory or part occupied
by the Portuguese. It becomes an arm of the
Madera, and then flows into one of the main large
pools or lakes of this province.
DA. See Viscent deta Pazes. |
NDORES, a large settlement of the province
and corregimiento of Tarma in Peru; situate on the
shore of the lake Chinchaycocha, between this
and the river Pari; near it is another small settle-
ment annexed to its curacy, called Ullumayo,
where there is a fort and garrison to restrain the
Chunchos Indians, who border close upon this
part. This settlement is 19 miles 7. w. of the city
of ‘arma.
[ONEEHOW, one of the Sandwich islands in
the N. Pacific ocean, called also Neeheeheow, about
five or six leagues to the w. of Atooi. There
is anchorage all along the coast of the island.
It produces plenty of yams, and a sweet root
called tee, Lat. 21° 50’ n. Long. 160° 15! w.]
ONEIDA Lake is about 16: miles w. of old fort
Stanwix, now called Rome, state of New York,
and is 20 miles long, and narrow. It is connected
with lake Ontario on the w. by Oswego river, and
with fort Stanwix by Wood creek. }
ONEIDAS, a barbarous nation of Indians of
Canada in N. America. They are worthy of
note for the answer which they made to the depu-
ties of the United States, when these solicited their
alliance to sustain the war against the English;
and the sum of it was to say, that a war between
brothers was a thing entirely new and strange to
them, as by their traditions no such thing was ever
related ; that parties in such a situation should
pray to heaven to remove from them the clouds of
darkness which shadowed tneir eyes, a reasoning,
forsooth, not unworthy of more enlightened na-
tions.
[Their principal village, Kahnonwolohale, is
about 20 miles s. w. of Whitestown. These In-
dians, for a number of years past, have been under
the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Kirkland, who,
with the Rey, Mr, Sarjeant, have been chiefly sup-
ported in their mission by the society established
in Scotland for promoting Christian knowledge.
‘This nation receives an annuity from the state
of New York of 3552 dollars for lands purchased
of them in 1795, and an annuity of about 628 dol-
lars from the United States. With these annui-
ties, (which operate as a discouragement to indus-
try) together with the corn, beans and potatoes
480 ONI
raised by the squaws, and the fish and game
caught by the men, afford them a barely tolerable
subsistence. They are a proud nation, and affect
to despise their neighbours, the Stockbridge and
Brotherton Indians, for their attention to agricul-
ture; but they already begin to feel their depend-
ence on them, and are under a necessity of pur-
chasing provisions of them, ‘The nation is di-
vided into three tribes or clans, by the names of
the Wolf, the Bear, and the ‘Turtle. ‘They have
their name from their pagan deity, which some few
of the nation still worship, and which is nothing
more than a misshapen, rude, cylindrical stone, of
about 120 pounds weight, in their language called
Oneida, which signifies the upright stone. For-
merly this stone was placed in the crotch of a
tree, and then the nation supposed themselves in-
vincible. These Indians are all of mixed blood ;
there has not been a pure Oneida for several years
ast.
rONEMACK Point is the s.w. point of the con.
tinent of N. America, on the 2. w. coast, and the
s. limit of Bristol bay. It is 82 leagues s. s. w.
of cape Newenham, or the 7. point of that exten-
sive bay; and in lat. 54° 30! x. |
ONEOCHQUAGE, a settlement of the pre-
vince of Pennsylvania, situate on the shore of the
e. arm of the river Susquehanna.
ONGOI, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimientc of Andahuallas in Peru.
ONGOL, a pleasant and fertile U/anura of the
kingdom of Chile, on which is situate the city of
Los Confines, called also Ongol or Angol: it is
washed on the xz. by the rivers Claro and Pus
changi, and on the s. by the Vergara. It is of a
very benign and delightful climate, but little cul-
tivated for want of inhabitants.
ONGOLMO, an extensive, fertile, and beauti-
ful valley of the kingdom of Chile, in the territory
of the infidel Araucanos Indians, celebrated for
the assembly made in it by Caupolican and the
other caciques, to treat on points of war against
the Spaniards.
ONGON OSAQUI, a settlement of the pro-
vince and corregimiento of Caxamarquilla in Peru.
ONGOS, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Castro Virreyna, in the same king-
dom as the former, annexed to the curacy of Vi-
nac in the province of Yauyos.
ONGUISIA, a small river of the province and
government of Mainas in ihe kingdom of Quito.
It runs w. and enters the Putumayo.
O-NIMAMOU, a habour on the s. e. coast of
Ulietea, oncof the Society islands, in the S. Paci-
ONN
It is n. e. of Ohetuna harbour, on the
fic ocean.
same coast,
ONINGO, a settlement of Indians of the pro-
vince and country of the Iroquees, in N. America,
and in the district of the nation of the Mesagues,
[ONION, Cape, on the s. w. side of Newfound-
land island, is about four leagues w. of Quirpon
island, or the n. point of that extensive island.
Onion River, in the state of Vermont, former!
called French River, and by the Indians Winosk1,
rises in Cabot, about nine miles to the w. of Con-
necticut River, and is navigable for small vessels
five miles from its mouth, in lake Champlain, be-
tween the towns of Burlington and Colchester,
and for boats between its several falls. It is one of
the finest streams in Vermont, and runs through a
most fertile country, the produce of which for se.
veral miles on each side of the river is brought
down to the lake at Burlington. It is from 20 to
30 rods wide 40 miles from its mouth, and its de-
scent in that distance is 172 feet, which is about,
four feet to the mile. Between Burlington and
Colchester this river has worn thtough a solid
rock of lime-stone, which in some time of remote
nutiquity must have formed at this place a prodi-
gious cataract. ‘I'he chasm is between 70 and 80
feet in depth at low water, and in one place 70 feet
from rock to rock, where a wooden bridge is
thrown across, At Bolton there is a chasm of the
same kind, but somewhat wider, and the rock is at
least 130 feet in height. From one side several
rocks have fallen across the river, in such a man-
ner as to form a natural bridge at low wate”, but in
a situation to be an object of curiosity ony. It
was along this river that the Indians formerly tra-
velled from Canada, when they made their attacks
on the frontier settlements on Connecticat a aah
ONNEYOUTHS, a canton of Indians, or tribe
of the nation of the lroquees, in Canada. ‘The French
were at war with them for a long time, and these,
being tired out with their great losses, sent some
deputies to the French to make terms of peace, and
to request that they would send amongst them
some missionaries to instruct them in religion ; and
to this end were destined the Fathers Brugas, Fran-
cisi and Garnier, in 1668. Their coaversion lasted
but a short time, for they soon returned to their
idolatry, and again waged war with the French,
and were sadly worsted by the Marquis de Vau-
drevil in 1696, and were, in short, obliged to renew
the peace.
ONNONTAGUES, a canton of Iroquees In-
dians, or tribe of this nation, in Canada; who
became voluntarily reduced to the faith, request-
n the
pro-
erIC’,
ues,
ound
irpon
d.
merly
noski,
’Con-
vessels
n, be-
1ester,
one of
igh a
for se»
rought
20 to
its de-
about.
mn and
. solid
remote
prodi-
and 80
70 feet
idge is
1 oF the
ck is at
several
attacks
peril
or tribe
French
1 these,
t some
ce, and
t them
bn ; and
s, Fran-
n lasted
to their
French,
le Vau-
o renew
hees In-
a; who
request-
ONO
ing missionaries in 1655. ‘To them were sent
by the French the Fathers Chaumont and Dab-
lon, Jesuits; and in the following year an es-
tablishment was formed to trade with them for
skins, which was furnished by 50 men under Mon-
sieur Dupies, an officer of the garrison of Quebec,
and appointed by the governor of this place.
ONOCUTURE, a setilesient of the Manos of
Cazanare and Meta in the Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada; composed of Indians of the Aguas nation,
but who abandoned it in 1666, removing their
abode to a spot between the rivers Micta, Atanari,
and Casiriacuti.
ONOHUALCO, an ancient province of Nueva
Espada in the time of the Indien gentilism, an-
ciently peopled by Quetzalcoiiuatl, chief of the
Tultccas, It was very extensive, and compre-
hended the provinces at present called Campeche,
Yucatén, and Tabasco,
[ONONDAGO Castle, on the Onondago Re-
servation lands in the state of New York, is 25
miles w. s. w. of Oneida castle. }
[OnonpaGo or Saur Lake, in the state of
New York, is about five miles long and a tnile
broad, and scnds its waters to Seneca river. The
waters of the salt springs here are capable of pro-
ducing immense quantities of salt. One person
near the lake boiled down at the rate of 50 bushels
a week, in the year 1792, which he sold for 5s. a
bushel; but any quantity may be made, and ata
less price. These springs are in the state reserva-
tion, and are a great benefit to the country, every
part of which is so united by lakes and rivers
as to render the supply of this bulky and necessary
article very easy. |
[OnonbaGo, or Osweco, a river of New
York, which rises in the Oneida lake, and rans
w. into lake Ontario at Oswego. It is boatable
from its mouth ta. the head of the lake, 74 miles,
except a fall which occasions a portage of 20
yards, thence batteaux go up to Wood creek,
almost to fort Stanwix, or Rome, whence there is
a portage of a mile to Mohawk river. ‘Toward
the head of this river salmon are caught in great
nunihers, |
[Ononvaco, a county of New York state;
consisting of military lands divided into LI town-
ships, viz. Homer, Pompey, Manlius, Lysander,
Marcellus, Ulysses, Milton, Scipio, Aurelius,
Ovid, and Romulus. Some of these compres
hend other towns, as will be noticed under their
respective names. The country is bounded w.
by Ontario county, and 2. by lake Ontario,
the Onondago river, and Oneida lake. The county
VOL, IL.
ONT 481
courts are held in the village of Aurora, in the
township of Scipio, This county is admirably
situated for inland navigation, being intersected by
the two navigable rivers Seneca and Oswego, hav-
ing besides five lakes and a number of crecks,
For an account of the reserved lands, see Mutt
TARy Townships. ‘There were 1323 of the inha-
bitants qualified to be etectors in 1796, as appears
by the state census. |
[OnxonnaGo, formerly the chief town of the
Six Nations; situated ina very pleasant and fruit-
ful country, and consisted of five small towns or
Villages, about 30 miles s. w. of eon
[ONONDAGOES, a tribe of Indians who live
near Onondago lake. About 20 years since they
could furnish 260 warriors. In 1779; a regiment
of men was sent from Albany, by Gen. I. Clinton,
who surprised the town of this tribe, took 53 pri-
soners, killed 12 or 14, and returned without the
loss of aman, A part of the Indians were then
ravaging the American frontiers. This nation,
which now consists of 450 souls, receives annually
from the state of New York 2000 dollars; and
from the United States about 450 ramets
[ONSLOW, a maritime county of Wilming-
ton district, N. Carolina, w. of cape Lookout,
Tt contains 5587 inhabitants, including 1748 slaves,
Chief town Swansborough. ]
[Onstow, a township of Nova Scotia, Halifax
county, at the head of the basin of Minas, 35
miles 7. e. of Windsor, and 462. by w. of Halifax.
It was settled by emigrants from New England. |
[ONTARIO, one of that grand chain of lakes
which divide the United States from Upper Ca-
nada. Tt is situated between lat. 43° 9! and 44°
10’ n. and long. 76° 20’ and 80° zw. Its form is
nearly elliptical 5 its greatest length is from s. w.
ton. e. and its circumference about 600 miles.
The division line between the state of New York
and Canada, on the n. passes through this lake
and leaves within the United States 2,390,000
acres of the water of lake Ontario, according to
the calculation of Mr. Hutchins. It abounds with
fish of an excellent flavour, among which are the
Oswego bass, weighing three or four pounds.
Its banks in many places are steep, and the s.
shore is covered principally with beech-trees, and
the lands appear good. It communicates with
lake Erie by the river Niagara. It receives the
waters of Genessce river from the s. and of Onan-
dago or Oswego at fort Oswego, from thes. e. by
which it communicates through Oneida lake, and
Wood creck, with the Mohawk river. On then. e.
the lake discharges itself into the river Cataraqui,
3a
os
~
2S
Ne IEP
eg Ae OR TT ie Te I A ac wn
482 OPA
(which at Montreal takes the. name of St. Law-
rence) into the Atlantic ocean. It is assorted that
these lakes fill once in seven years! but the fact is
doubted, ‘The islands are all at the e. end, the
chicf of which are Wolf, Amherst, Gage, and
Howe islands. |
LOnrario, a large, fertile county of New
York, comprehending the Genessee country, and
bounded 2. by the lake of its name. It is well
watered by Genessce river, its tributaries, and a
number of small lakes. Here are cight townships,
viz. Genessee, Krwine, Jerusalem, Williamsburg,
Toulon, Seneca, Bloomfield, and Canadaqua, or
Kanandaigua, which is the last chief town, situated
at the 2. w. corner of Canandarqua lake, 15 miles
w. of Geneva, and 23 n.¢. of Williamsburg,
This county was taken trom Montgomery in 1789,
and in 1790 contained 1075 inhabitants, including
Ll slaves. Such has been the emigration to this
country, that there were, in 1796, 1258 of the
inhabitants who were qualidicd to be electors. ]
ONTUEROS., See Crupap Rean,
ONZAGA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Tunja in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada. Its district. enjoys various tempera-
tures, and it accordingly produces all the different
fruits peculiar to its climates, such as maize, plan-
tains, sugar-canes, arracachas, &c. It is situate
in the high road leading to San Gil, Socorro,
Jiron, and Ocaiia, is very reciced and poor, con-
taining 50 housekeepers and 30 Indians, and is
24 leagues from its capital.
[ONZAN, a cape or point on the 7. coast of
Brazil, opposite to cape St. Lawrence, forming
together the points of Laguariba river ; the latter
cape being on the w. side of the river. ‘The river
is 10 leagues s. e. by e. of Bahia Baxa. }
ONZOLKES, a large and abundant river of the
province and government of Msmeraldas in the
kingdom of Quito. It runs from s. to 2. and
enters the San Miguel where this runs into the 8.
sea, in lat. 58° 2,
[OONALASHKA, one of the islands of the x.
archipelago, on the x. w. coast of America, the
natives of which have the appearance of being a
very peaceable people, being much polished by
the Russians, who also keep them in subjection.
There is a channel between this and the land to
the 2. about a mile broad, in which are sound.
ings from 40 to 27 fathoms, Lat. 53° 40! 2.
Long. 167° 20' w.
OPAHUACHO, a settlement of the province
and corregimiento of Parinacochas in Peru, an-
nexed to the curacy of Pacca.
2
OPO
OPAM, a settlement of the provinoe and corre.
gimiento of Cuenca in the kingdom of Quito; an-
nexed to the curacy of Ozogues. In its district is
a large estate, called Chuqnipata.
OPANO. Sce Urano.
OPECKON, a river of the province and colony
of Virginia in N. Carolina. It runs 7. 2. e. and
enters the Patowmack,
OPICO, San Juan pe, a settlement and head
settlement of the district of the alcaldia mayor of
Santa Ana in the kingdom of Guatemala, [thas
three settlements annexed to its curacy.
OPITAMA, a settlement of the province and
government of Antioquia inthe Nuevo Reyno de
Granada, near the source of the river Cauca,
OPLOCA, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Chichas and Tarija in Peru; of
the district of the former, and annexed to the cu-
racy of ‘Tupisa.
OPOPEO, a settlement of the alcaldia mayor
of Valladolid in the province and bishopric of
Mcchoacin, and kingdom of Nueva Espaiia; an-
nexed to the curacy of Cobre. It contains 34 In-
dian familics, and is half a Teague distant from
Cobre.
OPPON, some very lofty mountains which
run from the province and government of Popayan
to that of Santa Marta in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada, being a branch of the grand cordillera
of the Andes.
‘They are inhabited by some bar-
barous nations of the Panches Indians, and the
first who passed over them was @onzalo Ximenez
de Quesada, in 1536. They are rugged and full
of thick woods; and from them descend to the w.
many streams, which form the source of the grand
river Magdalena, Some confound these moun-
tains of Oppon with those of Bogoté, which di-
vide the Nuevo Reyno de Granada from the U/anos
or plains of the Orinoco, and run in a direction
from s, w. to ne.
‘Oprvon, a river of the same province and kings
dom as are the above mountains. It rises in the
valley of Alferez, runs n. and, forming a lake,
follows a short course to enter the Magdalena.
Opron, another, a small river, in the province
and government of Mainas of the same kingdom,
in the sterras of Perija, It rans e. and enters the
great lake of Maracaibo by the w. side.
COPPS, a village in Northampton county, Penn-
sylvania, six miles s. e. of Bethlehem, and about
seven x by e. of Quaker’s town. |
OPOSTURA, a settlement of the province of
Ostimuri in Nueva Espaiia ; situate 40 leagues to
the 7. of the rea/ of mines of the Rio Chico.
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ORA
OPTOQUE. Sce Oroaue.
OPUTU, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Ostimuri in Nueva Hspaia. Forty-
two leagues 2.2. e. of the read of mines of the
Rio Chico.
COR, Cape D’, in Nova Scotia, is situate.on the
n, side of the basin of Minas. Some smali pieces
cf copper have been found here. |
[ORA Cantca Bay, onthe a. side of the island
of Jamaica in the W. Indies, has a strong fort
on the e, side, and Salt gut w. ; at both these places
is good anchorage for large vessels. |
ORACHICILE, a settlement of the province
and government of Venezuela, and kingdom of
Granada, ¢. of the city of Barquisimeto.
ORADADA, a point of the coast in the pro-
vince and government of Cartagena, and Nuevo
Reyno de Granada ; one of those which form the
bay of Zipato.
ORANAL, or Rawat, one of the Sandwich
islands in the N. Pacific ocean, nine miles from
Mowee and Morotoi. ‘The s. point is in lat.
20° 51’ n. and long. 157° I’ w. |
ORANAYA, a fall of the river Madera, in the
province and country of Las Amazonas. — It lies
etween the rivers Erena and Guiaparana on the s.
and the Chamari and Mamoroni on the 2.
[ORANG’S Key, one of the Bahama islands,
in the W. Indies. Lat. 24° 36’ 2. Long.
79° 12' w.]
ORANGE, a cape or point of hand of the coast
of the N. sea, inthe province and government of
Guayana, in the part which was possessed by the
French; it forms the e. side of the river Oyapok
or Vincent Pincon’s bay. Lat. 4° 18’ 350” x.
Long. 51° 13’ w.
OranGe, another point of thes. coast of the
straits of Magellan, close to the point Anegada,
which is one of those forming the great bay of
Lomas.
ORANGE, a sinall port on the coast of the island
of Newfoundland, in the Blanche bay.
OraANGE, a shoal or isle of the N. sea, near the
coast of S$. Domingo, in the part possessed by the
French between the point Pasqual and the island
of Jaquin.
Oranae, a settlement of the Dutch, in their
possessions in Guayana, and in the colony of Su-
rinam ; situate on the coast beiween the rivers Su-
rinam and Marowine.
[OranGe, a bay on the v. e. coast of the island
of Jamaica, e. 2. ¢. of the high mountain, a little
within land, under which is Crawford’s town.
Also a bay at the x. w. end of the same island, be-
ORA 483
tween Green island 7, and N. Negril harbour s.
ors. w. |
[OranGe Key, or Cay, a small island of
Orange bay, at the n. w. end of the island of Ja-
maica. |
tba a county of Vermont, which in
1790 contained 10,529 inhabitants. Since that
time sevezal other counties have been erected out
of it. It is bounded w. by part of Addison and
Chittenden counties, and e. by Jonnecticut river,
It now contains 20 townships. ‘The county town,
Newbury, and the townships s. of it, viz. Brad-
ford, Fairlee, and ‘Thetford, front Connecticut
river. Itis high land, and sends numerous streams
in opposite directions, both to Connecticut river
and to lake Mages paar
(Orance, a township on the x. line of the
above county, in the 2, e. corner of which is
Knox’s mountain. ]
(OnanGe, formerly Cardigan, a township in
Grafton county, New Hampshire, which gives
rise to an e. branch of Mascomy river. It was ine
corporated in 1796, contains 131 inhabitants, and
is 20 miles e. of Dartmouth college.
[Onance, atownshipof Massachusetts ; situated
on the ¢. line of Hampshire county, on Miller’s
river, 94 niles x. w. by w. of Boston. It was in-
corporated in 1783, and contains 784 inhabitants. ]
fOranGe, a mountainous and hilly county of
New York, which contains all that part of the
state bounded s, by the state of New Jersey, w.
by the state of Pennsylvania, e. by the middle of
Hudson’s river, and 2. by ane. and w. line from
the middle of Murderer’s creek. It is divided
into cight townships, of which Goshen is the chief,
and contains 18,492 inhabitants, of whom 2098 are
electors, and 966 slaves. In this county are raised
large quantities of excellent butter, which is col-
lected at Newburgh and New Windsor, and thence
transported to New York. On the». side of the
mountains in this county is a very valuable tract
called the Drowned Lanis, containing about 40 or
50,000 acres, ‘The waters which descend trom
the surrounding hills, being but slowly discharged
by the river issuing from it, cover these vast mea-
dows every winter, and render them extremely fer-
tile; but they expose the inhabitants of the vici-
nity tointermittents, Walkill river, which pas-
ses through this tract and empties into Hudson’s
river, is, in the spring, stored with very large
eels in great plenty. ‘The bottom of this river is a
broken rock ; and it is supposed that for 2000/.
the channel might be deepened so as to drain off
the waters, and thereby redeem from the floods a
3Q2
484 ORA
large tract of rich land for grass, hemp, and Ine
dian corn. ]
Oranae, called also ORANGEDALE, a town
in Essex county, New Jersey, containing about 80
houses, a Presbyterian church, and a flourishing
academy, aud lies x. w. of Newark, adjoining. |
[Orance, a county of Hillsborough district,
N. Carolina; bounded 2. by Caswell county, and
s by Chatham. The rivers Haw and Enoc in this
county bave rich lands on their borders. It cons
tains 12,216 inhabitants, of whom 2060 are slaves.
Chief town, Hillsborongh. |
[OnanGe, a county of S, Carolina, in Orange-
burg district. ]
(Orance, a county of Virginia, bounded 2,
by Culpepper, and s. by Albemarle. It contains
9921 inhabitants, including 4421 slaves. The
court-house is situated 17 miles from Culpepper
court-house, and $0 from Charlotteville. |
(ORANGEBURG, a district of S. Carolina,
bounded s. w. by Savanna river; e. by the river
Santee, and 2, e. by the Congarce, which divide it
from Camden district; s. by Beaufort, and s.e.
by Charleston district. It contains 18,513 inha-
bitants ; of whom 5931 are slaves. Sends to the
state legislature 10 representatives and three sena-
tors ; and with the district of Beaufort, one mem-
ber to congress. It is divided into four coun-
ties, viz. Lewisburg, Orange, Lexington, and
Winton.]
(OranGeBurG, a post town of S. Carolina,
and capital of the above district, is on the e. side
of the. branch of Edisto river. It has a court-
house, gaol, and about 50 houses; distant 60
miles 7. 2. w. of Charlestowi, and 33 s. of Co-
jumbia.
[ORANGETOWN, or Greennanp, a plant-
ation in Cumberland county, Maine, x. w. of
Waterford. One branch of Songo river rises in
the n. part of this plantation, within about three
miles of Amariscoggin river, where there is a
pond two miles long, called Songo Pond, from
thence the stream runs s. It is very difficult to
effect roads through this mountainous country ;
some of the mountains affording precipices 200
feet perpendicular. ‘The sides of the mountains
and valleys are fertile, produce good crops, and in
some instances afford wild onions, which resemble
those that are cultivated. Winter rye, which
is the chief produce, has amounted to 20 bushels
an acre. The country in the neighbourhood
formerly abounded with variety of game, viz.
moose, deer, bears, beaver, racoon, sable, &c. ;
but since it has been inhabited game has become
O RC
scarce; deer are extirpated from the vicinity ;
some moose remain among the mountains, and a
few beaver, that are too sagacious to be taken by
the most crafty hunter, Since the deer have been
destroyed, the wolves have wholly left this part of
the country. ]
[OnaAnGcrrowN, in Orange county, New York,
is situated on the w. side of the Tappan sea, op-
oni Philipsburgh, and about 27 miles n. of
ew York city. ‘Ihe township is bounded e. by
Hudson’s river, and s. by the state of New Jersey.
It contains 1175 inhabitants, of whom 162 are
electors, and 208 are slaves.
[Orancetrown,in Washington county, Maine,
is 19 miles distant from Machias. ]
ORANO, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Santa Marta in the KR uevo Reyno de
Granada, of the division and district of the Rio
del Hacha; situate on the coast.
ORAPE, a river of the province and governe
ment of Venezucla, in the same kingdom as the
former settlement. It rises s. of the city of Nirta,
and shortly after unites itself with the Coronel to
enter the 'Tinaco.
ORAPU, a river of the province and govern-
ment of Guayagya, in the French possessions.
ORATORIO, a settlement of the province and
government of Tucuman in Peru; situate on the
shore of the river Dulce.
ORAUIA, a settlement of the missions which
were held by the Jesuits, in the province and go-
vernment of Mainas, and kingdom of Quito; si-
tuate on the s, shore of the river Napo, about 100
miles before this river enters Marafion or Amazon,
in the country and territory of the Abijiras Indians.
ORCHILLA, or Unciinna, asmall island of
the N. sea, situate near the coast of the province
and government of Venezuela in the Nuevo Rey-
no de Granada, opposite the mouth of the river
Unare. It isof a low territory and semicircular
figure, desert and uncultivated, the soil being bar-
ren, although it has some good pastures as well on
the e. as the w. side, where there are two hills
forming points or promontories, and having a few
goats browsing on their sides.
In the part looking s. w. the shore is very bold,
rinning down as though it were a wall, so much
sothat ships may come up almost close tothe land.
Inthe 2. w. part it is nothing but a barren wild, not
only destitute of trees but of every kind of plant
and herbage. It is very scant of water, and the
only animals it produces are goats and lizards.
Around this island are several small isles or rocks,
the largest of which are Tortuga and Roxa,
pity 5
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ORD
[The navigation about these islands is very dif-
ficult and dangerous. As they stretch from e. to
w. and consequently lie all very nearly in the same
Jatitude, the mariner, without local knowledge,
when once entangled among them, cannot, from
his solar observations alone, determine exacily
one fromanother. ‘The currents likewise in this sea
are not only very variable, but violent also, In the
course of a few dark hours a vessel is swept down
upon a danger which journals and observations had
concurred in placing still far distant ; and, besides
this, vessels have been known to have drifted upon
Orchilla in a dead calm, notwithstanding all the
efforts of the crew in their boats to keep her off.
It is therefore thought that it would be far prefer-
able for vessels bound to Curagoa to keep well
do th 2. until near Buenayre ; er otherwise at
once to penetrate and keep to leeward of the whole
chain, even should they sce the mainlaad of Ame-
rica, After making cape Codera, or the high
mountains above La Guayra, the course is simple,
and the prevailing winds favourable, for Curagoa.
‘The same observations will apply to vessels bound
to La Guayra: they should endeavour, as soon as
possible, to get a sight of the continent cf America,
to thee. of the island of Margarita, tie passage
between this island and the main being full of
danger, without an experienced pilot on board. ]
Orchilla is in tong. 66° 9’ w. Lat. 11° 52! 2.
ORCHOCOCHA, a lake of the province and
corregimiento of Yauyos in Peru, from whence
rises the river Pisco.
ORCO-PAMPA, a settlement of the province
and corregimiento of Condesuyos in Peru; annexed
to the curacy of Andahua,
ORCOS, a llanura of the province and corregi-
miento of Cuzco in Peru, from whence it is distant
six leagues. ‘Towards the s. it has a lake cele-
brated on account of a tradition, that into it was
thrown the wonderful gold chain, called in the
Inca tongue curi-huate, which was made by com-
mand of the Emperor Huayana-Capac to grace
the festivities of his first-born, and who was from
this circumstance called [Hluascar-Inca, whereas
his name would otherwise have been Cusi-H uallpa,
Many Spaniards have endeavoured to make canals
whercby to empty this lake and to find the above
treasure, but always without effect, on account of
its great depth, this being more than 25 fathoms.
From this lake the river Pisco rises.
fORDADO Rock, near the coast of Peru, is
four miles s. by e. of port Calloa. Near it are
some smaller ones, and round then from nine to
16 fathoms water.
ORDONEZ, a settlement of the province and
ORG 485
government of Cartagena in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada ; situate on the sea-coast in Toli bay,
It belongs tothe districtand jurisdiction ofthis town.
C[OREAHOU, or Ortenou, a small elevated
island, close to the . side of Oneeheow, one of
the Sandwich islands; with which it is connected
by a reef of coral rocks. It contains about 4000
inhabitants, Lat. 22° 2'n, Long, 160° 8! w.]
[OREGAN River, See River or tun West. ]
OREGUATUS, a barbarous nation of Indians
of the province and country of Las Amazonas,
who dwell on the shore of the river Madera,
OREJON ES, a barbarous nation of Indians of
the province and government of Paraguay in
Peru, called also Yaraces, this being the name of
a large island inhabited by them in the lake of
Los Xarayes, the said lake being more than nine
leagues from n.tos. These Indians are called
Orejones from their having ears extremely large,
and drawn down by weighty ornaments suspended
tothem. ‘They are very numerous, dwell in the
islands about here, and also on the continent to
the n. w.
ORELLANA. See Maranon.
ORELLUDGS, a river of the province and
country of Las Amazonas, which rises in the ter-
ritory of the Indians of this name, runs s. s. e. and
turning tothe s, enters at the end of its course into
the Yupura or Caqueta.
Orevuunpos, a river of the island of Guadalupe,
one of the Antilles, which rises in the mountains to
thee. runs to this rhumb, and enters the sea between
the rivers Grand Carbet and Grand Bananiers.
ORFELEINS, Bank of, in the gulf of St. Law-
rence. See OreuHans,
CORFORD, a township in Grafton county,
New Hampshire ; situated on the ¢. bank of Con-
necticut river, about 11 miles 2. of Hanover, and
opposite to Fairlee in Vermont. It was incorpo-
rated in 1761, and contains 540 inhabitants. The
soap-rock, which has the property of fuller’s earth
in cleansing cloth, is found here; also alum ore,
free-stone fit for building, and a grey-stone, in
great demand for mill-stones, reckoned equal in
quality to the imported burr stones. |
[Orrorp Cape, in the 2. westernmost point of
the large island to the w. of Falkland’s sound in
the Falkland’s islands, in the S. Atlantic ocean,
and s, e, of cape Percival. ]
[Orrorn, a cape on the 2. w. coast of N. Ame-
rica; situate between cape Mendocino and cape
Flattery, in lat. 42° 54’n. and long. 124° 31! w.}
ORGANOS, some rocky shoals of the N. sea,
on the 2. coast of the island of Cuba, close to the,
shoals of S. Isabel.
eee pects
—_
~
SS ee
es
‘
Ps
;
hi
486 ORI
ORGAOS, Sierra vos, some mountains of
the province and captainship of Rio Janeiro in
Brazil, which run froma. 2. e. to s. s. w. follows
ing the course of the river Paraiba del Sur, near
the coast and cape ‘Trio.
ORI, a river of the province and government
of Guayana or Nueva Andalucia, which rises in
the country of the Armacotos Indians, runs 2. e.
and enters the Paraguay.
Ong, another, a small river in the same pro-
vince and government, which rises in the territory
ofthe Caribes Indians, at a great distance from the
former river, and enters the Arivi.
ORIA, a river of the province and government
of Veragua in the kingdom of Tierra Firme, It rises
in the mountains tothes, and running to this rhumb,
enters the sea in a bay a little before point Mala,
ORIBANTHS, or Sienna, a river of the pro-
vince and government of Maracaibo in the Nuevo
Reyno de Granada. It rises at the foot of the
sierra Nevada, to the s. of the city of Merida,
runs ina serpentine course for many leagues, and
changing its name to Apure, enters much swollen
into the Orinoco.
(ORICARO, Sesastian pe, more properly
called Ocumare; which see. |
ORIGINAL, a small river of Canada in N,
America, which runs 2. and enters the lake Supe-
rior, between the point Carbet and the river ‘Ton-
nagane.
ORIGUECA, a large and rich settlement of the
rovince and government of Santa Marta in the
Nucvo Reyno de Granada; situate in an extensive
Hanura, It was peopled with ‘Taironas Indians,
bat their numbers have been so muca diminished
that it is now a very mean place.
ORINO, an ancient settlement of the same pro-
vince and kingdom as the former, in a pleasant and
tertile spot ; oncealarge town of Guajiros Indians,
but now consisting of a few straggling houses of
some wretched inhabitants.
ORINOCA, asettlement of the province and
corregimicnio of Carangas in Peru, and of the
archbishopric of Charcas ; annexed to the curacy
of Andamarca.
ORINOCO, a large, navigable, and most abun-
dant river of the Nuevo Reyno de Granada, and 8,
America, one of the four largest rivers on the con-
tinent. It rises in the sierras Nevadas to the 7.
of the lake Parime, in the province of Guayana,
according to the discovery made by order of t’ >
court by Admiral Don Joseph de Iturriaga, anu
by the informations received trom the Caribes In-
dians, proving erroneous the origin given to it by
the Father Joseph Gumilla, the Jesuit, in his
ORI
book entitled *¢ Orinoco [llustrado,” as also the
origin given it by the ex-jesuit Coleti, namely, in
the province of Mocoa, in lat. 1° 21/2. [The fact
is, that according to the more recent and best ace
counts, it should appear to rise in the séerra lber-
moqueso, from a small lake called Ipava, which is,
agreeably with the account of our author, in the
province of Guayana. |
Thigeriver runs more than 600 leagues, recciy-
ing in its extended course an exceeding number of
other rivers, which swell it to an amazing size,
and it proceeds to empty itself into the seca oppo-
site the island of Trinidad, by seven different
mouths, forming various isles, namely, the Oroto-
mecas or Palomas, so called from a barbarous na-
tion of Indians of this name inhabiting them.
The Orinoco bears the name of Iscaute until it
passes through the country of the ‘Tames Indians,
where it receives by the w. side the rivers Papa-
mene and Plasencia, and acquires then the name of
that district, which it changes at passing through
the settlement of San Juan de Yeima into that of
Guayare, and then to that of Barragan, just below
where it is entered by the abundant stream of the
Meta, and before it is joined by the Cazanare, of
equal size. It receives on the x. side the rivers
Pan, Guaricu, Apuré, Cabiari, Sinaruco, Gua-
biaris, Irricha, San Carlos, and others; and by
the s. those of Benituari, Amariguaca, Cuchivero,
Caura, Aroi, Caroni, Aquiri, Piedras, Vermejo
or Colorado, and others of less note; and being
rendered thus formidable with all the aboye, it at
last becomes the Orinoco.
Its shores and islands are inhabited by many
barbarous nations of Indians, some of whom have
been reduced to the Catholic faith by the Jesuits,
who had founded some flourishing missions, until
the year 1767; when, through their expulsion
from the Spanish dominions, these Indians passed
to the charge of the Capuchin fathers.
The Orinoco is navigable for more than 200
leagues for vessels of any size, and for canoes and
small craft from its mouth as far as ‘Tunja or San
Juande los Llanos. It abounds exceedingly in
all kinds of fish; and on its shores, which are with-
in the «cclesiastical government of the bishop of
Puerto Rico, are forests covered with a great
varicty of trees and woods, and inhabited by
strange animals and rare birds ; the plants, fruits,
and insects being the same as those on the shores
of the Maraiion, This last mentioned river com-
municates with the Orinoco by the river Negro,
although this was a problem much disputed until
acknowledged by the discovery made by the Fa-
ther Ramuel Roman, the Jesuit, in 1743,
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he fact
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ORINOCO. AST
The principal mouth of the Orinoco was dis-
covered by Admiral Christopher Columbus in
1498, and Diego de Ordaz was the first who en-
tered it, he having sailed up it in 1551. The
sounding between fort San Franciscodela Guayana
and the channel of Limon is 65 fathoms, measured
in 1734 by the engineer Don Pablo Dias Faxardo,
and at the narrowest part it is more than 80 fathoms
deep ; in addition to which, in the months of Au-
gust and September, the river is accustomed to
rise 20 fathoms at the time of its swelling or over-
flow, which lasts for five months ; and the natives
have observed that it rises a yard higher every 25
ears.
The flux and reflux of the sea is clearly distin-
guishable in this river for 160 leagues, In the
yart where it is narrowest stands a formidable rock
in the middle of the water, of 40 yards high, and
upon its top is a great tree, the head of which
alone is never covered by the waters, and is very
ufeful to mariners as a mark to guard against the
rock. Such is the rapidity and force with which
the waters of this river rush into the sea, that they
remain pure and unconnected with the waters of
the ocean for more than 20 leagues distance. Its
Briaglpel mouth, called De Navios, is in lat,
en.
Bee Orinoco is remarkable for its rising and
falling once a year only ; tor it gradually rises dur-
ing the space of five months, and then remains
one month stationary, after which it falls for five
months, and in that state continues for one month
also. ‘These alternate changes are regular, and
even invariable. Perhaps the rising of the waters
of the river may depend on the rains which con-
stantly fallin the mountains of the Andes every
year about the month of April; and though the
height of the flood depends much upon the breadth
or extent of the bed of the river, yet in one jart
where it is narrowest, it rises (as Alcedo has cor-
rectly observed) to the astonishing height of 120
feet. The mouth of the river is s. by e. of the
gulf of Paria, in lat. 8° 50! x. and Tong. 60° w.
and opposite to the island of Trinidad. It is large
and navigable, and has many good towns on its
banks, that are chiefly inhabited by the Spanish,
and is joined also on the e. side by the lake Ca-
sipa. ‘here are two other islands at its mouth,
the entrance to which is also somewhat dangerous,
as there is frequently a dreadful conflict between
the tide of the ocean and the current of the river,
that must, for the reasons assigned, sometimes run
ver rapidly. It is true that the river, including
its windings, ‘akes a course of about 1380 miles.
It may be considered as haying many mouths,
which are formed by the islands that lie before its
opening towards the ocean ; yet there are only two
that are considered as of any use for the purposes
of navigation, ‘These are the channels of Saba-
rima and Corobana, otherwise called Caribbiana.
The latter lies in as, by w. dircetion, and is also
divided into two distinct channels that afterwards
meet again at the island of Trinidad in the mouth
of the grand river. But pilots pretend to say,
that themouth of this great river begins from the
river Amugora, reaching from thence to the river
Sabarima, and from thence about to the river Ca-
ribbiana; and some accounts state its mouths to
be upwards of 40 in number, as if it were a collec-
tion of many rivers, all uniting at the mouth of
the great river, and assisting to convey the main
stream of that river into the ocean,
The w. passage or channel of the river Orinoco,
called by the Spaniards the Gulf of Paria, lies be-
tween cape Salinas onthe main, and the n. w. point
of the island of Trinidad. It contains several
islands, which divide the stream of the river into
several branches, particularly the Boco Grande,
or Great mouth, which is the easternmost, being
about gun-shot wide, but haying no soundings,
with 300 fathoms, and the Boco Pequeiio, ‘or
Little mouth, which is the westernmost, being al-
most as wide as the other, and having ground at
from 50 to GO fathoms. At New cape Araya, on
the nv. side of the mouth of this river, are salt-pits,
which yield the finest salt in the world. In some
maps the head-waters are called Inirchia.
A more diffuse and particular account of this
mighty river will be found under the following
heads, which we have translated and selected from
the work of Depons, and other writers, viz.
The seven principal mouths of the Orinoco.---The
navigation of the Orinoco up to St. Thomas,
s--L:nchanting variety of its banks,---Import-
ance of this river.--- Further account of its wa-
ters, and its annual swell..--Ils tides, and pes
culiar animals inhabiting it.---Table of latitudes
and longitudes of these parts.
It is presumed that the course of this river, for
the first 100 leagues, is x.e.and s. In this part
it leaves the imaginary lake of Parima 60 leagues
from its lett bank, The rivers which flow into
the Orinoco give it, before it has run these 100
leagues from its source, as rapid a current and as
great a body of water as any of the most consider-
able rivers. From the Esmeraldas to San Fer.
nando de Atabapa, its course is from e. to ne.
Between these places is the canal of Casiquiari,
which forms the communication between it and
the Amazonas, by the river Negro.
488
[At about 100 iniles from the sea, the Orinoco,
like the Nile, forms a sort of fan, scattered with
a number of little islands, which divide it into se.
veral branches and channels, and oblige it to dis.
charge itself through this labyrinth into the sea by
an tifinite number of mouths, lying me. ands, ee,
and extending more than 170 miles. ‘These islands
increase so on the coast that the mouths of the
Orinoco are very numerous, but very few of them
are navigable, [tis computed that these openings
amount to near 50, and only seven of them admit
the entrance of vessels, and these must not be of a
large burden. An idea of the prudence and skill
requisite for the navigation of these mouths may
be formed by what daily happens amongst the
Guayanos Indians, who, although born on the
islands, and from subsisting solely on fish, are so
accustomed to the intricacies of the different chans
nels, yet frequently lose themselves, and are obliged
to allow the current to carry them out to sea, and
then to re-enter, not without the most minute ob-
servations and endeavours to ascertain the proper
passage, It even requires a considerable skill to
find the current; for the numerous channels have
such different directions that in the greater part of
them no current at all is perceptible, and in the
others the eddics or the winds give the currents a
direction up the river instead of down, ‘The com.
pass is frequently of no use, and when a person is
once lost, he is often obliged to wander several
days among the Guayanos islands, conceiving he
is ascending the river when he is descending, or
that he is descending when he is ascending ; and
at length, he probably finds himself at the very
point from which he set out.
The first of the mouths which are navigable is
25 miles s.¢. of the entrance of the Guarapiche
river, in the province of Cumana. It is one of
those which empty their water in the gulf of Paria.
It is called the Great Manamo, in contradistinction
to the Little Manamo, which runs in the same
channel with it, nearly to the sea, and is navigable
for shallops.
The second mouth is 20 miles 2. e. of the first,
and is called the Pedernales. It runs from the e.
of the island of Guarisipa, and falls into the sea
three leagues s.w. of Soldiers island, which is si-
tuated at the s. entry of the gulf of Paria. It
is only navigable tor canoes, or at the most for
shallops.
The third mouth is called Capuro; it is an
arm of the channel of Pedernales, from which it
branches off at 30 miles from the sea. Its mouth
is in the southernmost part of the gulf of Paria,
St miles s. e. of that of the channel of Pedernales,
ORINOCO.
The navigation is hardly fit tor any vessels but
canoes and shallops,
Macareo is the name of the fourth mouth ; iten.
ters the sea, six leagues s, of Capuro, and is the
channel of communication between Guavana and
Trinidad, and every thing concurs to give it this
advantage exclusively, It is navigable for moe
derate-sized vessels, its channel is exceedingly
straight and clear, and it falls into the sea oppo-
site the point and river Brin in Trinidad.
The fifth mouth is very little frequented, on ac.
count of the difficulty of the navigation and the
ferocity of the Indians inhabiting its banks. ‘They
are called Mariusas, and have given their name to
this fitth passage of the Orinco. ‘This mouth is
35 miles e.s.e. of the fourth,
Between Mariusas and the sixth mouth are se-
veral outlets to the sea, which are navigable by the
tide or by the floods.
‘Twenty-five miles more to the s.e. is what is
called the Great Mouth of the Orinoco; it bears
the name of Mouth of Vessels, because it is the
only one which admits of ships oi 200 or 300 tons
burden, Its extent is six leagues, but it is far
from being every where of an equal depth,
Navigation of the Orinoco up to St. Thomas.—
The grand mouth of the Orinoco is formed by
cape Barima tos. s.e. which is in 8° 54’ lat. 2.
and the island of Cangrejos, lying w. n. w. of the
cape. ‘They are 25 miles from each other, but
the breadth of the navigable part of the passage is
not quite three. ‘The depth of water on the bar,
which lies a little farther out to sea than the cape,
is, at ebb, 17 feet.
Immediately on passing the bar, the depth, on
the side of the island, is four or six fathoms, whilst
on the side of the cape, it is not more than 14, ‘The
flats extend from Cangrejos seven: leagues into the
sea, but from cape Barima they do not extend
more than two leagues,
Nearly one league from Barima is a river of
the same name, which discharges ilsclf into the
Orinoco. The entrance is by a narrow channel
1} fathom deep. On the same shores, s. of the
Orinoco, and two leagues higher up than this river,
is the mouth of the Amaruco, which crosses a great
part of the most e. territory of Guayana, occupied
by the Capocains of Catalonia. Shallops can sail
10 or 15 leagues up. It is s. of the island aud
cape of Cangrejos, which forms, as has been be-
fore observed, the 2. coast of the mouth of Na-
vios or Vessels.
Three leagues. above Cangrejos is the island of
Arenas, which is small and of a sandy soil. It is
froin 12to 15 fect.ander water in spring tides, In]
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ORINOCO, 489
fhe s. part of it isa channel, which is often altered
»y the sand, of which the bottom is composed,
fore ascending halfa league there are two points,
called by the Spaniards Gordas, ‘That on the n.
side has a flat which runs out a little, but not
enough to obstruct the navigation,
Proceeding along the s. shore of the Orinoco,
eigh! leagues above Barima is the river Araturo,
the susrce of which bounds the savannas of the
missionaries, Its mouth is very narrow, but it is
navigable for 10 leagues. It communicates by
different arms with the river Amacuro to the e, and
with the Aguirre to the w. There is much wood
on its banks, and some small islands, bearing its
name, oppositeits mouth. On then, side is the chan-
nel called Cocuma, It discharges itself into the sea,
Kleven leagues above Barina is the island of
Pagayos, in the middle of the Orinoco, but nearest
to its right bank, Its soil is white mud, it is
covered with mangles, and at flood tide it is 11
feet under water, It was formerly much larger
than it is at present, and is observed to diminish
sensibly. Immediately above the island of Paga-
os, is that of Juncos., It is the most. of the
tamaca islands, which occupy a space of IS
leagues in the Orinoco. ‘They divide the river
into two branches ; the s, branch being called Ita-
maca, and the x. Zacoopana. Both of these are
navigable, but the s. branch, although the least,
has by far the most water.
We will describe the Itamaca branch to the w.
point of the chain of islands, and afterwards give
a description of that of Zacoopana.
The e. entrance of the tamaca branch, which is
900 fathoms wide, is formed by the island of Jun-
cos and cape Barima Zanica, which juts out from
the right. bank of the Orincoo, A creek, called
Carapo, runs from the cape in-shore, and after-
wards joins the river Arature.
A litle higher up is the mouth of the river
Aguirre. Its source is in the tract of the mission-
aries of the Catalanian Capuchins. Its mouth is
very broad, and the depth, at 10 or 12 leagues
from the Orinoco, is three fathoms. It was once
much more navigable than it is at present, but
very trifling repairs would be sufficient to restore
it to its former state. As this river does not pass
through any cultivated country, it is only fre-
uented by those who resort to its banks for wood.
The trees on each side are so high, that the sail
cannot be used, and vessels consequently avail
themselves of the tide.
Two leagues from the mouth of this river, in
the midst of the Orinoco, is the little island of Ve-
vol, 11.
nado, and on the s. bank of the Orinoco, eight
leagues above the Aguirre, is the creck of Caruzi-
na, It proceeds from the Orinoco, runs by the
back of the mountains, and thence takes its course
s. e, thus forming of the bank of the Orinoco an
island, on which the Guayenos Indians have built
a hamlet, subject to the Indian Gemericabe, This
creek or branch has plenty of water at its entrance,
but the point of the rising grounds of Itamaca
causes it to be hardly navigable for half a league,
This creck spreads into an infinite number
of branches, and therefore it might be of great
use to agriculture, the neighbouring land lying
too high for inundation, ‘The Spaniards have re-
cently entertained the project of driving away the
Guayanos Indians, of building villages, and of
erecting batteries for the defence of the Orinoco,
The river Itamaca, on the 2, side of the Ori-
noco, is next to be described. Its mouth is narrow,
but deep, having from 16 to 18 fect water, There
is a bank in the Orinoco running across the
mouth of the Itamaca, with the exception of a
very narrow passage, which requires, especially
at low water, great precaution in the naviga-
tion, ‘This river, six miles from its mouth, di-
vides inte two branches, the first of which goes to
the w. and runs through the valleys formed by the
mountains, the other runs to the savanna, near
the mission of Polomar. ‘The river is navigable
up to where it thus branches off, for small craft
and boats. The w. point of the Itamaca islands
is 2! leagues trom the river,
Wewill here again descend the Orinocoto where
the Itamaca and -Zacoopana branches unite, for the
purpose of describing the latter, and afterwards re-
ascend in making the tour of the island of Juncos,
leaving it to our left.
From the e. point of Juncos runs out a flat to
the n, making a very narrow but deep passage for
vessels, which should keep close to the n. coast.
Within the e. point of the island of Juncos is that
of Pericos, which has very lately disappeared. It
formed two channels, that to the s. was almost
choked by the san@, that to the 2. was narrow,
and afforded but a difficult passage for vessels,
This island was small and sandy, it was seen at
ebb tide, and in the swellings of the Orinoco. — Its
disappearance was not occasioned by any earth
quake or extraordinary inundation,
Four leagues above the point where was once
the island of Pericgs, is the isle of Hogs, which we
leave to the right, because it inclines to the x. The
navigable channel continues to the s.; it has, how-
ever, between it and the a a narrow creek na-]
R
490
[vigable for small vessels. A lergue to the w. of
the isle of Hogs is the channel Laurent, on the 7,
side of the Orinoco. From its mouth proceeds a
shallow which crosses half of the Zacoopana chan
nel, The Laurent, at its mouth, has the appeare
ance of a large river, but at a very little dis-
tance to the n. it forms many ramifications, all of
which are so shallow, that only by one can small
vessels find egress to the sea, At the entrance of
the Laurent channel there is a small island of the
same name, from which proceeds a flat which ex-
tends to the mouth of Mateo, which crosses the
Itamaca branch, Musquito island, situated near
the s. shore, has from its e, and w. points flats ex-
tending more than a league. In the middle of the
river is the channel, half of a league broad.
From the mouth of the Abacayo channel runs a
shallow extending to the island of Palomas. On
the m. coast are two channels which fall into the
sea. Another flat runs from the island of Palomas,
and reaches to the westernmost point of the Ita-
maca islands. ;
At the mouth of the channel of the island of
Zacoopana commences a flat, running two leagues
to the w, and often filling half of the river. Be-
tween this flat and another which proceeds from
the island of Palomas is the passage for vessels,
Here the Orinoco, or rather that part of it which
discharges itself into the sea by the mouth of Ves-
sels, forms only one channel, eight leagues w. In
this space is seen the mouth of a lake, on the s.
shore, at a little distance from the river, It ex-
tends to the foot of the mountain of Piacoa, From
the middle of the Orinoco to the s. are seen the
mountains of Meri.
We now come to the chain of little islands which
divide the channel of Piacoa from the river.
They extend 12 leagues from s. tow. On the x.
bank is the mouth of the Little Paragoan, from
which runs a flat extending to the Great Paragoan,
The two channels called Paragoan unite before
falling into the sea.
Above the Cat Paragoan is detached the arm
known under ue name of Mouth of Pedernales,
and which the Orinoco throws towards the coast of
Trinidad. It forms the divers channels from the
Orinoco tothat island, and proceeds from the Orino-
co at a league from the e. point of Yaya. There
is here a flat which crosses half the river.
A league and a half up the river are the Red
bogs. ‘This is the first place where, the Orinoco
reeappearing to the 2. is seen Tierra Firme, and land
entirely secured from the water. Opposite is a
shallow, which runs along the s, coast, nearly half
ORINOCO.
a league from e. tow. Thepassage for vessels is
here along the two banks, but the 2. bank is the
better of the two. Inthe middle of these bogs
there isa very narrow channel called Guaritica,
by which shallops can pass in the flood tides, or
during the swelling of the river, toa lake which is
close to it,
A league higher up, on the 2. bank, is the
mouth of the Guarapo channel. During summer
it has but very little water, but nevertheless for
several years vessels carricd on a contraband trade
in mules, oxen, and the productions of Cumana
and Venezuela, giving in exchange dry goods,
This channel, excepting at its mouth, is very
deep, and admits of the navigation of large vessels,
but on account of the high mountain by which it
runs, they are obliged to use the oar or to be
towed. ‘I'wo leagues above Guarapo, is the island
of Araya; it is ofa moderate size, and is close to
the n. coast.
‘Towards the s. coast are seen the cascades of Pia-
coa, they are formed by three or four ridges which
extend from the middle of the channel to the s.
coast, but there is suflicient water on the 2. coast
for large vessels. On this coast was formerly the
mission of Piacoa and the Catalaniar Capuchins.
Here is excellent pasture, very fertile land, good
water, regular winds, and a good situation for
agriculture.
After having reveiwed the three islands of Arciba,
the next is that of Iguana, it is more than halfa
league from the 2. bank, ‘The river continues na-
vigable on the s. side. In summer, on the n, side,
are banks of sand which have very little Water, but
in winter there are no obstructions. From the w.
point of the island of Iguana, the small mountain
of Naparenia is only one league. It indeed ap-
pears to be nothing more than a high rock.
All this coast as far as the isles of Iguana and
Araya is full of sand-banks.
The Simon’s channel, lying on the s. coast, has
at its mouth the ruins of a smail fort. From hence
is seen the island of St. Vicente, having a flat’ on
the e. part, which crosses the channel unto a little
below the fortress, but which at full tide is of no
inconvenience, ‘This is the spot where once stood
the ancient capital of Guayana before it was trans-
ferred to Angostura. ‘The distance described is
thercfore 50 leagues, and it is consequently 40
leagues hence to St. Thomas, ‘The Spaniards,
when they transferred the capital 40 leagues higher
up, thought proper to leave the forts they des-
tined for the defence of Guayana, on the site of
the old town. ‘Lhey are now seen at the foot of a |
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ORINOCO. 491
Farnell hill, one is called St. Francis and the other
St Padastro. By the side of these are two small
lakes, named El Zeibo and Baratello. Half a
league lower than St. Francis is the little rivulet
‘of Usupamo, having a lake near its mouth.
Nearly half a league above the old town, in
te centre of the river, is the large rock of Moro-
coto, itis rather nearer the s. bank than the 2.
and is visible in the summer, but under water
during the winter. Not far from this rock is the
island of Mares, and on the s. side is the rock of
the same name, and another called Hache. The
channel 2. of this island is preferable to that on the
other side. ‘Three leagues higher on the s. side,
is point Aramaya, which is merely a jutting rock.
Opposite this point are the three little islands of
San Miguel: they are all of stone, with a little
sand in summer, When the river is swelling they
are nearly under water, On the right bank, oppo-
site the village of San Miguel, are two islands
called Chacarandy, from the wood with which
they are covered ; they are divided by only a nar-
row channel. ‘The island of Faxardo is in the
middle of the river, opposite the mouth of the
river Caroni. It is 5000 fathoms long and 1387
broad. ‘The w. side is subject to inundations, On
the right bank, and a Icague above this island, is
the island of ‘Torno. It is separated from the
mainland by a small channel; and on the w.
point there are rocks, and a flat running out to five
leacucs.
Point Cardinal is on the s. side of the island,
three leagues above Faxardo. Nearly a quarter
of a league from this point is a chain of rocks
stretching to opposite Gurampo. During winter
but one of these is visible, but in summer three
are discernible opposite Gurampo. ‘There is a
port formed by point Cardinal, calied Patacon.
Gurampo is a number of rocks lying five leagues
above the island of Faxardo, on the ». coast.
These rocks form a port bearing (be same name.
A shallow runs from this port nearly 2. ands. with
E. point Cardinal, and having on the w. extremity
three rocks, under water in winter, ‘The island of
'Taquache lies half a league from Gurampo, on the
Jeft bank. It is 14 league from e, to w.
On the opposite side of the river is the island of
Zeiba, four leagues long and more than one league
broud. ‘The channel separating it from the main-
land has very little water, excepting in the winter.
Between the mainland to the n. and the island of
Taguache, there is a channel navigable at all sea-
sons,
The river Cucazana on the ec. point has a flat,
running a little to the w. and occupying half of the
river, Atthe mouth is the island of the same
name, which nearly joins that of 'Taguache. It
has also a flat on the w. point which is in many
places visible during summer,
The Mei. channel has at its mouth a flat
reaching nearly to the middle of the river, and
seven leagues below the capital is another, lying
n. and s. with the island of Mamo, and having
from the month of January to April only eight
feet water. Vessels dre obliged to be lightened in
order to pass, which is the case with another chan-
nel which forms the island of Mano,
Afier this bar is passed, are numerous rocks on
the coast and in the middle of the river, ‘The
Currucay points are but jutting rocks, and lie
three leagues above port St. Anne, Nearly oppo-
site these points, in the middle of theriver, is a large
rock named La Pierre du Rosaire. Between this
and the coast are several others. ‘lo the 2. of the
Pierre du Rosaire is a channel very narrow on ac-
count of the rocks lying under water, and stretch.
ing to nearly the coast. Vessels run great risks in
summer, and in winter the current is so violent
that if the wind dies away, they are in danger of
being wrecked against the Pierre du Rosaire, A
league above this is a point of rocks on the 7, shore,
and some distance from this are three ridges near
each other, and bearing s. of the e. point of the
island of Panapana.
The island of Panapana is a league above point
Des Lapins, separated from the s. shore by a chan-
nel moderately wide, but very shallow in summer,
At the e. and w. points there are flats with very
little water on them. ‘That of the w. point ascends
more than a leaguc, and inclines always to the s.
Between this island, which is 14 league long, and
the 2. coast, is the principal channel of the Ori-
noco., It is rather narrow and of little depth, ex-
cepting when the river experiences its swellings.
Two leagues higher up is the narrowest part of
the Orinoco, called by the Spaniards Angostu-
rita. ‘T'worocks n, and s. form this strait, A
little higher up, and nearly in the centre, is a large
rock called Lavadero, that is, Washing-place. It
is visible only insummer, Between this and the
s. coast there is a little island of stones, opposite
which the river Maruanta discharges itself. Point
Tinco to the x. and point Nicasio to the s. are also
formed of rocks.
St. Thomas, the capital of Spanish Guayana, is
the next place. It is situate at the foot ofa small
hill on the right bank ofthe river. There is a fort
for its protection on the opposite side. This place
is called Port Raphael, and is the passage of com.
munication between Guayana and the province of }
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492 ORINOCO.
{Venezuela and Cumand. Between port St. Ra-
phael and the city, is an island called Del Medio,
from being inthe centre of the river. It is a rock
under water in winter, but the n. side is dry dur-
ing summer. The principal channel is between
this island and the city. It has at ebb tide 200
feet of water, and about 50 more at flood.
In summing up this description, it is to be ob-
served, that from the junction of the river Apure
with the Orinoco to St. Thomas’s, they reckon 80
leagues. In all this space no other important river
falls into the Orinoco on the s, save the Caura and
Caucapasia. It is however true, that from its
source it receives almost all the rivers by its left
shore, and from the Apure it receives others which
cnsure it from thence to Guayana all the com-
merce of thes. plains. ‘The navigation of all the
upper pari of the Orinoco is very far from being
as easy and safeas the size of the river would make
one imagine. Scattered with islands which ob-
struct the channel, and which throw its bed some-
times to the right bank, and sometimes to the left ;
filled with rocks of ail sizes and heights, of which
some are consequently even with the water, and
others of a depth more or less alarming according
to the season ; subject to terrible squalls ; the Ori-
noco cannot be navigated but by good pilots, and
with vessels of a certain construction and size;
though, be it observed, that this description relates
here, peculiarly to the navigation from Guayana
to the Orinoco, and from the mouth of the Meta
to the capital.
Enchanting variety of its bunks. —The naturalist
must be enraptured with the navigation of this
river. Its banks are frequently bordered by foresis
of majestic trees, which are the resort of birds of
ihe most beautiful plumage and exquisite melody.
Various species of monkeys contribute by their
cries, their leaps, and gambols, to the embellish-
ment of the enchanting scenery. ‘The savages in-
habiting the woods, content in sharing the posses-
sion with the wild beasts, are fed by the same fruits
as the birds and quadrupeds, living in perfect hare
mony with them, neither inspiring fear nor feeling
apprehension. Insome parts, the eye, no longer
confined in its view by the foliage of the forest,
roves over enchanting plains, which burst upon
the sight in luxuriant verdure, covered with ex-
cellent pasture, and extending 20 or 30 leagues.
Importance of this river.— Volume and rapidity
of its water, and its annual swell.—Vhe Orinoco,
excepting the Amazonas, is the largest river in the
world. Mr. de Humboldt observes, that the
mouth of the Amazonas is much more extended
than that of the Oginoco, but the latter river is of
equal consideration with respect to the volume of
water which it has in the interior of the continent,
for at 200 leagues from the sea, it has a bed of
from 2500 to 300C fathoms, without the interrup-
tion of a single isle. Its breadth before St. Thomas
is 3850 fathoms, and its depth, atthe same placr ,
according to the measurement made by order cf
the king in 1754, in the month of March, the sea-
son when its waters are at the lowest, was 65
fathoms.
This river, like the Nile and others, has an an-
nual swell. ‘This commences regularly in April
and ends in August. All the month of September
it remains with the vast body of water it has ac-
quired the five preceding months, and presents a
spectacle astonishingly grand. With this en-
crease of water it enlarges, as it were, its natural
limits, making encroachments of from 20 to 30
leagues on the land. ‘The rise of the river is, op-
posite to St. ‘Thomas, 30 fathoms, but it is greater
In proportion to the proximity to the sea ; it is per-
ceptible at 350 leagues from its mouth, and never
varies more than one fathom. It is pretended in
the country, that there is every 25 years a pcriodis
cal extraordinary rise of az. additional fathom,
The beginning of October the water begins to fall,
leaving imperceptibly the plains, exposing in its
bed a multitude of rocks and islands. By the
end of February it is at its lowest ebb, continuing
so till the commencement of April. During this
interval, ihe tortoises deposit themselves on thé
laces recently exposed, but which are still very
iumid ; it is then that the action of the sun soon
develops in the egg the principles of fecundity.
The Indians resort from all parts with their fami-
lies, in order to lay in a stock of food, drying the
tortoises and extracting an oil from their eggs, which
they either make use of tor themselves or sell.
The water of the Orinoco is potable, and even
some medicinal virtues are attributed to it.
Its tides, and peculiar animals inhabiting it.—
Though the tide is very strong at the mouta of the
river, it isso broken and obstructed by the numes
rous channels through which it passes, that before
the town of St. Thomas it is scarcely perceptible,
or rather there is no tide at all so high up, ex cept-
ing in summer, or when the wind blows from the
sea. ‘The Orinoco abounds in fish of various de-
scriptions, but these, although they bear the same
name as the fishes of Europe, are found not to cor-
respond precisely with them in their nature or
quality. The amphibious animals are also curious
and worthy of notice. For an account, however,
of the most peculiar both of the one and the other
of the inhabitants of these waters, see the articles |
me of
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ORI
Carrise, Cayman, Iauana,Cuiquine, Lapa,
ATER-voG, Dormouse, Manatt, &c. in the
vocabulary of provincial terms at th. znd of this
work,
‘able of the latitudes and iongitudes.—For the
table of latitudes and longitudes of the most impor-
tant places in these parts, see the end of the gene-
ral preface. |
Oninxoco, Lirtir. See Mocomoco.]
RIO, a river of the province 2nd government
of Panama, inthe kingdom of Tierra Firme in S,
America. It divides the jurisdiction of this pro-
vince from that of Veraguas, ard is the boundary
of the isthmus, It sans from 7, w. tos. e. and to
ihe zw. of the Punta Mala enters the Pacific sea, in
lat. 7° 25' n.
ORISKUNI, a small river of the province and
country of the Iroquees Indians in N, America,
which runs w. then turns its course to 2, and enters
the Mohawks.
ORISTAN, a city of the island of Jamaica,
founded by the Spaniards in 1510 onthe s. coast,
but which has not existed since that the island be-
came in the possession of the English.
ORITO, or Loniro-Yacv, a river of the pro-
vince and country of Las Amazonas, which runs
s. through the woods to the x». of this river. Near
its source dwell many barbarous nations of Mainas,
Zimarrones, and Umuranas Indians, and it enters
the Marafion in lat. 4° 5’ 10"s.
ORITUCO, a river of the province and go-
vernment of Venezuela, and Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada. It rises in the mountains of the city of Al-
tagracia, runs, forming a curve, to the w. and en-
ters the Guarico.
ORIZABA, a jurisdiction and alcaldia mayor
of Nueva Espaiia, belonging to the bishopric of
La Puebla de los Angeles; bounded e, by tac
town of Cordoba, 2.w. by Vera Cruz, Antigua,
s.w. by the province of Thehuacan, and 2. 2. by
the mountains of Tepeaca. Its extent is a little
more than seven leagues from e. to w. and five in
width from 7. tos. It is of an hot and moist tem-
perature, very fertile in tobacco, which is its prin-
cipal article of commerce, and the greater part of
its inhabitants are drovers, empisyed by the traflic
of the neighbouring provinces. ‘The population
consists of the following seitlements :
S. Miguel Thomatlan, San Martin Atlahuilco,
Naranjal, San Andres Nexapa,
San Juan de Atlaca, S. Francisco Necoxtla,
Temilolacan, S. Juan Acolzingo,
San Pedro Thequilan, 8. Pedro Maltrata,
‘Tenango, Huiluapan,
GRI 493
Santa Maria Aquila, San Juan Bautista No-
Ixtazoquitlan, gales,
S. Juan del Rio, Santa Maria Ixhuatlan.
Santiago Tilap4n,
The capital is the settlement of the same name;
situate in a spacious plain of a league long from e.
to w. and half a league wide from n. tos. It is
of an hot and moist temperature, and one of the
best settlements in the whole kingdom for its opu-
lence, pleasantness, abundance of provisions, and
disposition of its hotises. ‘These are built so as to
form straight streets, the principal of which is that
called La Real, and which is upwards of a quarter
of'a league: long.
This town is fertilized by the abundant rivers
with which it is surrounded. One of these rises
in the sierra from a volcano, and, running for some
distance, incorporates itself with the 'Tuzpango,
which runs by the s. side, and from these two are
thrown out many arms, which run in different die
rections.
The parish church is a costly and modern
building, and a fine piece of architecture. It has
a chapel of ease, which is a magnificent temple of
Nuestra Sefiora de Guadalupe ; two convents of
monks, namely, of barefooted Carmelites and San
Juan de Dios, the latter of which is very useful in
this town, because, as standing at the usual en-
trance of European travellers from Vera Cruz,
who arrive sick, it affords its relief and hospitality
readily and kindly offered by the monks, its inha-
bitants. ‘They have, indeed, two curious infirma-
ries for this charitable purpose, the one appropri-
ated to the laity, the other to the clergy. ©
'The population is composed of 510 families of
Spaniards, 300 of Austees, 220 of Mulattoes, and
800 of Mexican Indians, who gain their livelihood
by cultivating maize, French beans, large vetches,
ajonjoli, and fruits, and maintaining thereby a
cominerce. The trade of the Spaniards consists in
clothes, and native and European merchandise,
This country produces much leaf-tobacco, some
years as much as 2000 cargas, or loads, which are
carried to Mexico, La Puebla, and other cities and
settlements of the kingdom, leaving a revenue to
this of 100,000 dollars annually. In this ttade
many Mulattoes and Mustees are employed ; some,
however, in mechanical works, avd others as
drovers. ‘Che above are formed into four compa-
nies of militia of 100 men each, and there are two.
companies of Spaniards, one of infiutry, the other
of horse, and all these are obliged to march to Vera
Cruz upon necessity, and at 50 hours notice.
This town, which is very large, has three wards
en
Se
it
~
-m-
I a eI : -
Bm
<=
er ee
494 ORI
or hermitages, and in the parish is venerated a
miraculous image of the child Jesus lost, which
was brought here from Genoa about the middle of
the 16th century, and concerning which the fol-
lowing account is related by Don Joseph Villaseior
in his ¢* Teatro Americano,” namely, ‘ that a cer-
tain viceroy passing through the town, taking ad-
vantage of his authority, and induced by the vene-
ration in which he held the image, to carry it away
with him, in spite of the tears and entreaties of the
inhabitants, whilst he was departing, was taken
suddenly extremely ill; and that a certain chap.
Jain who had been picked out by the people, sciz-
ing the opportunity, went to the viceroy and in-
formed him, that heaven had heard the prayers of
the disconsolate people, and that it would not suf-
fer any one wilh impunity to take away that
image which had been such a consolation to them
in their necessities ard afflictions: it was furt!er
sila, that We viceroy Immediately delivered back
the child, and that he as quickly convalesced.”
This image is held to the present day in the
greatest reverence,
[Orizaba, according to Humboldt, of the in-
tendancy of Vera Cruz, lies a little to the 2. of the
Rio Blanco, which discharges itself into the La-
guna d’Alvarado, It has been long disputed if
the new road from Mexico to Vera Criz should go
by Xalapa or Orizaba. Both these towns having
a great interest in the direction of this road, have
employed all the means of rivalry to gain over the
constituted authorities to their respective sides,
The result was, that the viceroys alternately em-
braced the cause of both parties, and during this
state of uncertainty no road was constructed.
Within these few years, however, a fine causeway
was commenced from the fortress of Perote to Xa-
lapa, and from Xalapa to L’Encero.
Orizaba is 120 miles e. by s. of Mexico, in lat.
18°48'n. Long. 97° 7' w.]
OnizaBa, another settlement, the head scttle-
ment of the district of the a/caldia mayor of Iximi-
quilpan in the same kingdom, in the district of
which are many approximate wards ; amongst all
of which are 945 families of Othomies Indians,
and 80 of Spaniards, Afustees, and Mulattoes,
whose spiritual necessities are attended to by only
two priests, by far too short a number to fulfil the
duties required ; so that many are obliged to go
without their assistance. Nearly all these settle-
ments are of a mild temperature, and fertilized
with the waters from the river of the sierra of
Mextitlan, by which also are irrigated many
gardens, orchards, and cultivated ficlds. The in-
ORO
habitants make chaicoal, fishing-tackle, and rige
ging; they also procure honey from the magueyes,
which they cultivate. This head settlement of the
district has in its division six estates, namely,
Juan Dé, Domingo, Azuchitlen, Ia Florida,
Vetza, and San Pablo, in the which they gather
great harvests of seed and grain, owing to the fer-
tility procured by the aforesaid river.
ORLEANS, Naw, a city of the province and
government of Louisiana in N. America; situate
between the e. shore of the river Mississippi and
the Fish. ‘Thirty-three miles from the sea. See
New Orirans.
[Orneans, the middle of the three 2. counties
of Vermont. A part of lake Memphremagog pro-
jects into the 2. part of it from Canada. It con-
tains 23 townships. It is very high Jand, and
sends its waters in almost every direction of the
compass. Clyde, Barton, and Black rivers empty
into lake Memphremagog ; the waters of many
branches of Missiscoui, La Moelle, and Onion
rivers, rising here, fall into lake Champlain; those
of Mulhegan and Pasumpsick empty into Connec-
ticut river]
[Oxrnrans, a township in the county of Barn-
stable, Massachusetts; taken from the s. part of
Kastham, and incorporated 1797 ‘
fOxrieans, Isle of, is situated in the river St.
Lawrence, a small distance below Quebec, and is
remarkable for the richness of its soil, It lies in
the middle of the river; the channel is upon the s.
side of the island, the n. side not having depth of
water at full tide, even for shallops. ‘The s. w.
end of the island is called Point Orleans. The
coast is rocky for a mile and a half within the s.
channel, where there is a careening place for mer-
chant ships. Round point Levi, and along the
s.e. side of the river, the shore is rocky, but the
middle of the bason is entirely free. |
Oreans, a French fort of the province and
government of Louisiana, on the shore of the river
Missouri, opposite the settlement of this name.
ORNE, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Venezuela in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada,
ORO, San Juan vet, a town of the province
and corregimiento of Carabaya in Peru; founded
by the fugitive Spaniards of the parties of Pizarro
and Almagro, and who, after penetrating through
woods and chasms, established themselves here, al-
lured by the richness of the country. They all
became opulent, and having obtained a special
privilege trom the viceroy Don Antonio de Men-
doza, some of them passed over to Espaiia, re-
Reet
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ORO
eeived honours and rewards of the emperor, and
at last growing haughty and intoxicated with their
good fortune, began to have parties and dissensions
amongst each other, so that from being a very
flourishing settlement, with a population of up-
wards of 3000, this has become so reduced as to
contain not more than six Spanish families. It is
just at the source of the river Inambari.
Oro, a settlement and real of silver mines, of
the province of Tepeguana, and kingdom of
Nueva Vizcaya, on the bank of the stream of
Parral.
Oro, a town of the province and country of
Las Armazonas, in the territory of Mato Groso ; si-
tuate at the source of the river Maloques. ‘lo the
n. are some rich gold mines, from which it takes
its name.
Ono, a river of the province and government of
Santa Marta in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada.
It rises w. of the city of Salazar de las Palmas, and
enters the Lebrija,
Ono, another, of the province of Pamplona in
the same kingdom, which empties itself into the
sea; and is thus called from gold being found on
its shores.
Ono, another, of the province and government
of Neiva in the same kingdom, It runs s,s. w.
and enters the Magdalena, between those of Otaz
and Neiva.
Oxo, another, of the province and government
of Darien, and kingdom of ‘Tierra Firme, which
runs into the sea between the island of La Laguna
and the river Francisa.
Ono, another; with the dedicatory title of Fino,
in the territory and country of the Guayazas In-
dians in Brazil. It is small, runs x. 2. ¢. and en-
ters the head of the Tocantincs.
Oro, an island of the N. sea, on the coast of
the province and government of Darien in the
kingdom of Tierra Firme. [tis opposite the point
which forms the bay and port of Calidonia to
the w.
Oxo, some mountains of the province and go-
vernment of Moxos in the kingdom of Quito,
which run from w. toe. from the river Baures to
that of Serre, to the x. of the settlement of the mis-
sions of San Nicolas.
Ono, another sierra or cordillera of mountains,
of the province and government of Buenos Ayres
in Peru. They run s.s.¢. near the coast of the
river La Plata.
OROATA, asmall lake of the province and
country of Las Amazonas ; formed from a small
river which entersthe Madera by the w. side.
OROCOMA, an ancient and extensive province
ORO 495
to the s. of the province of Venezuela and Nuevo
Reyno de Granada, between the river San Pedro
to the e, the mountains of Tucuyo to the 7. those
of Bogota to the w. and the Uanos of Cazanare to
the s.; bounded x. by the nation of the Cuicas In-
dians, and e. by a tribe of the nation of the
Panches, It is nearly depopulated, as it is sub-
ject to continual inundations. ‘The climate is hot,
moist, andunhealthy, but it abounds in excellent
pastures, ;
OROCOPICHE, a small river of the province
and government of Guayana or Nueva Andalucia.
It rises s. of the city of Nueva Guayana, runs 2.
and enters the Orinoco opposite that city.
[ORODADA Pena, on the coast of Peru, is
two leagues due x. of Lobos de Payta, and two s,
by w. of Payta.]
OROKUPIANAS, a nation of barbarian In-
dians of the province and country of Las Aima-
zonas, who inhabit, with various other nations,
the sierras and mountains on the shore of the rivet
Basururu, the which empties itself into the Mara-
fion or Amazon by the 7. coast, 32:leagues from
the mouth of the Cuchiguara.
[OROMCOTO, a river of New Brunswick,
which empties into St. John’s river. By this pas-
sage the Indians haye a communication with Pas-
samaquoddy bay. ]
ORONAS, Sierras De, some mountains of
the province and government of Darien, and king-
dom of ‘Tierra Firme, near the s. coast. ‘They
run between the rivers Chepo and Francisca.
[ORONDOCKS, an Tndian tribe who live near
Trois Rivieres, and could furnish 100 warriors
about 20 years ago. |
OROPESA, a town of the province and cor-
regimiento of Cochabamba in Peru; founded in
a beautiful, fertile, and extensive valley of the
name of Cochabamba, and by which name the
settlement is also known, by order of the viceroy
Don Francisco de Toledo in 1575, on the ruins of
another town which had been founded in 1565 b
Pedro de Cardenas, and which bore his title. ‘This
town is watered by a smaii river, called Sabacé,
which fertilizes the neighbouring gardens and
orchards, and then enters the Cachimayu. = It
has, besides the parish church, two convents of
San Francisco, one of the Observers, and the
other of the Recoletans, a convent of San Agustin,
another of La Merced, an hospital of San Juan
de Dios, two monasteries of nuns, the one of
Santa Clara, the other of the barefooted Carme-
lites. Its population is composed of 17,000 souls
in communion, amongst whom are many rich and
noble families, descended from the ancicnt con-
496 ORO
querors of Peru, and from some illustrious houses
tn Spain. In some foreign geographical charts
this town is wrongly called Oropalaa, Light
miles x. of Cochabamba, and 89 2.2. w. of Chu-
quisaca or La Plata, in lat. 18° 11’ s, Long.
67° 18’ w.
Onoresa, a settlement of the same kingdom
as the tormer, in the province and corregimiento
of Quispicanchi, distant half a league from the
lake called La Mohina, which is more than a
league long, and an half wide, and in which there
Is a quantity of totora aud reed-mace, some fish
and aquatic fowl. One end of it extends to the
foot of the mountain called Rumicolea, where
there are to be scen the ruins of the palace of the
Emperor Huasca-Inca; and there is a tradition,
that in the centre of this mountain were secreted
the immense treasures of the 11 monarchs of Peru,
when the Spaniards entered; and this report has
induced many to spend large sums in attempting
to discover the fortunate spot, but to no purpose,
nothing having been found but caves and openings
which they call chinganas, and different channels
for carrying off the water. This settlement has,
besides éhe parish church, two others well adorned,
with the titles of Nuestra Seiiora de la Estrella and
La Virgen de la Hermita; situate 10 miles e. of
Cuzco, in lat, 13° 42's, Long. 71° 6! w.
Ororesa, another sctilement, of the province
and correginienta of Aimaraes in the same kings
dom ; situate on the shore of the river Pacha.
chaca.
Onorrsa, a river of the same province and
kingdom as the former settlement. It rises in the
province of Cotabambas, to the e. of the settlement
of Pituhuanca, runs inclining to 2, w. and enters
the Pachachaca.
OROPI, a large lake of the province and coun-
try of Las Amazonas, in the territory of the Gua-
ranacaos Indians. It is formed from a waste water
of a river which runs w. and then enters the
Madera.
OROPOTO, a settlement and asiento of rich
gold mines in the province and corregimiento ot
Asangaro, and kingdom of Peru.
OROPUCHE, a settlement of the province of
Barcelona and government of Cumana, on the
shore of a river which enters the ITuere, to the s.
of the town of Aragua, and x. of the town of
Pao, about an equal distance from each.
Oropucirf, a river of the island of Trini-
dad, which runs e. and enters the sea.
OROQUARAS, a barbarous nation of Indians,
but little known, of the province and country of
Las Amazonas, They dwell in the woods to the
ORU
s. of the river Maraiion, 45 leagues below the
mouth of the river Cayari.
OROTINA, a settlement of the province and
government of Nico a, and kingdom of Guate-
mala. Itis one of the principal there, and well
peopled with Indians, who are of a good disposi-
tion and very friendly to the Spaniards. — It is dis-
tant from the capital seven leagues by sca and 20
by land.
OROYA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of 'Tarma in Peru ; annexed to the
curacy: of the capital.
rORPHAN’S Bank, a fishing bank of thes. ¢,
point of Chaleur’s bay, on the 2. ¢. coast of New
Brunswick, in N. America. On it is from 75 to
30 fathoms vere
[Orruan’s Island, a settlement belonging to
Hancock county, district of Maine, having 104
inhabitants,
[ORRINGTON, a plantation in Hancock
county, district of Mainc, having 477 inhabitants,
It lies on the e. side of Penobscct river, 16 miles
above Buckstown, and 180 n. n. e. of Boston. ]
ORTPEGA, San Joaquin ve, a settlement of
the province of ‘Tucuman in Peru, of the district
of the country of Gran Chaco; a reduccion of the
Morampas Indians made by the missionaries of the
Jesuits, and now under the charge of the religious
order of San Francisco.
OrteGa, another settlement, of the province
and government of Popayin in the Nuevo Reyno
de Granada.
ORTEZ, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Venezuela in the kingdom of Nuevo
Granada ; situate on the shore of a river which
enters the Guarico to the s. of the town of San
Sebastian.
Oxrtez, a small river of the province and go-
vernment of Buenos Ayres in Peru, which runs 7,
and enters the river La Plata.
Orrez, a shoal or sand-bank, at the entrance
of the mouth of the river La Plata.
ORTOCUNA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Xauja in Peru.
[ORUA, Orvuso, or Anusa, the most w. of
the Caribbee islands in the W. Indies, called by
the Spaniards Las Islas de Sotovento. It is on
the coast of the Spanish main. Lat. 12° 31’ 2.
Long. 70° 7' w.]
ORUBA. [See Orva.]
ORUBILLA, another, a small island of the N.
sea, to the w, of the former.
ORUILIERES, a river of the province of
Guayana, in the French possessions. It enters the
Oyapoco.
2
ORU
ORUNA, San Josern pr, a city and capital
of the island and government of Trinidad ; founded
on a mountain in a strong and advantageous situa-
tion by Gonzalo Ximenez de Quesada in 1591, at
two leagues from the sea, It belongs to the bishop-
ric of Puertorico; and in its parish church is seen
the sepulchre of Nicolas de Labrit, a French bi-
shop, killed by the Caribes Indians, by the Caio
de Aquire, not far from the coast, whilst instruct-
ing them in the faith. In this city (here is a con-
vent of the religious order of San Francisco.
ORUOILLA, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Lampa in Peru,
ORURO, a province and corregimiento of Peru;
bounded ». by the province of Sicasica, e. b
that of Cochabamba, s. and s. e. by that of Paria,
and w. and n, w. by that of Pacajes. It is of a
cold and dry temperature, and very subject to
tempests. Its productions are papas, quinua, and
some barley. It has breeds of large and native cat-
tle, and much gunpowder is made here from the
abundance of saltpetre, although not so much as
in former times, when its gold and silver mines
were in a flourishing state. At present these are in
great decay, and the greater part are filled with
water, which, on account of the want of declivity
in the territory, it is impossible to drain, and on
this account the population is daily diminishing.
The whole of the province does not count more
It is 18 leagues from e. to w.
than 8000 souls.
and 20 from n. tos. Its corregidor had a reparti-
miento of 35,527 dollars; and it used to pay an
alcabala of 284 dollars annually.
The capital is thetown of the same name; found.
ed in a beautiful valley, of nine miles long,
the greater part being swampy and abound.
iug in saltpetre, with the name of San Felipe
de Asturia. In 1590, were re-opened some of
the rich mines which were begun to be worked by
the Indians in the time of their Incas ; and amongst
the best of these was the mine called Pie de Gallo,
which is, however, at the present day abandoned,
the mine of Popo, anda few others, only being
being worked, although these alone yield yearly
600 bars of silver of about 200 marks each bar ;
and in this consists the commerce of the place.
[t has five convents, namely of San Francisco,
Santo Domingo, San Agustin, La Merced, San
Juan de Dios, and a colleze which belonged to
the Jesuits; also four parishes for its numerous
population, with the titles of San Felipe, San Mi-
guel de la Rancheria, San Hdefonso de Paria and
Sepuituras. Mighty-five miles s, with a slight in-
clination to the e. of La Paz, and 70 7, nx. w. of
Poiosi, in lat. 18° 48's. Long. 68° w.
VOL, 1K.
OSA 497
[ORWELL, a_ township of Vermont, the
n. westernmost in Rutland county, and situated
on the e, side of lake Champlain, It contains 778
inhabitants, Mount Independence stands in this
township opposite Ticonderoga, in the state of
New York, Near mount Independence is a cha-
lybeate spring. |
OSABAW, a small island of the N. sea, near the
coast of the province of Georgia, It forms with
the island of Wasa a strait of its name.
(OSAGE, Granp, anation of Indians of N.
America, who claim the country within the follow.
ing limits, viz. commencing at the mouth of a
s. branch of the Osage river, called Neangua, and
with the same to its source ; thence s, to intersect
the Arkansas about 100 miles below the three forks
of that river; thence up its principal branch to
the confluence of a large n. branch, lying a consi-
derable distance w. of the Great Saline, and with that
stream nearly to its source; thence n. towards the
Kansas river, embracing the waters of the upper
portion of the Osage river, and thence obliquely
approaching the same to the beginning. ‘The cli-
mate of the country they inhabit is delightful,
and the soil fertile in the extreme. ‘The face of
the country is generally level and well watered ;
the e. part of the country is covered with a variety
of excellent timber ; the w. and middle country
consists of high prairies. ‘Their territory em-
braces within its limits four salines, which are, in
point of magnitude and excellence, unequalled by
any known in N. America ; there are also many
others of less note. The principal part of the
Great Osage nation have always resided at their
villages, on the Osage river, since they have been
known to the inhabitants of Louisiana. About
five years since, nearly one-half of this nation,
headed by their chief the Big-track, emigrated to
three forks of the Arkansas, near which, and on
its 7. side, they established a village, where they
now reside, ‘The Little Osage nation formerly re-
sided on the s, w. side of the Missouri, near the
mouth of Grand river; but being reduced by con-
tinual warfare with their neighbours, were com.
pelted to seek the protection of the Great Osage,
near whom they now reside, ‘There is no doubt
but their trade will increase: they could furnish a
much larger quantity of beaver than they do.
Two villages on the Osage river might be pre-
vailed on to remove to the Arkansas and the Man-
sas higher up the Missouri ; aud thus leave a suftie
cient scope of country for the Shawnees, Dille-
wars, Miames, and Kickapoos, ‘The Osages cul-
tivate corn, beans, &c. |
OsaGe, ariver which rises in the territory of
OQ
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a)
4 A
eee |!
ai bi
St et ig
i re: j
A) i i
hi x i
$0) f s
el
tae A
i yah
aed):
498 OsO
the aforesaid Indians, runs #. e. and enters the
Missouri.
OSA'TTAMA, a small settlement of the corregi-
miento of Pasca in the Nuevo Reyno de Granada ;7
annexed to the curacy of Fusagusaga.
OSBORN, a scttlement of the island of Barba-
does, in the district and parish of S, ‘Thomas.
OSSEY. See Paxanos,
OSIACURI, a settlement of the province and
government of Cartegena in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada; situate in the vicinity of the road which
leads from that capital to the river Grande de la
Magialena, between the settlement of Piojon and
Malambo. ‘Thirty-five miles x”. e. of Cartagena,
on the w. side of R. Magdalena.
OSIPEE, a small river of the province of Cone
tinent, one of the four of New England in N,
America. It rises from a small lake, runs e. and
enters the Saco,
[OSNABURG, a small island in the S. Pacific
ocean, having the appearance of the roof of a
house. It is about four leagues in circuit; is
high land ; full of cocoa trees; has no anchorin
place, and scarcely affords landing for a boat. It
was discovered by Captain Wallis, and is called
Maitea by the natives. Lat. 17°40's. Long.
148° 6’ w. |
[OsnanurG, another island in the same sea,
discovered by Captain Carteret. Lat. 22°4' s.
Long. 148° 36! w.]
[OSNA surG Hcuse, a settlement of the Hud-
son’s bay company, in N. America; situated at
the n. e. corner of lake St. Joseph, 122 miles w.
by s. of Gloucester house. Lat.51°4’n. Long.
90° 15’ w.]
OSNO, San Micuen ve, a settlement of the
province and corregimiento of Guanta in Peru ;
annexed to the curacy of Tambos. :
Osno, another settlement, with the dedicatory
title of San Salvador, to distinguish it from the
former, in the same province and kingdom, and
also annexed to that curacy.
OSO, Rio wer, a river in the province of
Nuevo Mexico and N. America.
OSORNO, a city of the kingdom of Chile,
founded by.D. Andres Hurtado de Mendoza, mar-
quis of Cafiete, in 1558, on the shore of the river
Bueno, 24 miles from the S. s:a, 212 s. of the
city of La Concepcion, and 34 trom the garrison
of Valdivia. Its territory was barren in vegetable
productions, but abundant in gold mines, the
which made it a rich and beautiful town, inha-
bited by many illustrious families. It had two
convents, one of San Francisco, the other of S.
Domingo, and a monavtery of the nuns of Santa
Oss
Clara, The Charaucabis and Arucanos Indians
who made an insurrection here in 1599, destroyed
and burnt the town, putting to death the Spaniards,
and taking away the women to marry with them.
After this lamentable fall it has never since been
rebuilt, aad nothing but its ruins remain, It
stood in lat. 40° 20’ s.
Osorno, a mountain or volcano of the same
kingdom, to the e. of the former city, in the cor-
dillera of the Andes of that kingdom. Sixty-
seven miles e. by s. of the city of its name, in
lat. 40° 36’ s.
Osorno, a canal between the continent of the
same kingdom and the 7. point of the isle of Chiloe,
at the entrance to the ancud or archipelago of
Chiloe, the which Mr. Martiniere calls the lake of
Anaud, in the article Osorno.
OSPA, a settlement of the province of Florida
in N. America.
OSPINO, a settlement of the province and go-
vernment of Venezuela in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada ; founded a few years since.
[OSSABA W Sound and Island, on the coast
of the state of Georgia. ‘The sound opens between
Wassaw island on the z. and Ossabaw island on
the s. and leads into the river Ogeechee. }
eee or OsaPy, atownship, mountain,
and pond, in New Hampshire, in Stafford county,
near the e. line of the state. The town was incor.
orated in 1785, and has 139 inhabitants. ‘The
ake lies n.e. of Winnipiseogee lake, between
which and Ossipee lake is Ossipee mountain, de-
scribed in the account of New Hampshire. Its
waters run e. and joined by South river, form
Great Ossipee river, which empties into Saco
river, near the division line between York and
Cumberland counties, in Maine, between Limerick
and Gorham.
{OSSNOBIAN, or Assenenoyne Indians, a
tribe found about the source of Ossnobian or Asse-
neboyne river, far w. of lake Superior. ‘They are
said by the Moravian missionaries to live wholly
on animal food, or at least to confine themselves
to the spontaneous productions of nature; giving
those whodig the ground the appellation of slaves,
Bread is unknown to them. A traveller who lived
some months in their country offered to some a
few remnants of bread, which they chewed and
snit out again, calling it rotten wood. ‘These In-
dians, as well as those numerous nations who in-
habit thecountry from lake Superior, towards the
Shining mountains, are great admirers of the best
hunting horses, in which the country abounds,
The horses prepared by them for hunters have
large holes cut above their natural nostrils, which
2
same
» COrs
ixty-
e, in
f the
hiloe,
zo of
ike of
lorida
d go-
10 de
coast
tween
id on
ntain,
unty,
incore
The
tween
» de-
. Its
form
Saco
k and
merick
ans, &
Asse-
ley are
wholly
selves
giving
slaves.
0 lived
some a
d and
lese In-
ho in-
ds the
e best
ounds,
& have
which
OST
they say makes them longer winded than others not
thus prepared.
The Ossnobians have no permanent place of
abode, but live wholly in tents, made of buffalo
and other hides, with which they travel from one
place to another, like the Arabs; and as soon as
the food for their horses is expended, they remove
and pitch their tents in another fertile spot; and
so on continually, scarcely ever returning to the
same spots sgn)
OSTIA, a settlement of the prorines and go-
vernment of Cartagena in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada; situate in one of the islands which are
formed by the arms of the river Cauca,
fOSTICO, a small lake in Onondago county,
New York, partly in the s. e, corner of Marcellus,
and n, w. corner of the township of Tully. It
sends its waters from the 2. end, which is eight
miles 5. w. of Onondago castle, by a stream 16
miles long, to Salt lake. |
OSTIMURI, a province of Mexico, in the
government of Sonora, with the title of San Ilde-
fonso. It begins on the other side of the river
Mayo, seven leagues from the real of Los Alamos,
so as that from thence to the river Chico it is 40
leagues from 2. to w, bounded by the river Grande
de Hiaquis. It is very fertile in maize, pease,
French beans, and pulse, in the summer time ; for
in the winter the river rises to such a height as to
inundate the greater part of the territory, not onl
destroying the crops, but even the settlements. It
has many mines of gold and _ silver, which
metals are of base alloy, and are but little co-
veted.
This province is peopled by different’ nations of
Indians, who were reduced to the faith by the
Jesuits, who founded the following settlements :
Rio Chico, the capital, §S. Marcial,
Ostimuri, formerly the S. Joseph,
capital, Nacori,
Bethlem, Cumpas,
Ruan, Thesico,
Potan, ‘Tonichi,
Bocon, Onapa,
Cocarin, Aribethechi,
Todos Santos, Bacanora,
Nacozari, Saguaripa,
S. Xavier, Las Juntas,
Opostura, Tacupero,
Oputi, S. Marcos,
Comoripa, S. Miguel,
Zuaque, Tecoripa,
Yecora, Matape,
S. Nicolas, Guazabas.
Onabas,
OST 499
OSTINES, or Cuar.estown, a considor-
able town in the island of Barbadoes,
OSTIONES, a port of the S. sea, in the pro-
vince and government of Choco, and Nuevo Rey-
no de Granada, between the port of Buenaven-
tura and the point Arena.
OSTITAN, San Pepro DE, a small settlement
or ward of the head settlement of the district of
Moloacan, and alcaldia mayor of Acayuca, in Nu-
ova mapane, close to the settlement of Huaman-
uillo.
. OSTOGERON, a settlement of Indians of the
province and colony of Pennsylvania, N. America ;
situate on the shore of the e. arm of the river Suse
quehannah.
OSTOTIPAC, or Tepric, a province and ale
caldia mayor of Nueva Galicia, and bishopric of
Guadalaxara, in N. America. It is of limited
extent and hot temperature, but abounding in
cattle, and producing large crops of cotton, maize
and coco, and plenty of salt, these being the ar-
ticles of its commerce. The capital is the settlement
of the same name, inhabited by a large popula-
tion of Indians, M/ustees, and Mulattoes, who live
in the estates, and the ranchos of its district ; it is
100 miles to the w. one quarter to the n. w. of Gua-
dalaxara, in 104° 45’ long. 21° 37’ n. lat. The
other settlements of this jurisdiction are reduced
to the following :
S. Sebastian, Mascota, Talpa.
Ostotipac, another settlement, of the jurisdice-
tion and alcaldia mayor of Otumba in Nueva
Espafia; inhabited by 144 families of Indians,
and being one league s. e. of its capital.
Ostotipac, another, with the dedicatory title
of Santa Maria, in the head settlement of the dis«
trict and alcaldia mayor of Tepeaca in the same
kingdom as the former. 1t contains only 13 fami-
lies of Indians, and is a league and an half from
its capital.
OSTOTIPAQUILLO, a jurisdiction and alcal-
dia mayor of the kingdom of Nueva Galicia, and bi-
shopric of Guadalaxara, in N. America, and the
most reduced of any there, being equaily without
productions and inhabitants. It is of a hot tempera-
ture, and yields nothing but some sugar cane, of
which honey, the only branch of its commerce, is
made. Its population is reduced to the two settle-
ments of Cacalutla and San Francisco, besides the
capital, which consists of 60 families of Indians.
It is 25 leagues n. w. of the city of Guadalaxara,
OSTOTITLAN, a settlement of the head set-
tlement of the district and alcaldia mayor of Toe-
luca in Nueva Espaiia; it contains 58 families of
Indians, and is a little tothe w. of its capital.
s2
a eee
i
Sine ae:
Fy ae ee Oe
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SS ee.
aainaet
'
He
500 OS WwW
OSTOZINCO, a settlement of the head settle.
ment of the district of Acantepec, and alcaldia
mayor of 'Tlapa, in Nueva Espaia. It contains 50
families of Indians, and is three leagues and a
half from its head settlement.
OSTRAS, Rio pe LAs, a river of the province
and captainship of Rio Janeiro in Brazil, which
runss.s.e. and enters the sea opposite the isle of
Ancora,
OSTUA, a settlement of the head settlement
and district of San Pedro de Metapas, and a/eal-
dia mayor of Santa Ana, inthe kingdom of Gua-
temala, annexed to the curacy of that head settle-
ment,
OSTUMA, a settlement of the head settlement
of the district of Santiago Nunualco, in the pro-
vince and alcaldia mayor of San Vicente de Austria,
and kingdom of Guatemala; annexed to the cu-
racy of its head settlement,
OSTUMCALCO, San Juan ve, a principal
and head settlement of the district of the alcaldia
mayor and province of Quezaltenango in the
kingdom of Guatemala. It contains in its dis-
trict 5200 Indians of the Quihe, Kazehiquel, and
Zotohil nations, and was one of the doctrinal es-
tablishments of the religious order of San Fran-
cisco.
[OSWEGATCHLE River and Lake, in Terke-
mer county, New York. ‘The river empties into
the river St. Lawrence, or Catariqui. Oswegat-
chie lake is about 19 miles long from s, w. to n.e.
and two broad, and sends its waters 7. e. into the
river of its name. It is about 10 miles s. e. of the
Thousand lakes, near the entrance into lake Onta-
rio. ‘There is a fort of the same name, situated on the
Cataraqui river, 62 miles 2. ¢. of Kingston on lake
Ontario. ]
{OSW EGA'TCHIES, an [ndian tribe residing at
Swagatchey, on the river St. Lawrence, in Canada,
They could furnish about 100 warriors 20 years
since.
{[OSWEGO, a navigable river of New York,
which conveys the waters of Oneida and a number
of small lakes, into lake Ontario, It is more
commonly colled ONonpdaAGo ; which eT
Osweco, a fort of the English, built in the
territory and country of the Iroquees Indians, on
the s. shore of the lake Ontario, nnd at the entrance
or mouth of the river Onondago, or Oswego,
where the former carry on a great commerce with
the Indians in hides, giving in exchange all kinds
of iron ware, brandy, and other articles; which
traffic hegins in the mont’ of May, and lasts till
the end of July. [This fort was taken by the Bri-
tish from the French in 1756, and confirmed to
OTA
them by the peace of 1763. It was delivered up
to the United States, July 14, 1796. It is about
110 miles e. by x. of Niagara, in lat. 49° 29! n,
Long. 76" AV w, :
[OTABALO. See Oravato.]
[O'TAHA, oneof the Society islandsin the 8, Pa-
cific ocean, whose . end is in lat. 16° 26’ 5, and
long. 151° 30’ w. It has two good harbours, See
Onamene and OiteRurnva,
OTAHITI, or Oraneirt, an island of the
S. sea, which gives name to various others, dis-
covered by the English captain, Samuel Wal-
lis, in 1767, commander of the ship Dolphin, in
the reign of George ILI. king of England, and for
whom he took possession of it,
The viceroy of Peru, Don Manuel Arval, sent
the pilot, Don Joseph Amich, to reconnoitre these
islands in 1772; but he being prevented from the
badness of the weather to effect his object, the
king determined to send some missionaries amongst
these barbarians, to reduce them to the faith; and
accordingly, in 1774, there went out to this end
the Fathers Geronimo, Clot, and Narciso Gonza-
lez, of the order of San Francisco, taking with
them some Indians who had been catechized and
baptized at Lima; and these being established in
the aforesaid island of Otahiti, which is the prin-
cipal, remained there till 1775, when the Captain
Don Cayetano arrived in the Aguila frigate with
provisions for them; and then the missionaries
finding that no troops were sent for their protec.
tion, determined to retire, after merely making a
few observations respecting the islands, as to their
productions and the manners of the natives ; and it
is from their accounts that we shall relate the fol-
lowing particulars,
These islands, it seems, are well peopled with
infidels, and in each of them is a cacique or lord,
whom they style eriré ; also in the great islands are
many subordinate to one superior, who is called
eririultu, The temperature of them all is hot and
moist, so that they are well covered with trees, and
shady; they produce many cocos, plantains, rames,
and another fruit which serves as bread. They
have swine and turkeys, aud grow much sugar-
cane.
The natives are corpulent and well made, of a
brown mulatto colour, with long and crisp hair,
which they anoint with cil of cocos. ‘They go
constantly naked, and wear only a swathe round
the waist, passing one end between the thighs; the
chiefs wear a small poncho or matted cloak of
very fine palm, and some very delicate woven
stufts which the women make from the barks of
trees, and of which specimens are to be seen in the
ed up
about
23' n.
S. Pa-
s. and
5, See
of the
Sy lise
Wal.
hin, in
and for
1, sent
e these
om the
ct, the
mongst
1; and
lis end
Gonza-
2 with
ze. and
shed in
We prin-
Japtain
te with
jonaries
protec-
king a
to their
3 and it
the fol-
Pd with
or lord,
ands are
s called
hot and
ees, and
phames,
They
} sugar-
de, of a
sp hair,
hey go
e round
rhs; the
tloak of
P woven
barks of
Pn in the
OTATHIT. 501
royal enbinct of natural history at this court.
These Indians are pacific, cheerful, jovial, and do-
cile, manifest great genius in the building of their
houses and canoes, and in the manufacture of their
woven stuffs. They, however, use the barbarous
custom of sacrificing to their false idols. Whilst
the aforesaid missionaries were amongst them, the
criri fell sick, and to implore with greater success
for his speedy recovery, they sacrificed to their
deity tour of their unfortunate prisoners, They
form amongst themselves societics, wherein they
mutually engage to stand by and assist each other
in any difficulties: but it is indispensable that those
admitted should be without male children, and
this ordinance has been the cause of parents conti-
nually putting their infant sons to death.
[Otahiti_ consists of two peninsulas, which are
connected by a low neck of land, about two miles
over; the circumference of both peninsulas is
somewhat more than 90 miles. ‘The whole island
is surrounded by arcef of coral rocks, within which
the shure forms several exccllent bays and harbours,
where there is room and depth of water forany num-
ber of the largest ships. ‘The face of the country,
except that part of it which borders upon the sea,
is very uneven ; it rises in ridges that run up into
the middle of the island, and there forms moun-
tains, that may be seen at the distance of 60 miles.
Between these ridges and the sea is a border of low
land, extending along all the coast, except in a
few places, where the ridges rise directly from the
sea, ‘This border is of different breadths, but no
where more than a mile and a half, There are se-
veral rivers mach larger than could be expected
from the extent of the island; among the rocks
through which these precipitate their waters from
the mountains, not the least appearance of minerals
is to be found. The stones shew evident tokens
of having been burnt. ‘T'races of fire are also ma-
nifest in the very clay upon the hills. It ma
therefore not unreasonably be supposed, that this
and the neighbouring islands are either shattered
remains of a continent, which wero left behind
when the rest was sunk by the explosion of a sub-
terrancous fire, or have been torn from rocks under
the bed of the sea, by the same cause, and thrown
up in heaps to an height which the waters never
reach, ‘The low lands between the foot of the
ridges and the sea, and some of the interjacent
valleys, are the only parts of the island that are in-
habited. Here indeed it is populous. The houses
do not form villages or towns, but are ranged along
the whole border, at the distance of about 50 yards
from cach other,
W hen the island was first discovered, hogs, dogs,
and poultry were the only tame animals; ducks,
pigeons, paroquets, with a few other birds and rats,
the only wild animals. ‘Phe breed of hogs has been
greatly improved by some of a larger kind, that
were left by the Spaniards in 1774. Goats were
first introduced by Captain Cook in 1773; to these
the Spaniards have added some, and they are now
in such plenty, that every chief of any note has
them. Cats were left by Captain Cook, and Ku.
ropean dogs of several sorts by the Spaniards. | In
1777, the stock of new animals received the ime
portant addition of a turkey cock and hen; a pea-
cock and hen; a gander and three geese ; a drake
and four ducks; a horse and mare; a bull and
three cows. A bull and a ram had been also left
by the Spaniards. Beasts of prey or noxious
reptiles, there are none. ni
The vegetable productions are bread-fruit, coe
coa-nuts, banranas of 13 sorts, and all excellent ;
plantains; a fruit resembling an apple; sweet pota-
tovs, yams, and cocoas, : ,
The people exceed the middle size of Euro-
peans in stature. In their dispositions, notwith-
standing the charge of infanticide, before al-
leged against them; they are brave, open, and
generous, without either suspicion or treachery.
Except a few traces of natural cunning, and some
traits of dissimulation, equally artless and inoffen-
sive, they possess the most perfect simplicity of
character. ‘I'heir actions are guided by the im-
mediate impulse of the reigning passion. ‘Their
passions are the genuine effusions of the heart,
which they have never been taught to disguise or
repress, and are therefore depictured by the strongest
expressions of countenance and gesture. Their
feelings are lively, but in no case permanent; they
are affected by all the changesof the passing hour,
and reflect the colour of the time, however fre-
quently it may vary. ‘Their vivacity is never
disturbed by anxiety or care, insomuch that when
brought to the brink of the grave by discase, or
when preparing to go to battle, their faces are un-
clouded by melancholy or serious reflection. Their
language is soft and melodious ; it abounds with
vowels, and is easily pronounced, It is rich in
beautiful and figurative expressions, and admits of
that inverted arrangement of words, which distin-
guishes the ancient from most modern languages.
It is so copious, that for the bread-fruit alone they
have above twenty names. Add to this, that be-
sides the common dialect, they often expostulate
in a kind of stanza or recitative, which is answered
in the same manner,
The two peninsulas formerly made but one king-
dom. They are now divided intotwo, under the |
Tyee ct — a
> = = = >. ee
—s
se
>
= = =
AIS a maces
ate AEA
502 OTA
peanees of Opureanou or Otaheitenooe, and Tirae
ou; although Otoo, the sovereign of the former,
still possesses a nominal superiority over the latter,
and is styled king of the whole island. ‘To him
also the island of Kimeo is subject. These king-
doms are subdivided into districts, each with its
respective chief. The number of inhabitants in
1744 was estimated by Captain Cook at 204,000,
Wars are frequent between the two kingdoms, and
rhaps between separate districts of each. The
nhabitants of Eimeo are often excited by some
powerful chief to assert their independence. The
wer and strength of this and the neighbouring
islands lie entirely in their navies; and all their de-
cisive battles are fought on the water, Otahiti
alone is supposed to be able to send out 1720 war
canoes, and 68,000 able men. The chief of each
district superintends the equipping of the fleet in
that district; but they must all pass in review be-
fore the king, so that he knows the state of the whole
before they assemble to go on service. Otahiti lies
in about 17° 40/ of +, lat. and 149° 25! of w. long. |
The archipelago consists of 23 islands, the
names of which are the following :
S. Simon, Opija,
S. Quintin, Tajaa,
Todos Santos, Oyataa,
Matutarua, Oaginé,
S. Cristoval, Tupa,
Otahiti, Obayo,
Morea, Guayopé,
Genta, Ayuayi,
Tapuamant, Atin,
Mavava, Tatupa,
Tira, Quemaura.
Paraporra,
[OTAKOOTAT, or Oxatoorata,asmall island
in the S. Pacific ocean, four leagues from Wateeoo,
and about three miles in circuit. Lat. 19° 50’ s,
Long. 158° 23! w.
OTALLUG, a river of the province and corre.
gimiento of Ambato in the kingdom of Quito. It
rises in the mountains of Avitahua, runs from 2, to
s, and enters the Pastaza by the 2. side, in lat.
1° 30’ s.
OTANAUIS, a barbarous nation of Indians, of
the province and country of Las Amazonas, who
dwell with many other nations on the shores of the
river Napo.
OTAO, a settlement of the province and corre-
gimiento of Guarochiri in Peru; annexed to the
curacy of Casta.
OTAOS, a settlement of the missions which were
held by the Jesuits in the province of Topia, and
kingdom of Nueva Vizcaya.
OTA
OTATAI, a small river of the province and
captainship of Maraiian in Brazil. It rises near
the coast, runs n. between the Grande de Paraguay
and the Camindey, and enters the sea in the low
coast.
OTATITLAN, San Anpres be, a settlement
of the head settlement of the district of 'Tlacotal-
yan, and alcaldia mayor of Cozamaloapan, in
ueva Espaiia, at the distance of a league from
the river Grande de Alvarado, in the middle of a
lofty mountain, It contains 19 families of Indians
and a beautiful temple, in which is venerated a mi-
raculous image of Christ crucified, with the same
title as has the settlement ; and of which the fol-
lowing account is extant, namely, that more than
170 years ago an Indian, who had cut a piece of
cedar, was desirous of making a cross, and was
looking out for a person who might undertake the
work, together with the image of our Lord ; that
there arrived at his house two handsome P biel gel
who professed themselves sculptors, and offered to
do what he required; that he put them into an
apartment where the wood was, paid them for their
hire, and left with them some food ; when, returne
ing the following day to see what they had done,
he found to his surprise the youths flown, the
money and the food untouched, and the image
most beautifully and perfectly finished, This sete
tlement is 13 leagues e. of its head settlement.
OTAVALO, a province and corregimiento of
the kingdom of Quito; bounded e. by the moun-
tain of Cayambe, n. e. by that of the town of
Ibarra, n. w. by Esmeraldas, and s. by the dis-
trict of the corregimiento of the city of Quito. It
is 12 leagues long from n. w. to s.e. and running
in width from s. ton.
It is watered by the river Batan, which rises, as
well as other different streams that fertilize it, in
the mountains, and becoming united with the rest,
forms the river Blanco. Although, as we have
made appear, its territory is not of much extent,
it is covered with cultivated estates and manufac-
tories where they make linens peculiar to the coun-
try, or, as they are sometimes called, tucuyos, care
pets, quilts, and other articles, all of white cotton,
the which are much esteemed throughout the
kingdom.
The mode of sowing the wheat and barley in
this province is very singular, for instead of scat-
tering the seed they make small holes and pour in
a certain quantity from their hands; a practice
proved by experience amongst them to be very
advantageous, and to yield from 100 to 150 grains
for one. In the estates are enclosures for breeding
horses, as also dairies, where they make a large por-
lo. It
nning
SCS, as
it, in
e rest,
have
xtent,
nufac-
coun-
6, Care
rotton,
t the
ley in
" scate
pur in
actice
very
grains
peding
e por-
OTA
tion of cheese, to carry for sale to the other juris-
dictions. ‘The pasture in these farms being ver
fine, and abounding in excellent cattle, and al-
though it is not in want of sheep, yet are these less
common than other animals,
In the territory of this province are two lakes,
one of which is called S, Pablo, from a settlement of
that name on its shore, the same being a league
long, and half a league wide, and abounding in
geese, herons, galleretas or ducks, and covered with
the reed called ¢otora ; moreover receiving its wa-
ters from the mountain Mojanda, and having issue
out from it one of the arms which form the river
Blanco. ‘The other lake, which is at a small
distance off, is of the same size, and is called Cuie
cocha, from being upon the mountain of this name
on a small table just before the extreme top of the
said mountain, In the middle of this latter lake
are two islands, in which breed many cuyes, or
white rabbits, and deer, who swiin from the island,
and when pursued by the hunters, regain it for se-
curity in the same manner, In this lake are found
some small fish no bigger than prawns and without
scales: the Spaniards call them prenadillas, and
esteem them so much that they are carried as a
rarity to Quito for sale.
The settlement of Cayambe, situate in the middle
of an extensive lano, or plain, is backed by some
lofty mountains of those cordilleras called Cayam-
buro, which vie with Chimboraso, and are taller
than any lying between that spot and Quito, from
which place they are discernible. These moun-
tains being constantly covered with snow, make
the temperature of the valley cold and unpleasant,
assisted in no small degree by the strong winds
which continually blow here.
The inhabitants of this province are divided
into the seven following settlements :
Cayambe, San Pablo,
Tabacundo, Tocache,
Atontaqui, Urcuqui.
Cotacache,
The capital, which is the town and asiento of
the same name, is in a fine situation, of a cold
temperature, and abounding in cattle, with which
it supplies the other settlements, The natives are
rather inclined to the manufacture of cotton stuffs,
in which they have a great trade, than to the cul-
tivation of the land. It has two parishes, and a
good convent of the monks of San Francisco. Its
opulation amounts to about 18 or 20,000 souls.
Pre is in lat. 133” x. and long. 78°5'w. It is
30 miles zi. c. of Quito, and 167 s.s.w. of Po-
payan, on the royal road between those places. ]
OTAZ, Jesus NazARENO DE, a settlement of
OTO 503
the province and government of Neiva in the
Nuevo Reyno“de Granada, on the shore of a small
river called Caiio de Otiz. It is of the same tem-
perature, and produces the same fruits as the other
settlements of this jurisdiction, but in less quantity,
from the want of people, its inhabitants amount.
ing to only 40 Indians,
The aforesaid river runs to s,s. w. and enters
the Grande de la Magdalena, between those of
Norte and Oro,
([OTCHIER, a bay on the n. coast of S, Ame-
rica, to the w. of the river or creek called Urano,
and e. of cape Caldero,
OTEAPA, a settlement of the head settlement
of the district of 'Tenanzitlan, and alcaldia mayor
of Acayuca, in Nueva Espaiia, containing 69 fami-
lies of Indias, It is “en leagues to the e. one
quarter to s,¢. of its head settlement.
[OTEAVANOOA, a large and spacious har.
bour and bay, on the s, w. coast of the island of
Bolabola, one of the Society islands. Lat. 16°
18's. Long. 151°43' w.]
OTEQUET, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Chancay in Peru; annexed to
the curacy of Iguari.
OTER, a small river of the province and co-
lony of Virginia, which runs s.e. and enters the
Staunton.
Orer, a small island of the province of Georgia,
one of those called the Georgian ; situate near that
of Scabrouks.
OTERREZUCA, a settlement of the jurisdic-
tion of the Villa de Honda in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada.
O'THOVES, a barbarous nation of Indians, of
the province and government of Louisiana in N.
America, who dwell near the shores of the river
Missou::. They are not numerous.
[OTISFIELD, a_ plantation in Cumberland
county, district of Maine, e. of Bridgetown in
York county. A stream from Songo pond passes
through the w. part of this town, on its way to
Sebago. _ It is very free of ragged hills and moun-
tains. The greatest part of it affords a growth of
beech, maple, ash, bass, and birch, and is good
land. It contains 197 inhabitants. ]
OTOCA, a settlement of the province and cors
regimiento of Lucanas in Peru.
OTOCTATA, a settlement of Indians, of the
province and government of Louisiana in N.Ame-
tica, on the shore of the river Panis.
OTOGAMIES, an Indian nation in the
N.W. territory, who inhabit between the lake
of the Woods and Mississippi river. Its war-
riors amount to 300. ]
aa
|
es ne
apie
504 O0TO
OTOLUA, a settlement of the province and go-
ver.ment of Popayan in the Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada, on the shore of a river at a small distance
from the city of Buga to the »,w. and which river
divides the settlement from this city.
OTOMACOS, a nation of Indians, reduced, for
the greater part, to the faith, and dwelling in the
vicinity of the Orinoco and Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada. ‘They are of such extravagant and rare
customs in their natural state of gentilism, that they
deserve particular note. At the first dawn of light
they all start from their sleep, and begin distress-
ing cries and shonts for their dead, the which last
till day-light ; and then they begin to dance and
sing and amuse themselves till twelve at night, thus
allowing themselves no more than three hours sleep.
During the morning they go and throw themselyes
into the river, and then assemble at the doors of
their captains, and there pick out those who are to
go cither fishing, or hunting on the mountains the
wild-boars, or to employ themselves in tilling the
ground; after these are selected, the rest are al-
lowed to go and amuse themselves,
It is truly curious to see them play at tennis ;
their dexterity is wondertul, and some of them will
throw themselves along the ground to meet the
ball, and will repel it with their shoulder. This
game is well ordered : they have regular umpires,
and there is much betting on the two sides, or par-
ties, which regularly amount, to 12 cach.
The women, in the meen time, occupy them-
selves in making very fine crockery-ware, and in
weaving curious garments and nets, sacks, &c. of
hemp, or pifa, which they procure from the Mau-
riche, as also in making pavilions or tents to de-
fend them whilst asleep from the swarms of mos-
quitoes with which they are infested. About mid-
day they give over their labour, and also amuse
themselves in;playing at ball, and with no less dex-
terity than their husbands,
These Indians have, in their play. a way of cut-
ting and lacerating themselves with icon spikes to
such a degree, that in order to stop themselves
from bleeding to death they are obliged to plunge
into the cold river, aud will there fill up the wounds
with sand; a practice which, instead of being fatal
to them, makes them robust and hardy. ‘They are
fond of eating earth; and this food is, no doubt,
prevented from being fatal to them throngh the
quantity of oil or grease of the alligator, with which
they mix it up.
This is the only nation of Indians of this king-
dom who permit polygamy. ‘The young men are
forced to marry old widows, and the old men, on
losing their wives, may marry young women ;
OT O
since they assert that it is madness to put two
foolish unexperienced people together,
These Indians were, formerly, very numerous
and at constant war with the Caribes, until that
these, aided by the Dutch, brought fire-arms into
the field, when the Otomacos were so discomfited
as to betake themselves to unknown and distant
parts,
They make their bread of certain roots, which
they permit to putrefy in water, and then mix it
up with the earth and grease, as we have before obe
served, ‘This nation is bounded 7. e. by the nation
of the Paos, and nw. by that of the Jrauros.
hey began to he reduced to the Catholic faith b
the Jesuits in 1732, m
_OTOMLIES, a nation of civilised Indians of
Nueva Espanta; thus called as being descendants
of Otomiel, sixth son of Iztac Micuatl, a noble of
the Seven Caves, and of one of the most numerous
nations of that kingdom,
They became united to the republic of Tlax-
cala, when they fled from the war made against
them by the emperor of Mexico, who wished to
subject them to his dominion; and when the same
declared war against this republic, the greatest
confidence was put in these Indians, and they
were placed at the very frontiers of Mexico : also
in reward for their services they were endowed
with great honours, and the first families of 'Tlaxs
cala gave them their daughters to wife; nor have
the Mexicans been ever able to shake their alle-
giance to this republic.
At the entrance of the Spaniards, they were in-
duced to serve in the conquest of that empire, and
after this they changed their name from Otomies
to Chichimecas.
O'TTONCAPULCO, a small settlement of the
province of Mexico and kingdom of Nucva Es.
pana, where Cortés, after the fatigues of battic
rested himself the night that he retired trom
Mexico, and where he afterwards constructed a
temple, with the title of Nuestra Sefiora, See Res
MEDIOS,
OTONTEPEC, Saw Juan pr, a settlement of
the head settlement of the disirict of ‘J
and alcaldia mayor of Tampico, in Nuey
It contains 69 families of Indians
w. Of its head settlement.
, ROPARI, a large river of the kingdom of
Peru, which rises between the Inambari aud Cue
chivara, near the province of Paucartambo. It
runs with different names for an infinite number of
leagues through unknown countries of infidel In
dians, making one large curve, wntil that, direct
Ing its Course to m. in the territory or country ot
a7
autoyuca,
a Mspatia.
yandis 15 lergues
wo
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OO. It
yer of
hel In-
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las Amazonas, it enters the Maraion or Amazon
by (wo arms.
OTOPUN, a settlement of Indians, of the mis-
sions which are hela by the religious order of 8.
Domingo, in the territory and district of the city
of San Christoval, in the Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada ;_ situate on the shore of the river Apure. It
is of an hot temperature, abounding in cacao,
maize, yucas, and other fruits of a warm climate ;
but of so small a population as to contain no more
than 50 Indians.
OTOQUE, a small island of the S, sea, in the
gulf of Panama, near the point of Chame, on the
coast of Tierra Firme. It is very delightiul, and
well cultivated with vegetable productions, and of
an hot though healthy temperature. In lat. 8° 37!
n. Long. 79°25! w.
OTOQUILLO, a small island of the same pro-
vince and kingdom as the former, and situate near
to it.
OTOTITLAN, a settlement of the missions
which were held by the Jesuits, in the province of
Topia and kingdom of Nueva Vizcaya, on the
shore of the river ‘Tabala.
[O'TSEGO, a county of New York, on the s.
side of Mobawk river, opposite the German flats.
The head waters of Susquehannah, and the Cook-
quago branch of Delaware, intersect this county.
Here are also the lakes Otsego and Caniaderago,
which send their waters, in an united stream, to
the Susquehannah. It contains nine townships,
viz. Kortright, Harpersfield, Franklin, Cherry
Valley, Dorlach, Richfield, Otsego, Burlington,
and Unadilla, It contained, a few years ago,
about 1000 inhabitants; but such has been the
rapid settlement of this county, that in January
1796 it contained 3237 inhabitants qualificd to be
electors. In 1791, when this county was but
thinly settled, as many as 300 chests of maple
sugar were manufactured here, 400lbs. each.
The courts are held at Cooperstown in the town-
ship of Otsego. |
[Orseco, atownship and lake in the county
above described. ‘lhe township. was taken trom
Unadilla, and incorporated in '796. On the e.
the township encloses lake Otsego, which sepa-
rates it from Cherry Valley. Lake Otsego is about
nine miles long, and little more than a mile wide.
The lands on its banks are very good, and the cul-
tivation of it easy. In 1790, it contained 1702
inhabitants, including cight slaves. By the state
census of 1796, there were 490 of its inhabitants
electors. |
[OTTAWAS, an Indian nation in the N. W.
territory, who inhabit the e. side of lake Michigan,
VOL, TLt.
OT T 505
21 miles from Michilimackinack. Their hunting
grounds lie between lakes Michigan and Huron.
They could furnish 200 warriors 20 years ago. A
tribe of these alse lived near St, Joseph’s, and had
150 warriors. Another tribe lived with the Chip-
pewas, on Saguinam bay, who together could
raise 200 warriors. ‘Two of these tribes, lately
hostile, signed the treaty of peace with the United
States, at Greenville, August 3d, 1795. In con-
sequence of lands ceded by thene to the United
States, government has agreed to pay them in
goods, 1000 dollars a year, for ever, |
[Orrawas, a large river of Canada, which
empties into the St. Lawrence at the lake of the
‘wo Mountains, 11 miles from Montreai. ‘The
communication of the city of Montreal with the
high lands, by this river, if not impracticable, is
at least very expensive and precarious, by reason
of its rapids and falls. ]
ror ER Bay, onthe s. coast of the island of
Newfoundland, is between Bear bay and Switt
bay, and near cape Raye, the s.w, point of the
island. }
fOrree Creek, called by the French Riviere a
Lotris, a river of Vermont, which rises in Brom-
ley, and pursuing by its course a2. direction about
90 miles, empties into lake Champlain at Verris-
burgh ; and in its course receives about 15 smal!
tributary streams. In it are large falls at Rutland,
Pittsford, Middlebury, and Vergennes. Between
the falls the water is deep and navigable for the
largest boats. Vessels of any burden may go up
to the falls at Vergennes, five miles from its mouth.
The head of this river is not more than 30 feet
from Batten kill, which runs in a contrary direc-
tion, and falls into Hudson’s river. Its mouth is
three miles x. of Bason harbour.
[Orrer Creek, a small stream which empties
into Kentucky river, in the state of that name, and
e. of Boonsborough.
[Orrer’s Head, a small peninsula, projecting
from the x. e. shore of lake Superior, aud 2. w. of
Michipicoton island.
[OTTOES, Indians of N. America. ‘They
have no idea of an exclusive possession of any
country, nor do they assign themselves any limits.
It would appear that they would not object to the
introduction of any well-disposed Indians; they
treat the traders with respectand hospitality, gene-
rally. In their occupations of hunting and culti-
vation, they are the same with the Kanzas and
Osage. They hunt on the Saline and Nimmehaw
rivers, and in the plains w. of them, The coun-
try in which they hunt lies well; it is extremely
fertile and well watered ; that part of it which
a
aT
en
506 OT Z
borders on the Nimmehaw and Missouri possesses
a good portion of timber: population rather in-
creasing. They have always resided near the place
where their village is situated, and are the descen-
dants of the Missouris. |
OTUMBA, a province and alcaldia mayor of
Nueva Espaiia, and one of the smallest and poor-
est, although formerly one of the richest, from the
abundance of cochineal which was found here.
Its jurisdiction consists of three settlements, name-
ly, Goatlanzinco, Axapusco, Ostotipac, and some
wards or small settlements annexed to them.
The capital is of the same name, formerly a
Jarge and good town, as may be seen by the re-
mains and ruins of its walls. It consists now of
only 10 or 12 houses of Spanish families, and 406
of Indians, employed in cultivating maize, barley,
and other seeds; as also in the breeding of pigs.
It has a convent of the religious order of San Fran-
cisco, governed by the curate until that it was
resigned tosome nuns, ‘The water was brought to
‘the town by an aqueduct, made at great expence
and with much art, a work which proved that this
jurisdiction was formerly capable of going to a
great expence. In the middle of the chief square
isa pyramidical stone, remarkable for its height, as
being of only one piece.
This town is the place where the viceroys resign
the staffand the command to the successor, and on
this occasion it is thronged withall the prelates and
chiefs who come to compliment their new master ;
and indeed, this is the only time that it can be said
to be inhabited, as it is in itself one of the most
barren and unpeopled towns of the kingdom.
‘Twenty-six miles 2. e. of Mexico, in long, 98°
AA’ w. Lat. 19° 40' 30" x.
OrumBa, a beautifui and extensive valley of
the former province, celebrated for the victory
which was gained by Ilernan Cortes against the
whole power of the Mexican empire, when this
was obliged to retreat from that court, and re-esta-
blish itself in Tlaxcala. It is at the foot of some
very lofty mountains which give it its name.
OTUSCO, a settlement of the province and
corregimiento of Caxamarca la Grande in Peru.
OTUSTLA, a settlement of the province and
alcaldia mayor of Chiapa in the kingdom of Gua-
temala, of the district of that city.
OTUTO, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Guamachuco in Peru, at the source
of the river Bamba.
OTZANDERKET, a small lake of Canada,
between the salt lakes and the river Femmes-
Blanches.
OTZOLOTEPEC, 8. BantoLome pr, a set-
OT Z
tlement and head settlement of the district of the
alcaldia mayor of Metepec ix Nueva Espaiia, It
contains 380 families of Indians, and is the head
of the curacy, to which as many other Indians are
annexed. Three leagues s. e. of its capital.
Orzonorerec, another settlement, with the
dedicatory title of Santa Maria, which is the head
settlement of the district of the alculdia mayor of
Miahuatlan, in the same kingdom ; ofa cold and
moist temperatnre from being in the sierra. It
contains 970 families of Indians, including those
of its wards, who cultivate maize and other secds,
although its principal trade is in cochineal.. Kigh-
teen leagues s. e. of its capital.
Orzonoterec, another, of the head settlement
of the district of Puxmecatan, and alcaldia mayor
of Villalta, in the same kingdom; containing 10
families of Indians. ‘Twenty-six leagues from its
capital.
OrzoLoterec, another, with the dedicatory
title of San Juan, the head settlement of the dis-
trict of the alcaldia mayor of Miahuatan ; situate
in the sferra. ‘Thirty leagues from the capital.
Orzonoterre, another, with the dedicatory
title of Santa Maria, the head settlement of the
district of the alcaldia mayor of Antequera, in the
province and bishopric of Oaxaca in Nueva Es-
paia, It contains 50 families of Indians, who
live by cultivating cochineal, wheat, and other
sceds, for commerce. Thirty leagues ec. s. e. of its
capital.
OTZULUMA, Santa Marta pe, a settle-
ment and head settlement of the district and a/ea/-
dia mayor of Tampico in Nueva Espaiia; of a
dry and hot temperature. It contains a convent
of the order of San Francisco, and its population
is composed of 214 families of Guastecos Indians,
and 62o0f Mulattoes, whosow maize, and breed some
large cattle, of which they make dried meat, their
only article of trade, save that of the same cattle
alive, which they take annually to sell in the neigh-
bouring jurisdictions, and from the product of
which they procure themselves such articles as
they may require, and which their territory docs
not afford.
This part of the country is much infested with
poisonous insects, no place more so. Here are
three cultivated estates and grazing farms for large
cattle; and formerly it used to buy quantities of
salt brought in the vessels from Campeche, with
which to curc their fish and meats; but this system
of trade has gone to decay from the very increased
price of the salt, and since the coast here affords
none. Fourtecn leagues 2. w. of its capital, and 80.
from Mexico.
of the
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OUA
fOUABASH. See Wanasu River. ]
OUACHAS, a lake of the province and govern-
ment of Louisiana in N. America, on the coast
and island formed by the rivers Mississippi and
Chetimachas. 11 empties itself into the sea by two
mouths near the bay of Ascension.
OUACHETAS, a river of the same province
and government as the former lake. It rises from
another lake, between the river Negro and Missis-
sippi, runs s. and turning w. with many windings,
enters the former river.
OUADEBA, a river of the same province and
government as the former settlement, It rises from
three lakes to the s. of lake Superior, runs w. and
turning its course to s. w. enters the Mississippi.
OUADEUAMENISSOUTE, or River of Sr.
Peter, inthe same province and government as
the former. It rises from cape Tinton, runs e.
and enters the Verde or Green river.
OUADOUGEOUNATON, a settlement oi In-
dians of the provinceand government of Louisiana,
in the territory of the Sioux of the West.
OUAGARON, a river of the province and
country of the lroquees Indians in Canada, which
runs s. and enters the Catarakuy.
OUAINCO, a settlement of Indians of the pro»
vince and government of Louisiana in N.. Ame.
rica; situate on the shore of Rouge river.
[OUAIS’S Bay and River are about two
leagues round the 2. point of the island of Cape
Breton, in the gulf of St. Lawrence, and s. s. w.
of the island of Limbach.
([OUANAMINTHE, a French parish and vil-
lage on the n. side of the island of St. Domingo,
about a league and a half w. of Daxabon, in the
Spanish part, from which it is separated by the
river Massacre, six leagues from the mouth of the
river, and five s. e. of fort Dauphin. |
OUANARI, ariver of the province of Gua-
yana or Nueva Andalucia, in the French posscs-
sions. It enters the sea between the Aprobague
and the Oyapoco,
QvaNnanri, some mountains ofthis province,
which run as far as the sea-coast.
OUANDO, a settlement of the province and
government of Popayan in the Nuevo Reyno de
Granada,
OQUAOUACHE, a river of Canada in N. Ame-
rica, called also S, Gerome and Handsome river.
It is the Ohio, and was discovered by the Fathers
Marquete and San Joliet, Frenchmen, of the
abolished order of Jesuits, in 1673, they having
been the first who navigated it.
OUAPITOUGAN, an island of the gulf of St.
OUA 507
Lawrence, near the coast of the country and land
of Labrador,
[OUAQUAPHENOGA W, or Ekanranoka,
is alake or rather marsh, between Flint and Oak-
mulgee rivers in Georgia, and is nearly 300 miles
in circumference. —_[n wet seasons it appears like
an inland sea, and has several large islands of rich
land ; one of which the present generation of Creek
Indians represent as the most blissful spot on earth,
They say it is inhabited by a peculiar race of In-
dians, whose women are incomparably beautiful.
They tell that this terrestrial paradise has been seen
by some enterprising hunters, when in’ pursuit
of their game, who being lost in inextricable
swamps and bogs, and on the point of perishing,
were unexpectedly relieved by a company of beau-
tiful women, whom they call Daughters of the
Sun, who kindly gave them such provisions as
they had with them, consisting of fruit and corn
cakes, and then enjoined them to fly for safety to
their own country, because their husbands were
fierce men and cruel to strangers. ‘They further
say, (hat these hunters had a view of their settle-
ments, situated on the elevated banks of an island,
in a beautiful lake; but in all their endeavours to
approach it, they were involved in perpetual laby-
rinths, and, like enchanted land, still as they ima-
gined they had just gained it, it seemed to fly
before them; and having quitted the delusive pur-
suit, they with much difficulty effected a retreat.
They tell another story concerning this sequestered
country, which seems not improbable, which is,
that the inhabitants are the posterity of a fugitive
remnant of the ancient Yamases, who escaped
massacre after a bloody and decisive battle between
them and the Creeks, (who it is certain conquered
and nearly exterminated that once powerful peo-
ple), and here found an asylum remote and se-
cure from the fury of their proud conquerors. The
rivers St. Mary and Sitilla, which fall into the
Atlantic, and the beautiful Little St. Juan, which
empties into the bay of Appalachi at St. Mark’s,
are said, by Bartram, to flow from this lake.]
OUAQUEZUPI, a river of the province and
caplainship of Maraian in Brazil, which flows
down from the mountains‘of the w. and runs e.
until it enters the Miari. Near its source dwell
some barbarian Tocantines Indians, and in its
vicinity are cultivated sugar-canes, of which sugar
is made here,
OUARABICHE, a rapid river of the province
of Nueva Andalucia, which runs from e. tow.
passing through the country inhabited by the
Saimagoes Indians, and after a course of 25
312
ae
——
508 OUE
leagues becomes divided into two arms, which
branch into 20 or more, entering the Atlantic sea,
opposite the cape or fort Gallo, of the island of
‘Trinidad, in lat, 9° 49! x.
OUARIPANA, a river of the province and
country of Las Amazonas, and part possessed by
the Portuguese. It rises in the territory of the
Moruas Indians, runs e. and turning its course to
s. se, enters the Maraiion, between those of Iru-
pura and Putumayo, very near the settlement of
San Christoval.
OUAS, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Guamalics in Peru; annexed to the
curacy of Puchas.
OUASA, ariver of the province and govern-
ment of Guayana, in the part possessed by the
French. It enters the Couripi.
(OUASIOTO Mountains are situated n. w. of
the Laurel mountains in Virginia. ‘They are 50
or 60 miles wide at the gap, and 450 in length 7, e.
and s.w. ‘They abound in coal, lime, and free-
stone. Their summits are generally covered with
good soil, and a variety of timber, and tie inter-
vale lands are well watered. ]
OUATESAOU, a small river of the country or
land of Labrador, which runs s. between the Sal-
mon and Misina rivers, and enters the sea in the
gulf of S. Lawrence.
OUATIROU, a settlement of the island of Ja-
maica ; situate in the bay of Kozo, with a good
fort. The French, under Mr. Ducase, took it
after great resistance, from the English, in 1694.
OUEJAS, Rto pve was, a river in the province
and government of Buenos Ayres. It is an arm
of the river Salado, which issues from the lake of
Christal, runs s,s. e. and enters the Parana.
QuevAas, another river, in the province and go-
vernnent of Popayan, and Nuevo Reyno de Gra-
nada, which rises near the city of Cali, and enters
the Grande de la Magdalena, although Mr. Bellin
asserts that it enters the Cauca.
OUELLE, a small river of Canada in N,
America, which rises from a small lake, runs w.
and enters the S. Lawrence.
[it has its source in mountains to the s. and
falls into the aforesaid river, near 100 miles below
Quebec. For several miles before it joins the St.
Lawrence, it runs through a level and very fertile
country ; and the tide flows up for a considerable
way, so as to make it navigable for small vessels.
This district is well cultivated, and very populous.
‘The neighbouring parishes of Kamouraska and
St. Ann’s are also populous, and well cultivated.
'The configuration of this part of the country is
very curious. Inthe middle of rich plains you
OUI
see a number of small hills covered with wood ;
they rise like so many rocks in the ocean. On
approaching and examining them narrowly, you
find that they are literally bare rocks, of primitive
granite, full of fissures, in which pine trees have
taken root, and grown to a considerable size, so as
to cover the rocks. It is probable the great river
at some former period covered this part of the
country, when these hills were so many islands ;
and that the rich soil which now surrounds them,
is adeposition from its waters. ‘The probability
of this conjecture is strengthened by the circum-
stance, that the islands of Kamouraska, still insu-
lated only at high water, resemble in every re-
ope the rocky hills surrounded by the fertile
fields.
[OUEPAS, a town on the coast of Costa Rica,
on the N, Pacific ocean, and s, of Carthago.
OUETACARES, a barbarous nation of Indians of
the kingdom of Brazil, who wander about the woods
and mountains, ‘They are ferocious, cruel, and of
terrible aspect, entirely naked, both menand women,
cannibals, and have a language entirely different
from any other nation of that kingdom, with all
of whom they are at continual war. Their hatred
tothe Portuguese isinvetcrate, notwithstanding they
have some commercial dealings with them ; but on
these occasions both parties meet armed, and all that
can be said in favour of these Indians is, that they
are faithful to their engagements.
[OULATANON, a small stockaded fort in the
N. W. territory, on the w. side of the Wabash
river, in lat. 40° 20’ ». and long. 86° 28’ w. and
said to be about 120 miles s. w. of fort St. Joseph.
This was formerly a French post. Thus far the
Wabash is navigable 412 miles from its mouth,
including its windings, for batteaux drawing three
feet water, A silver mine has been discovered
here. ‘The neighbouring Indians are the Kicka-
poos, Musgnitons, Pyankishaws, and a principal
part of the Ouiatanons. ‘The whole of these tribes
could furnish, about 20 years ago, 1000 warriors.
The fertility of soil and diversity of timber in this
country are the same as in the vicinity of post St.
Vincent, }
OUIGNES, Bay of, in the island of 8. Chris-
topher, one of the Antilles, on the n. w. coast, and
in the part possessed by the French before that
the island was ceded tothe English. It lies be-
tween the cape Enragé and the bay of Papillons.
(OUINEASKE or Suensurne Bay, on the
e. side of lake Champlain, sets up s. e. through
the town of Burlington, in Vermont, into the ».
part of Shelburne.
fOUISCONSING, a navigable river of the
oa ;
On
you
itive
have
so as
river
f the
nds ;
thein,
bility
‘cum-
insu-
ty ree
fertile
Rica,
ians of
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and of
omen,
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ith all
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ig they
but on
all that
it they
in the
abash
o. and
oseph.
far the
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rx three
overed
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B tribes
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Chris-
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re that
ies be-
llons.
ion the
rough
the ».
of the
OUR
N.-W, terriiory, which empties into the Missis-
sippi, in lat. 41° 56’ and long. 89° 45/, where are
villages of the Sack and Fox tribes of Indians.
This river has a communication with Fox river,
which, passing through Winnebago lake, enters
Puan bay in lake Michigan. Between the two
rivers there is a portage of only two miles. On
this river and its branches reside the Indians of its
name. Warriors 300. |
OUITCHAGENE, a= small lake of New
Trance or Canada, in the country of the Petit
Mustassins Indians.
OULAMANITIEF, asmall river of the same
province as the former, which runs w. between
those of Bucies and Margurite, and enters the lake
Michigan.
[OULIONT, a village of the siate of New
York, on the post-road from fiudson to the
Painted post. It is 27 miles w. of Delaware, and
37 n. e. of Union, on Susquehannah river, and
lies on the 2, side of a creek of its name which
crates into Unadilla river. |
UMACHIS, a small river, also of the same
province as the former, in the country and terti-
tory of the Algenovins Indians. It runs s, e. and
enters the lake S, Peter, formed by the river S.
Lawrence.
OUMAMIS, a nation of Indians of Canada in
N. America.
OUMANIOUETS, a small lake of the same
province, formed from the waste-waters of the
rivers Beauharnois and Miskovaskane.
OUMAS, a barbarous nation of Indians of New
France or Canada, who dwell two leagues from
the part where the Mississippi divides itself. Its
natives are very well disposed to the French.
OURAMANYI, a river of the province of Vir-
ginia in N. America. It runs w. and enters the
[llinois. On its shores copper mines haye been
discovered.
OURANGABENA, a lake of Canada, on the
confines of Nova Scotia; formed from the river S,
Francis, and entering the 8. George.
OURO, Corico pe, a village or settlement of
the Portuguese, in the kingdom of Brazil ; situate
on the shore of the river Manuel Alz, not far
from the Tocantines. ;
Ouro, a river in the same district as the former
settlement. It is small, rises near that of Manuel
Alz, runs nearly due w. and enters the ‘Tocantines
close to the settlement of its name.
OURS, or Bears, Cape of the, on the s. coast
of the island of S. John, of Nova Scotia.
Ours, some mountains or cordilleras of the
9
OU Y 509
province and government of Louisiana, which
run from zw, to ¢. fromthe shoreot the Mississippi;
so called from abounding in bears.
Ours, a river of the province of N. Carolina,
It is small, runs in a serpentine course s. w. and
enters the Pelisipi.
Ours, another, a small river of Canada, which
runs 2. ¢. then turns s. e. and enters the lake Erie.
[Ouns, a bay, with the additional title of Blancs,
on the s. coast of Newfoundland, towards the w.
extremity. See Bear Cove,
Ours, a port of the province of Nova Scotia
or Acadia in N. America.
OUTAGAMIS, a barbarous nation of Indians
of Canada in N. America. ‘They were of ferocious
customs, and interrupted the commerce between
the French and the other nations. ‘They are also
called Fox Indians, and were begun to be won
over to the English by the Iroquees. They made
war against the French in 1712, besieging a fort
which these had in the part called the Strait, the
commander of which was Mr. du Buisson, who
manifested such resistance against their attack
that they were at last obliged to sue for peace,
through the numbers they had lost. At the pre--
sent day they are almost extinct.
OutaGamis, a river of Canada in N. America.
It runs through the country of the Indians of its
name, expanding itself as wide as a lake, and
enters another river called Kitchigamini.
OUTARDES, a river of New Britain or country
of Labrador in N. America. It is large, rises
from asmall lake, and enters the river $8. Law-
rence.
OUTAUES, a nation of Indians, of the same
country as the former, almost entirely destroyed
by the Jroquees ; and the few remaining wander
about on the shores of the Mississippi. ‘They were
reduced to the Catholic religion by the Fathers
Drevilletes and Garreau, Frenchmen, of the soe
society of the Jesuits, in 1656,
fOUTER Buoy, in Hudson’s bay, lies in lat.
51° 38’ nv. and five miles e. of N. bluff. }
fOvurer Island, on the coast of Labrador, is
in the cluster called St. Augustin’s Square ; s. w.
of Sandy island, and e. of Inner ta
{OUTIMACS, a tribe of Indians in the N. W.
territory, residing between lakes Michigan and
St. Clair. Warriors 200. ]
OUYAPE, a sctilement of Indians of the pro-
vince and government of Louisiana, on the shore
of the river Mississippi; 550 leagues trom the mouth
or entrance of whigh the French have a tort for
their clefence.
510 OW It
(OUYATOISKA Bay and River, on the coast of
Esquimaux, or n. shore of the gulf S. Lawrence,
is to the w. of Natachquoin river. |
{[OVEN’S-MOUTH Bay, in the district of
Maine, lies on the s. side of Booth-bay township,
in Lincoln county, 12 miles from the shire town. |
(OVID, atownship of New York, in Onon-
dago county. It was incorporated in 1794; is se-
Parated from Milton on the ¢. by Cayuga lake,
and comprehends all the lands in the county on
the w. side of Seneca lake. The centre of the
township is 20 miles s. of the w. side of the ferry
on Cayuga lake. In 179v, there were 107 of its
inhabitants qualified to be clectors. |
[OWASCO, a lake, partly in’ the towns of
Aurelius and Scipio, in Onondago county, New
York. = Itis about 10 miles long and one broad,
and communicates with Sencea river on the 2.
by a stream which runs through the town of Bru-
tus. The high road from Kaat’s kill w. passes
towards Cayuga ferry, near the n. end of the
lake.
rOWEGO, a post-town in Tioga county, New
York, onthe e. branch of the Susquchannah, 14
miles w. of Union, 30”. e. of Athens, at Tioga
point, and 144 from Philadelphia. In 1796, 170
of its inhabitants were electors. |
(Oweco Creek, in Tioga county, serves as the
é. boundary of the township of its name. It has
several small branches which unite and empty
through the 7. bank of the w. branch of Susque-
hannah river, about 18! miles w. of the mouth of
Chenengo river.
OWENDOES, a settlement of Indians of Ca-
nada in N. America, on the shore of the river
Bever. Here the English had an establishment,
one of the first formed by them on the Ohio.
[OWHARREE, a harbour on the 2. part of
the w. coast of Houahcine, one of the Society
islands, 25 leagues 7. w. by w. of Otaheite island.
Lat. 16° 44’ s. Long. 151° 5! w.]
[OWHYHEE, the largest of the Sandwich
islands, is about 300 miles in circumference; be-
tween 18° 40’ and 20° 20’ n, lat. and between
154° 50’ and 156° 10’ w. long. from Greenwich.
The extensive mountain, named Mouna Roa, on
the s. e. part of the island, is 16,020 fect high.
It consists of three peaks which are perpetually
covered with snow, (though within the tropics),
Yaai are visible 40 leagues out at sea. At thes.
end of the island is a village called Kaco-A-poona,
onthes.e. side; Ahcedoo is on the 2. e. part of the
island, Amakooa on the #@end, ‘Tirooa on the
n. w. side, where is the bay‘of Toyahyah, and on
OXI
the w. side, 2. w. of Kaoo, is the bay of Kara-ka-
kooa. It has the same productions as the Society
and Friendly islands, and about 150,000 inhabi-
tants, who are naturally mild, friendly, and hos-
pitable to strangers. The sea abounds with a great
variety of excellent fish. The celebrated naviga-
tor Capt. James Cook lost his life here, by an un-
fortunate and momentary jealonsy of the natives. }
(OWL'S Heap, a head-land on the w. side of
Penobscot bay, in the district of Maine. It has
a good harbour on the larboard hand as you go to
the ce. ‘The harbour makes with a deep cove ; has
four fathoms water, and muddy bottom, It is
open to the e. tor. and e.n. e. winds; but in all
other winds you are safe. The tide of flood sets
to the e. and the tide of ebb s, w. through the
Muscle ridges. |
FOX, a river of Louisiana. See Ren River. ]
OXBOW, Great, a bend of the river Con-
necticut, about the middle of the township of New-
Bury, in Vermont, which see. It contains 450
acres of the finest meadow-land in New England. |
(OXFORD, a township in Worcester county,
Massachusetts. It contains 1000 inhabitants ; is
12 miles s. of Worcester, and 44 s. w. of Boston. |
{Oxrorp, a village in Bristol county, Massa-
chusetts. Sce New BepForp. |
fOxrorp, a parish in the 2. part of Derby in
Connecticut, containing 140 families. Seventeen
mniles 2. w. of Newhaven. ]
[Oxronp, a post-town of New York, in Tioga
county, 22 miles v.e. of Union, and 16 w. of
Butternuts. This township lies between Jericho and
Union, and is bounded x. on Norwich, and w. by
the tract called the Chenengo triangle. 1t was in-
corporated in 1793, Here is an incorporated aca-
demy. |
[Oxrorp, a township of New Jersey ; situated
in Sussex county, on the e. bank of Delaware
river, 13 miles 7. e. of Easton in Pennsylvania.
It contains 1905 inhabitants, including 65 uel
fe Ford, a township of Pennsylvania; situatec
in Philadelphia county. There is one of the same
name in Chester county. |
[Oxrorn, a port of entry, on the e. shore of
Chesapeak bay, in Talbot county. Its exports in
1794 amounted to 6956 dollars. It is 12 miles s.
of Easton, and about 47 s. e. of Baltimore. |
[OxForp, asmall post-town of N. Carolina,
30 miles from Hillsborough. ]
OXIBA, a river of the province and guvern-
ment of Guayaquil in the kingdom of Quito. It
also takes the names of Caluma and Caracol from
the settlements through which it passes,
ieka-
ciety
abi-
hos-
rreat
rigne
Pune
ves. |
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has
ro to
; has
ton. |}
lassi-
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from
OYA
OXITLAN, San Lucas vk, a settlement and
head settlement of the district and alcaldia mayor
of Teutitla in Nueva Espaiia; of a hot tempe-
rature. It contains 60 familics of Indians, who
trade in cotton and vainilla, and is 10 leagues s.
of its capital.
OYA, a settlement of the kingdom of Nueva
Vizcaya in N. America; situate near the garrison
of Conchos.
OYAC, a river of the province and government
of Guayana, in the French possessions.
OYACACIII, a small and poor settlement of
Indians of the kingdom of Quito; situate on the
w. shore of the river Suno; annexed to the curagy
of the settlement of Quinche. It is celebrated tor
a wonderful image of our Lady, the devotion of
which began from the fame of its miracles in 159).
his image was removed to Quinche in 1640,
The climate of Oyacachi is cold and moist; s:-
tuate amongst woods almost uninhabitable; and
the few Indians residing in it gain their livelihood
by sawing planks, which they carry tosell at Cay-
amba and the other immediate settlements, In
lat. 10'7” s. '
OYACATLA, a settlement of Indians of the
province of Misteca in Nueva Espaiia, in the time
of the Indian gentilism, but now not existing.
OYADAIBUISC, SantiaGo pe, a settlement
of the province and government of Sonora in N.
America ; situate in the country of the Cocomari-
copas Indians, on the shore of the grand river
Gila, between the town of San Felipe and the sct-
tlement of S. Simon de Tucsani.
OYAMBARO, a settlement of the kingdom of
Quito, on the Yano or plain of Yarugui.
OYAPAPU, or Oraparu, a small river of the
province and government of Guayana, which runs
e. and enters the Aruy.
OYAPO, a river of the same province and go-
vernment as the former, in the part occupied by
the French.
OYAPOGC, a river of the same province as the
former, in the district of the French, who have
built a fort on its shore, called S. Luis. Some
geographers wrongly confound this river with that
of Vicente Pinzon. It is one of the largest rivers
in that territory, and enters the sea ina kind of
bay of four leagues wide, and into which other ri-
vers also flow. The point which forms the bay
on the e. side is called Cape Orange, which is
distinguished at a great distance off. ‘This river is
two leagues wide at its mouth, and there is an-
chorage of four fathoms. At the distance of one
league from its entrance is an csland, called De
OYs. 5IL
Biches, which is covered at high tides, and to go
up the river you pass to the w. of it, the other side
not being navigable on account of the sand banks
there. Six leagues up the river is a bay or port,
where very near the shore there is six fathoms of
water, and where is the fort of which we have
spoken, built in 1796. The territory in its vici-
nity is very fertile and well cultivated. The Dutch
established themselves there in 1676, and the
French were some time before they drove them
out. Three leagues from the island are other
small isles, and from thence the river becomes gra-'
dually narrower and shallower, until it is scarcely
more than seven or cight feet deep.
Ovapoc, a settlement of the French, in the same:
province, and on the shore of the former river,
OYES, or Geese, River of the, in the county
of Lunenburgh, of the province of Virginia, to the
s.e. It is small and enters the Staunton.
Oyes, an island in the gulf of S. Lawrence, at
the entrance, close to the point of Raye, of the s.
coast of Newfoundland.
OYOLO, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Parinacochas in Peru.
OYON, a settlement of the province and cor-
regimiento of Caxatambo, in the same kingdom as
the former ; annexed to the curacy of Churin.
[0O-YONG-WONGEYK, on lake Ontario,
at Johnson’s landing-place, about four miles e. of
tort Niagara. |
[OYSTER Bay, a township of New York;
situated in Queen’s county, Long island, extends
ing from the sound s. to the Atlantic ocean, and
includes Lioyd’s neck, or Queen’s village, and
Hog’s island. It contains 4097 inhabitants, of
whom GLI are electors, and 381 slaves. |
[Oyster Bay, a harbour for small vessels in the
s. 7, limits of the town of BannsTABLE, in Barn-
stable county, Massachusets; which see. It affords
excellent oysters ; hence its name. }
[Ovsrer Beds, in Delaware bay, lie opposite
Nantuxet bay, |
[Oyster Point, on the coast of S. Carolina,
where the water does not ebb till an hour and a
half after it begins to ebb at the bar of Ashley
river, near Charlestown, It is best to go in an
hour and an half before high water. ]
[Oysrer Pond, a part of the waters of the Ate
lantic ocean, which set up w. into Long island, in
the state of New York, between the r. easternmost
point of the island called Oyster Pond Point, and
Gardner’s island. OF the point are two small
isles, one of which is called Plumb Island. ]
{Oyster River, a w. branch of Piscatagua
4
}
;
}
AS <a
= eee
foes. eee ee
512 OZ!
river in New Hampshire; which see. Durham
stands on its s. side, near its junction with the
main stream at Helton’s point. ]
[OZAMA, one of the largest rivers of the island
of St. Domingo in the W. Indies, and on which
the city of St. Domingo is situated. It is navi-
gable nine or 10 leagues from s. tov. One may
judge of the enormous volume of water which the
confluent stream of Isabella and Ozama sends to
the sea, by the red colour it gives it in the time of
the floods, and which is perceivable as far as the
eye can distinguish. There is a rock at the mouth
which prevents the entrance of vessels drawing
more than 18 or 20 feet of water. The river for a
league is 24 feet deep ; and its banks are 20 fect
perpendicular ; but ». of the city this height is
reduced to four feet. This real natural bason has
a bottom of mud or soft sand, with a number of
careening places, It seldom overflows its banks,
except in very extraordinary inundations. The
road before the mouth of the Ozama is very indif-
ferent, and lies exposed from w.s.w. to e. It is
impossible to anchor in it in the time of the s.
winds; and the 2. winds drive the vessels from
their moorings out into the sea, which here runs
extremely high. See Dominco City. ‘The mouth
of the river is in lat. 18° 18 2. and long. 72° 38! w.
from Paris. }
Ozama, a large and abundant river of the island
S. Domingo, which rises in the mountains, runs w.
and enters the sea, having at its mouth the capital
of the island.
OZCOTICA, a settlement of Indians of the
kingdom of Nueva: Lspaiia, in the time of the gen-
tilism of the Indians, but no longer existing. It
was one of those destined to maintain the provi-
sions of the Casa Real.
OZELOTLAN, a settlesnent of the head settle-
ment of the district of Chinameca, and alcaldia
mayor of the province of San Miguel, in the king-
dom of Guatemala ; annexed to the curacy of that
head settlement.
OZICALA, San Juan pe, avery considerable
head settlement of the district and alcaldia mayor
of Sat: Miguel in the kingdom of Guatemala. — Its
district consists of 1450 Indians of the nations Ulia
and Popoluca, the which are divided into nine
settlements.
OZIER, a port of the coast of the river Missis-
sippiin the province and government of Louisiana ;
discovered by Hernando de Soto, conqueror of
Florida, in 1541.
OZU
OZIERS, Isles of, situate near the const of the
river S. Lawrencein Canada. They are many, and
all small, at the mouth of the river Des Outardes,
OZOCOTLAN, a settlement of the province
and kingdom of Guatemala,
OZOGOCHE, a river of the province and cor.
regimiento of Alausi in the kingdom of Quito. It
rises from the lake Mactallan, runs 2. and uniting
itself with the Guamote, in lat. 1° 54’ s. forms
the Achambo, receiving first the waters of the lake
Colay-cocha. Its waters then proceed to fertilize
the province of Riobamba.
OZOMATLAN, a settlement of the alcaldia
mayor of Tixtlan in Nueva Espaiia; sitnate on
the other side of the river of Las Balzas. It con.
tains 48 families of Indians, and is one league from
the settlement of Hostotipan.
OZTLOTLA UCHAN, a settlement of the
kingdom of 'Tezcuco in Nueva Espaiia, in the time
of the gentilism of the Indians.
OZTOLOAPAN, San Mantin pe, a settle-
ment of the head settlement of the district of San
Francisco del Valle, and alcaldia mayor of Zul-
tepec, in Nueva Espaiia. It was formerly very
numerous, since it counted 800 families of Indians,
but was almost depopulated by an epidemical dis-
order. It is of great extent, has a good parish
church, and is 12 leagues w. of the real of the
Mines.
OZTOMATACAS, a barbarous nation of In-
dians of Nueva Espaiia, made war against and
conquered by Motezuma, the last emperor of that
kingdom.
OZTOPALCO, a settlement of the province
and alcaldia mayor of 'Tezcuco in Nueva Espaiia ;
situate near the capital,
OZTOTIPAC, a settlement of the province
and alcaldia mayor of Tezcuco in Nueva Espaiia,
It was the capital of a noble in the time of the gen-
tilism. See Osrotipac.
OZUANAS, a barbarous nation of Indians, but
little known, dwelling in the vicinities of the river
Yotan and living by the chase, their arms being
bows and arrows.
OZUMAZINTLA, a settlement of the pro-
vince and alcaldia mayor of Los Zoques in the
kingdom of Guatemala.
OZUMBA, a settlement of the alcaldia mayor
of Chalco in Nueva Espaiia. It contains 278 fa-
milies of Indians, some Spaniards, and a convent
of the religious order of San Francisco. Four
leagues from its capital.
END OF THE THIRD VOLUME.
of the
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pro-
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8 fae
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Four
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